While it’s nice to think that once you’ve written and edited your magnus-opus, your editing work is done … think again.

Time to Write Your Synopsis

If an agent or publisher doesn’t get a “taste” for your writing in the query letter (which calls for a paragraph summary of your entire book and often a 1-pager to attach) or “hooked” on your story, then you’ve lost a great opportunity to have them ask for your coveted manuscript.

Now, I must be upfront with you about this: I am NOT a master of editing Synopses.

In fact, I still struggle with writing my own but I have a good perspective for books I’ve edited for my clients. I can see when they’re adding too much back story, if their hook actually grabs readers, and if they’ve left out anything important (because they don’t want to spoil the story – trust me, you have to SPOIL IT in a one-pager).

It is nearly impossible to edit your own synopsis. However, I have found that prior to asking a writing friend or colleague to peruse my offerings, if I take a look at these wonderfully succinct infographics I found online (and see how closely my copy gets to following them) as I complete some final edits, my writing/message improves.

Just make sure that you’re not sacrificing tone/style for brevity. This should accurately reflect your writing voice and not come across as generic business writing 😉

Happy Editing 🙂

Categories: Editing

Tags: editing advice, editing help, editing tip, MJ Moores, one page synopsis, query letter, query letter synopsis, synopsis