YIPPPEE and HELP! QUICK!

A few sentence paragraph for each chapter, and be sure to introduce any key characters.

Regards,
Scott

It's just another way of saying synopsis. I would err on less rather than more. Although when my agent asked for a synopsis (think one page single spaced) along with the full...she admitted she never read the synopsis and many don't. I am of two minds - one they want to really see how the book ends and the other side...you want to make them want to read the full. Think about a back jacket blurb with enough details that the plot is revealed. Again too much can be the kiss of death...Many times you can reveal the ending and keep them guessing how the characters accomplish their misson.
Those first 75 pages are going to be what makes the deal.

Good luck

This is the only part I hate about submitting. The dreaded synopsis. There are some good threads on this board if you have the time to search.

You seem to be pressed for time, so here is what I would do. If they ask for a short synopsis, then I send 1-3 page summary of the book (single spaced). Or if they don't specify, I usually send a chapter outline with one or two lines about each chapter. Tough call for the words "good outline". If it were me, I'd send the chapter outline.

Good luck and congrats on the request.

It's hard to say. What do the submission guidelines say? Can you ask? An "outline" could be a chapter-by-chapter breakdown, or a general synopsis. I would say, unless the agent specifically asks for a chapter-by-chapter, you can send in a synopsis. But I could be wrong.

There's no harm in writing the agent a quick e-mail and asking if they have a preference, if they don't have specific information on their web site. I can't imagine someone getting upset when you're trying to personalize it for their convienence.

And if they do, then you have to ask, is this really the agent for me?

synopsis

Is there a place where I can see how a synopsis is done?
For instance a general synopsis and the chapter by chapter.
Roberta

Funnily enough I was just linked to this page in P&E whilst reading this thread:
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pesynop.htm

It gives you a general synopsis guideline.

I would tend to go for short concise chapter breakdowns though. As somebody else said, introduce key characters and points.

How would a chapter by chapter synopsis begin? Do I simply write chapter 1, 2 ect?? Can't be that easy, can it? Also, if a publisher requests, Query also what exactly is the difference. I've been searching but can't seem to get it.

I have a publisher who asks for a) first three chapters, b) query, c) synopsis. This is my first time tackling this type of project and it seems I'm reading various posts, but can't seem to find what I'm looking for. Can someone please direct me? Thank you , Roberta

I don't get the query bit, but she has asked for a good outline of where the story is going after the first 75 pages, so you don't need to do it from the start.
I would just take the story from where the pages end and do a short breakdown of each chapter (numbering them as I go) and give her the salient points about what happens in the story.

I would strongly recommend you simply ask, Ann. A quick email will probably be enough. If it were me, I'd just say: "Hi! Thanks so much for the request. I'll have it off to you in the next day or two. But one question: When you say an "outline" do you mean a chapter-by-chapter outline or a narrative synopsis? I want to make sure I send you what you're looking for. Thanks!"

Ann,
I agree with Richard. Send them a quick e-mail and ask what do they want specifically. There's no harm in that. Good luck!

A synopsis is important, of course, but if your first 75 pages are stellar, your synopsis really won't matter very much.

Just my $.02

Maprilynne

AnnMB said:

Thanks, all. I did send an email, and received an auto-response that says the agent will be out of the office until October 16! That puts a new spin on things--wait for a response before sending (I received the letter this past Tuesday), or take my chances and go for the Chapter Outline so he can have it by the time he returns.

It's never easy, is it?

Click to expand...

I'll bet in that email there was also a note about, "If something can't wait, please contact my assistant XXX and s/he'll take care of it." I'd call the assistant on the phone if there is one and simply ask what's the norm for the agent. Quick and simple and you haven't stepped on any toes.

For anyone else wondering what makes a great synopsis and what makes a bad one, Miss Snark rips apart 99 of them right HERE>