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ccarver30
04-18-2007, 08:23 PM
How long is a "short" synopsis of a novel? Three lines? Three paragraphs? Hep, please!
maestrowork
04-18-2007, 08:42 PM
Which stage? A paragraph or two in query letter. 1-2 pages in partial.
Cathy C
04-18-2007, 08:44 PM
ETA: Agree with maestro about the stage. My advice is presuming you're at the partial/full stage.
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A "short" synopsis is generally considered one page, single spaced. A traditional synopsis is from 2-5 single-spaced pages (or 6-10 double spaced). Any longer than that, and most agents/editors call it an "outline."

The next size down, FWIW, is what's known in the industry as a "thumbnail sketch" or "thumbnail synopsis." It's one paragraph and is normally not longer than a half-page. But if they wanted a thumbnail, they'd ask for it that way.

Hope that helps. Good luck! :)
ccarver30
04-18-2007, 09:54 PM
I am going off of a query letter that has been posted here:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9780&highlight=Query

A page or two sure does seem long... but then again, what the heck do I know.
Cathy C
04-19-2007, 12:09 AM
Okay, for a synopsis WITHIN a query, it's a paragraph---possibly two. The entire letter, including address header and signature block, should only be one page. A query synopsis should be very basic. You just want to give them enough of the story that it intrigues them.

Once an agent/editor likes the concept and requests a "synopsis plus a partial manuscript," THEN they're looking for the one to two page synopsis. It's significantly more detailed than a query synopsis, and includes the resolution of all major plot points.

Does that make sense?
maestrowork
04-19-2007, 12:36 AM
We already said it's only 1 or 2 paragraph long for query. ;)
ccarver30
04-19-2007, 01:10 AM
Okay, for a synopsis WITHIN a query, it's a paragraph---possibly two. The entire letter, including address header and signature block, should only be one page. A query synopsis should be very basic. You just want to give them enough of the story that it intrigues them.

Once an agent/editor likes the concept and requests a "synopsis plus a partial manuscript," THEN they're looking for the one to two page synopsis. It's significantly more detailed than a query synopsis, and includes the resolution of all major plot points.

Does that make sense?

Yes, thank you very much!


We already said it's only 1 or 2 paragraph long for query. ;)

You're right, I must have read it wrong. :) Thanks!