I have this right...right?

scully931 · Mar 11, 2008

Okay... I have side stepped this question for awhile now. I've tried to search for answers, but typing in words like 'query' and 'synopsis' into a writing message board... well, you know.

So, obviously I know about queries. But, if someone wants a query and synopsis does the query contain just the facts about the book - word count, genre, etc. while the synopsis (about a page) holds all the plot info? Do I have that right?

Query only - intro, facts, short plot (in some order)
Query and synopsis - Q: intro, facts. S: plot (approx. one page)

I keep managing not to address this.

Thanks for any help!

dreamsofnever · Mar 11, 2008

I would say that the query should still have some plot info. Remember, the query is your pitch for the story. If the query doesn't hook the agent, they won't read on to the synopsis.

Red-Green · Mar 11, 2008

Ideally, in this situation, it works like this:

Your query letter contains title, genre, and word count of your book. It should also contain a couple of short lines about you, unless you're asked to submit a bio. It also contains your "hook" and just a taste of the book's plot and characters. Something to a.) catch the reader's attention and b.) show that you know how to write a hook.

Your synopsis contains a rundown of the entire plot and story arc of your book. It should introduce main characters and divulge the ending of the book, while still managing to be readable--like a highly condensed version of your novel. It may echo some of your hook, but won't be as punchy, because of the onus of telling the all the main plot points.

James D. Macdonald · Mar 11, 2008

Query: One page.

Synopsis: Ten pages.

Try to avoid sales-speech. If your query reads like mock back-flap-copy ... change it.

scully931 · Mar 11, 2008

Thank you. That tells me exactly what I needed to know. I appreciate it!

IceCreamEmpress · Mar 12, 2008

James D. Macdonald said:
Query: One page.

Synopsis: Ten pages.

This does vary a bit by genre. In romance, for instance, a synopsis should be between 500 and 1000 words (2 to 4 pages).

And, of course, some agents specify synopsis length.

Miss Snark had an interesting entry on this: she said that she really didn't want a synopsis longer than 5 pages.

Momento Mori · Mar 12, 2008

There may be a cultural thing here, but I know that some British publishers don't expect a synopsis to be more than 2 single-lined pages (although that depends on what genre you're writing in). The query letter is then a pretty short affair that gives the bare bones of your novel (title, genre and word count) and some background information on you if relevant to the book. If you're in the UK it's best to check the Writers' and Artist's Year Book first, then agent/publisher websites for their guidelines. And if in doubt, you can always phone to ask.

MM

David I · Mar 12, 2008

Momento Mori said:
There may be a cultural thing here, but I know that some British publishers don't expect a synopsis to be more than 2 single-lined pages (although that depends on what genre you're writing in). The query letter is then a pretty short affair that gives the bare bones of your novel (title, genre and word count) and some background information on you if relevant to the book. If you're in the UK it's best to check the Writers' and Artist's Year Book first, then agent/publisher websites for their guidelines. And if in doubt, you can always phone to ask.

It's not just the Atlantic Divide. I've met many agents here in the US who want a synopsis to run no more than one page single-spaced. The trend is towards shorter

The problem is that so few of them specify what they want--they just say "synopsis". Nonetheless, I'm not sure I'd call to find out...

scully931 · Mar 12, 2008

Yes, I've run into quite a few who say a one page synopsis.

Momento Mori · Mar 12, 2008

David I:
Nonetheless, I'm not sure I'd call to find out...

Fair point. I just figured it would be the fastest way for finding out for sure if there are no guidelines available.

MM

waylander · Mar 12, 2008

Big difference between UK agents and US agents. Many UK agents encourage you to call to ask what their submission requirements are. This is not the case with US agents.

Mythica · Mar 12, 2008

I was definitely one of those people who read that a synopsis should be five pages, and it wasn't until I started reading agent blogs did I realize that was a horrible idea LOL

I can't add much to what was already said, but I check about 10 agent blogs a day, every day (I have never learned so much about querying and publishing in my life) and my understanding is that the shorter the better, for both query and synopsis. The query is the teaser + hook and the synopsis is basically retelling the story in under 1000 words.

Every agent and editor is different, of course, but I use the above as my default. If an agent wants more or less, you should accommodate. Most of them don't say how long they want the synopsis, but they usually reiterate and elaborate in their blogs.

Erin · Mar 12, 2008

Argh... synopsis length! I ended up with 4 versions of a synopsis for my first book, a 2 page, 5 page, 7 page and 10 page. It was brutal. Sold it with the 5 pager.

I have this right...right?

scully931

So you're suggesting what? Bigfoot?

dreamsofnever

Red-Green

KoalaKoalaKoala!

James D. Macdonald

Your Genial Uncle

scully931

So you're suggesting what? Bigfoot?

IceCreamEmpress

Hapless Virago

Momento Mori

Tired and Disillusioned

David I

scully931

So you're suggesting what? Bigfoot?

Momento Mori

Tired and Disillusioned

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

Mythica

Expert Gerbil Wrangler

Erin

Listening to my other selves