Should the synopsis for historical fiction draw readers' attention to real historical characters (by writing them in bold or something) or just assume knowledge on the part of the reader? Or does it not matter?
Synopsis for Historical fiction
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If it matters to the story, I'd include them as just part of the synopsis. I mention that the setting was in the first ten years of Hundred Year War. The Pope was in Avignon, not Rome. I wouldn't highlight them.
From what I understand, the main characters names should be bolded the first time they appear in the synopsis. If the historical figures are main characters, they should be in bold; if they aren't, then no. Puma
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I mentioned historical figures as necessary in my synopsis and query -- MC works for X, is a protégé of Y, is a friend of Z.
Synopsis
There is no difference between the synopsis for the historical novel and any other novel.
Just follow the usual publishing or what the specific editor asks for format
There is no difference between the synopsis for the historical novel and any other novel.
Just follow the usual publishing or what the specific editor asks for format
FWIW, that's standard in screenwriting (IIRC, so the producer can easily count up the cast list), but it's not standard in novel synopses that I've been aware of. At least, in 30 years of submissions, I've never been dinged because I haven't done it. *shrug*
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If they only make cameo appearances and don't figure as main characters then you don't need to mention them at all. Generally speaking, if an agent represents historicals and knows the time period of your novel, he/she will also be familiar with the real historical characters of that time. As previously said, first mention of your main characters is usually given in bold simply as a guide for keeping track of the number of players.
Linnea
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