Writing the Mystery Synopsis

Elaine Margarett · Jan 3, 2010

Should all clues in a mystery be revealed in the synopsis? What about red herrings?

I want to cut my five page synopsis down in size. Can I elimiate some clues in the interest of brevity?

TIA for any and all input!

Elaine

gothicangel · Jan 4, 2010

I would say all the major clues, I tend to over look the minor stuff.

You MUST reveal the resolution, none of this 'if you want to know the ending, you'll have to read the manuscript'.

heyjude · Jan 4, 2010

Yes, all major reveals go into the synopsis. Now is not the time to tease.

Great info here on writing a synopsis.

ETA: Password is vista.

RJK · Jan 4, 2010

The synopsis is where you summarize, especially when you describe red herrings. I don't think you can possibly include all your actual clues, if you're going to reduce a 5 page document down to 1. You're going to have to cut out sub plots, and summarize big chunks of your main plot.

Elaine Margarett · Jan 6, 2010

Question Regarding Mystery Synopsis

I posted this qustion in the Mystery forum and didn't get much response. I'm reposting this hoping more people will chime in.

I'm familar w/ writing a synopsis for gen. fiction/romance but this is my first mystery synopsis. In the interest of brevity what should be included and what shouldn't? Should *all* the clues be included? Red Herrings? What about character info?

Thanks!
EM

heyjude · Jan 6, 2010

Elaine, you did get several responses in the M/T/S forum that addressed these questions. Did we miss something?

Phaeal · Jan 6, 2010

Include enough for the reader to follow the story. As always.

CaoPaux · Jan 6, 2010

Threads merged. If you don't like the answers you're getting, please restate your question in the same thread.

Writing the Mystery Synopsis

Elaine Margarett

High and Dry

gothicangel

Toughen up.

heyjude

Making my own sunshine

RJK

Sheriff Bullwinkle the Poet says:

Elaine Margarett

High and Dry

heyjude

Making my own sunshine

Phaeal

Whatever I did, I didn't do it.

CaoPaux

Mostly Harmless