Is your synopsis garnering a lack luster response? Not placing in contests? Picked on by your critique partners? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Here are three common problems that might be holding your synopsis back. So read on and tackle your problem synopsis.

1. Your synopsis doesn’t include the ending.

By definition, this is what a synopsis is for. To concisely tell your whole story to an editor or agent. You need to include the beginning, middle and ending. Period. Make sure all questions are answered and any loose ends are tied up.

2. You include too many characters.

A synopsis should be more of a skeleton than a meaty body, therefore you should limit your synopsis to 3 named characters. Author Bob Mayer suggests referring to extra characters by title or job description. IE, the butler, the dog, the mail lady. Don’t give an editor too many names and they won’t be confused. Confused editor = bad for you.

3. Wrong size synopsis.

If the submission guidelines state that the publisher/editor wants a 10 page synopsis, don’t send them a two page synopsis. Seems like common sense, right? Likewise, if they request a two page synopsis *ding* *ding* *ding* don’t send them a five page synopsis. Editors know what they want. So give it to them. Don’t waste their time. That won’t leave a good first impression of you or your book.

So write your synopsis. Then tailor and tweak it until it is exactly the length they request and not a page more/less.

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