Synopsis info needed!

[Sunshine13]

Alright guys, I need some info here. How long should a synopsis be? Is there a rule? What's the minimum it should be? Reading around, and in my book, I've come to the conclusion (because the book doesn't say verbatim) that it's around a page or less, but I could be totally off. Someone please help so I can get this thing written. ;) Much appreciated.

[cynicallad]

What do you need it for? Is it in service of one of your own projects or like sample coverage for something else?

[Sunshine13]

I need it for the screenplay I am about to submit to an agent. They asked for a logline and synopsis, and I don't want it to be too long or too short.

[Stealth66]

This thread might give you some idea:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66346&highlight=synopsis

I'm working on the same thing right now, so I feel your pain. I'm actually writing several versions so I'm prepared to give out a short, sweet one or something longer with more detail.

Good luck!

[Sunshine13]

You rock, thanks :)

[NikeeGoddess]

why would an agent ask you for a logline and synopsis if she/he hasn't already seen the logline? is this an unsolicited query?

anyhoo, the purpose of the synopsis will help you with the answer. for an unsolicited query you want it short and to the point - 1 page max.

if the agent/producer has already approved of the logline and asks for a synopsis then you can go larger and deeper with 2 - 3 pages.

then there's the mini - for inktip or contest submissions you may be allowed to go up to 60 words or more. this is a longer/fuller version of your logline.

it's not easy - write several versions. several!

[Sunshine13]

Thanks Nikee :D

[icerose]

In queries (well always) I keep the logline 2 lines or less. As compact and to the point as possible, naming the main character, the conflict, and a hint at the resolve.

On the synopsis for the query I make it 3-4 paragraphs. With the query you don't want to knock them out with an overly long too detailed synopsis. Hit the main important points, the main important character, the bad guy, with a hint at the resolve. At least that's what I do in queries.

Develop your own style and good luck.

Sara

[Sunshine13]

Thanks Sara. This synopsis will be a bit of a challenge because there are four "heroes", so it isn't like I have one protag. And technically, there are two antag's. The one from the present, and the one in the past. So yeah....leaves me scratching my head a lot. Too bad I didn't write a normal, one protag, one antag story. Maybe I wouldn't be having such a headache right about now. ;)

[zagoraz]

Speaking from a management company perspective - brief is definitely better. Readers eyes tire easily and attention spans have never been shorter in this biz. You may want to re-consider how much is necessary to divulge in the synopsis. If your four hero/two antagonist story confuses the reader at all, you can forget about them requesting the script. Boil it down to the bare essentials - four paragraphs max - and you're on the right track. Don't sell the characters - sell the story - sell the concept - because that is the only thing that matters at this point. Wow them with your characters once they request it.

[Sunshine13]

Thanks Zag. Yes, my synopsis was only two paragraphs. A friend of mine, that writes novels, mentioned it was too short, but then the whole "query synopsis" or "regular synopsis" was what confused us both. So if anything, I may have to stretch it out a bit longer. I'll eventually post it up ont he boards once I'm done refining it.

[clockwork]

One page is a good length for a synopsis. I find with some brutal scalping, I can get it down to the basics of story, plot, genre, audience, start middle, end etc in one page. No more than a page if you have no prior relationship with the agent. :)

[Sunshine13]

Thanks, Chris :) I have it almost complete. Well, my pre-AW draft anyway. ;) Once I do, I'll post a link to it in the SYW forum for anyone willing to shred it a part. Hopefully in a nice way. I can't afford to get discouraged at this point lol. In that case, maybe I shouldn't post it. ;) j/k. Anyway, I ramble now...

[Sunshine13]

Here's the link to my draft sybopsis/query majig:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1578316#post1578316