Synopsis question

Kyrie · Aug 4, 2010

Hello! I'm working on writing a synopsis for my epistolary novel, Letters to Oliver. I was wondering if it would be better and clearer to present it as a more traditional narrative in the synopsis, just because I think going back and forth from letter to letter would get very long and confusing.

But, on the other hand, I don't know if that would be misleading, as the whole book is written in letters. So, should the synopsis reflect that through more than just the occasional reference?

Thank you!

jclarkdawe · Aug 4, 2010

A synopsis is concerned with the narrative flow of the plot. It is not concerned with how you structured to book to tell your story. A synopsis doesn't care whether you used letters, emails, multiple POVs, going back and forward in time, or whatever else you used. That's what the writing sample is for.

Best of luck,

Jim Clark-Dawe

Ryan_Sullivan · Aug 4, 2010

Right. A synopsis isn't going to be incredibly interesting or a literary marvel. It's functional. Just focus on getting plot points out there and giving an idea of how the novel flows. You'll have plenty of other places to say it's epistolary--and likely, they would read the writing along with the synopsis. It's just so they have an idea of where the story goes, so they know it's worth their time.

Kyrie · Aug 4, 2010

All right. I just wanted to double-check my logic. Thanks!

Old Hack · Aug 5, 2010

Coincidentally, Nicola Morgan (a multi-published, prizewinning author) blogged about this today.

She really knows her stuff (and yes, she's a friend of mine, but don't let that put you off).

Synopsis question

Kyrie

Queen of Adverbs (unfortunately)

jclarkdawe

Feeling lucky, Query?

Ryan_Sullivan

Agented YA Writer

Kyrie

Queen of Adverbs (unfortunately)

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman