Synopsis for Mystery Novel

[lulalouise]

Here's my quandary: is the synopsis for a novel supposed to read like a novel, or is it a simple exposition of what happens in the novel. My novel is admittedly long, but should the synopsis be long, too? So far, I have 7 double-spaced pages, which are a factual recount of the sequence of events of the novel. It does not go over every single event, however, and sums up some of them as not relevant. For instance, if minor characters meet in Chapter 2, do I need to truly explain that or can I sum it up in Chapter 10, when their meeting is more relevant. Is it supposed to be written eloquently, to show off my writing style (if so, it will take me a year to write)? It's taken me 2 years as it is to finish the novel to my [dis]satisfaction!

Lulalouise

[Writing Again]

I'm not really qualified to answer your question, but I feel you deserve some reply. So what I'm doing is cutting and pasting from a post a trusted friend of mine (Kievah) made at forums.writersblock.com/ (http://forums.writersblock.com/)


debrahmorris.com/Tips.htm (http://debrahmorris.com/Tips.htm)

This is about the best link I've ever found dealing with synopsis writing, and it draws on numerous sources, like How-To books, websites, workshop pointers, all that jazz.

From what I've read on websites and 2004 Novel and Short Story Writer's Market, two words used interchangeably and often confused by the first-time writer are outline and synopsis.

Now, the synopsis is a summary of a story, written in present tense, and generally confined to a single page.

Editors sometimes use the word synopsis and actually mean outline. The difference between the two is profound, so it's best to confirm what is actually being requested.

An outline is a chapter for chapter summary of the story, the highlights. Page per chapter, usually.

[LiamJackson]

There are several informative posts in the Uncle Jim thread (Writing novels) It may take a bit of digging, but the information regarding synopsis development is worth it. Best of luck.

LJ

[Jamesaritchie]

Rather than trying to tell you what a synopsis should be like, it's probably best to point you to one. This one if for an SF novel, but it's all the same where style and manner are concerned. www.sfwriter.com/syia.htm (http://www.sfwriter.com/syia.htm)

Most often, a synopsis is single spaced. You need to be able to write three lengths--the single page, the three page, and the five page. These are the most common lengths asked for, and you can write a synopsis for any length novel using any of these three lengths.

I just had to write two synopses for mystery novels not long ago. But came in at four pages, and were written in pretty much the stye of the example I posted a link to.

It really isn't difficult. You need the prime players, a coherent plot thread, touch on the high points, reveal the ending, and use active, vibrant language without going over the top.

[lulalouise]

I stopped visiting this because no one was responding. Thanks to all, especially Mr. Ritchie, as I needed some guidance on "tone." Especiallly because mysteries have lots of twists and turns, I was wondering if I needed to have an "edge" to my writing of the synopsis. Great!

[katdad]

A synopsis is a brief 4-5 page summary of the novel's main story line. You may add a few quotations from the book if you wish, but it's mainly straightforward neutral narrative.

Realize that a synopsis isn't a teaser. You must reveal "who done it".