These terms do not seem to hold true with most of what I've found on the internet.

Usually, I've found people referring to a synopsis as the entire plot, and some people think that it can go from 2 to 30 pages in length.

When most publishers ask for a synopsis, it seems that they want an outline. Some don't specify length, but when they do, they mostly seem to want between 1 and 3 pages.

I am having a hard time condensing my 115,000 word novel into so short a frame. It really is more of a 175,000 word novel condensed, and I have SO much plot, much of it already inferred. Everybody says that I should include my major subplots and keep it interesting, but I can barely narrow it down to three and a half pages (single spaced) straight non-descript plot coverage.

A synop is actually pretty easy. Yes, I know, personally I'd rather clean the restrooms at the football stadium on super bowl Sunday than write one--but they are not that hard.

I have posted a longer version of this--but in short--

First come up with a one line plot summery. One line that describes your plot. One line period.

Detective consults one serial killer to catch another.

Supreme being creates life forms that rebel and cause all sorts of havoc.

Sound familiar? They should (silence of the Lambs) (the Bible)

That simple of a plot line summery.

Now do that for each chapter, but now summarize in one line each chapter only as it relates to the main plot summery. No descriptions, only how that chapter in one line supports the main plot one sentence summery.

Now, put it all together. Fill in to make it flow together smoothly.

When done you should have no more than 2 or 3 single spaced pages.

Done.

And outline, is longer with a paragraph per chapter instead of one line. (two at the most)

The main thing is to remember that this is not a huge summery of the novel--relax it is not so bad and try this method it helps.

quote:

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Do you have a unified story? Does each major part (i.e., each chapter) advance this main story line in some way?

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I'm not saying that her work isn't enjoyable, rather that everything I've read by her (and I enjoy her work enough to have read several of her books) suffers from a complete lack of narrative integration...there isn't a larger story, just a bunch of short stories strung together. This is not a problem for me, I love anthologies, but the first couple of her books I read under the complete misapprehension that they were novels, which threw me.

As for JB's question, my advice is this: Don't look at the synopsis as telling every bit of every part of the story. Instead, tell it from the motivation point of the major characters. What do they stand to lose/to gain if they get or don't get what they want?

A synopsis, in my high/low opinion is 1) A set-up of the story; 2) Followed by a brief description of how this story plays out; 3)An illustration of what/how/when this story impacts the major players of said story.

I personally think it's best to base it in feelings. What does each main character want? What are they willing sacrifice to get what they want? What will it cost them to not get it, or get it? And how does their getting it or not getting it impact other major characters?

A synopsis, to me, is what you send to an editor.

An outline is what you use when creating the story - it's more full bodied. Richer. More of a road map.

A synopsis is the who, what, when, how, and most importantly, *why.* It succinctly sets up the story, tells the ending, but most importantly tells how the choices of each major character impacts the outcome.

A synopsis should also have energy. The same energy you felt when writing your story.

Once you plug into that energy, I truly think you'll be able to write a hit-by-hit synopsis.

Try writing it with bullets, just for yourself.

Bullet One is THE STORY.
Bullet Two is an overview of THE CHARACTERS - with all their wants, needs, ambitions, roadblocks on their way to success.
Leave Bullet Three to be how it all plays out. We now know your main players. Show us how they succeed or don't succeed.

As for how long it should be? Long enough to tell the "main" story of the "main" characters. And, again, think in terms of feelings.

I personally wouldn't go over 20 pages with a synopsis. In fact, I would strive for far fewer. But I also wouldn't go for 3 pages just because someone said so.

Let your major characters - and their stories - be the guide. Once you've written a book, you *know* your characters. Listen to them. Let them tell you how to tell their story. Chances are, they won't let you down.

Good luck!