Calling all pubbed romance members

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Cathy C

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Jackie, Susan, Annie, Jules, Pepper, vein, etc., etc.:

Over on mum23's thread that I moved to SYW, it occurred to me that one of the stickies we really OUGHT to have in this room is one that shares selling synopses. I know a lot of you guys sold after the traditional process of query, synopsis, partial, full, and I know how hard it is for many people to write a good synopsis. There are so many ways to do it that I'd love for newer writers to see the different methods people have used successfully--because what works for one doesn't necessarily work for everyone.

Who's in? Just raise your hand in this thread and then I'll start a sticky with one that sold our book, Touch of Evil. Then others can add to it as they dig them off the computer.
 
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Susan Gable

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Who's in? Just raise your hand in this thread and then I'll start a sticky with one that sold our book, Touch of Evil. Then others can add to it as they dig them off the computer.

Sure, I'm in. :)

After I get back from my chiropractor appointment. :) No time for digging right now.

Susan
 

Susan Gable

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I'm in...but I have to say that the synopsis of HELL'S BELLES sucked. :)

LOL! Well, then, think how inspiring that will be, Jackie. <G>

Raise your hand if you HATE synopsis(es?)!

Me, me! <G> :hi:

Unfortunately, it's a tool we must master. :)

Susan G.
 

dragonjax

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LOL! But see, that's part of the point. The book trumps all. People need to SEE that even a so-so synopsis can get the point across enough to get the manuscript requested. :)

Ooh -- must qualify: I got agent representation based on the query letter and full manuscript. I didn't need a synopsis until the agent pitched to publishers...and HB sold based on the first three chapters, the brief synopsis, and the series outline.
 

job

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... Who's in? Just raise your hand in this thread and then I'll start a sticky with one that sold our book, Touch of Evil. Then others can add to it as they dig them off the computer.

I can dig up a synopsis. (riffle riffle riffle) It's somewhere around here.
I hate synopses.
 

Sonarbabe

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Mine doesn't come out until next year, but mine can prove that even the absolute worst synopses can still get someone's attention. ;) So, I'm in!

Susan: *waves frantically* ME!! I didn't think anyone hated writing a synopsis more than I did! I'm more of the mindest of, "Oh, just read the damn thing. You'll get it."
 

veinglory

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I'm probably not much help. Generally my editors are chasing me around for a synopsis after the book is already edited and done. I always forget to do one :)
 

JulesJones

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Um. Don't think I've ever sold a book on synopsis. The closest I got to selling on synopsis was writing one so that the editor who already liked the book had something to show to the publisher in order to get permission to make an offer. I can dig that out tomorrow when I'm awake.

However... I've only had one go at querying an agent, which resulted in a response of "I can't sell this specific manuscript, but I like the writing. Send me the next one." Which I didn't, because he also said that he doesn't represent sf (which I hadn't known at the time). I reworked the synopsis slightly before sending it to Miss Snark's Crapometer -- http://misssnark.blogspot.com/2006/01/86-crapometer.html
Not a romance (though there's a romance plotline), and it didn't sell the manuscript, but it *did* get an expression of interest from an agent.
 

Irysangel

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I'd post mine, but I'd like for my book to come out before I spoil it. *g*

However, if you do a thread on queries, I'd be happy to post there! :)
 

Cathy C

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Good idea, Irys! Our first novel (historical fiction with romantic elements) sold on the query and first three. We'll work on a query thread next--or I can do one now if you guys want to.
 

L.Jones

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Uh, I'll try but I just got sent back to the work bench on my latest synopsis (as in redo and turn it in again so marketing has a better idea about what's going to happen)- so I can't tell anyone they can sell following my example :)

I HATE writing a synopsis

annie jones (Somebody's Baby - Love Inspired - Sept 07)
Luanne Jones (The Southern Comforts - Mira - May 07)
 
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