How to format a synopsis...

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Madison

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Some of the agents I'm querying want synopses enclosed. How do I format the page? I was thinking NAME/TITLE/PAGE # as a header, then two-ish returns and a centered title - Synopsis of TITLE - then another return and the actual text. or is there some exalted synopsis format to which I need to stick?

thanks!

and, while I'm at it, should an email query include a header with the agent's name/address/info?
 
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ORION

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I just put my name and contact info along with the genre and word count --skipped a couple lines and then single spaced my 3 paragraph (250 word) synopsis (my editor called it a synopsis but it read like the blurb on the back cover
 

David I

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ORION said:
I just put my name and contact info along with the genre and word count --skipped a couple lines and then single spaced my 3 paragraph (250 word) synopsis (my editor called it a synopsis but it read like the blurb on the back cover
Click to expand...

Yep, like that--or something pretty similar. (I don't even put genre/word count.) I don't indent first lines, and skip a line between paras.

They're pretty forgiving about this. And though you shouldn't withhold vital information, I'm also in favor of more blurbish and less informative--especially when querying.
 
DWSTXS

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David I said:
Yep, like that--or something pretty similar. (I don't even put genre/word count.) I don't indent first lines, and skip a line between paras.

They're pretty forgiving about this. And though you shouldn't withhold vital information, I'm also in favor of more blurbish and less informative--especially when querying.
Click to expand...

David,
In the initial QL....are agents wanting to know specifics of the novel. In other words, do they want to know the ending? Or is just a general sketch of what the novel is about? How specifc should I get?
 
maestrowork

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My style: information on the upper left corner (title, genre, word count, name, etc.), skip a few lines, then start the synopsis: single-spaced, Times Roman 12 pt, left-justified.
 
maestrowork

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ORION said:
I just put my name and contact info along with the genre and word count --skipped a couple lines and then single spaced my 3 paragraph (250 word) synopsis (my editor called it a synopsis but it read like the blurb on the back cover
Click to expand...

Normally, though, when an agent asks for a synopsis with your partial, it's longer than 3 paragraphs. It's usually about 1 to 2 pages that tells the whole plot, not just a back cover blurb.

The back cover blurb is what you put in your query letter.
 
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wood pixie

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I recommend "Formatting and Submitting your Manuscript" by Cynthia Laufenberg.

It has excellent examples of query letters, synopsis, proposals, etc.
Practical suggestions.
Also includes tips of what NOT to do.
 
Birol

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That's a good question right now.
DWSTXS said:
okay.....so, the query is not a synopsis?
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No. Two different things, although the second often accompanies the letter. The query, or query letter, is a like a cover letter, where you introduce yourself, introduce your work through a brief summary, explain who your audience is, and explain why you are sending it to this specific agent or publisher. These elements do not necessarily appear in that order. All of this should be done in no more than one page.

A synopsis is a summary, a complete retelling, of the novel. The length varies according to the agent's or publisher's preferences, but often they are as short as one page.
 
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