The hard truth is that editors today are limited on time. Many publishers are asking for one or two page synopses. I hear you groaningal ready. You had a hard time writing a six-page synopsis and now they want you to take it down to two? Or <gulp> a single page! Have no fear. The Synopsis Editing Queen is here.
The first rule of a short synopsis is K.I.S.S. And I don't mean the first kiss between your hero and heroine. I mean, Keep It Simple Sweetie. You don't have to tell the editor what the name of the heroine's cat is or that she even has a cat. You will be focusing ONLY on conflict.
What is the heroine's internal conflict? What is the hero's? What is the external conflict? How do all these conflicts affect the relationship? How do they overcome this conflict?
The next rule is to cut words. Edit ruthlessly. As novel writers, we tend to get wordy. The synopsis is not the place for this. Take apart each sentence and look for ways to word it more concisely and cut words.
Remember those horrid reports in grammar school? My seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Richardson, made us slash words over and over and reword until the report was exactly six pages. That training will serve you well if you had a Mrs. Richardson. If you didn't, I recommend picking up a book such as Elements
of Style.
So, if you're editing ruthlessly and only focusing on conflict, what is left? A simple recipe for a synopsis that will grab an editor's attention and make her want to read your story.
1) Ingredients List
What is your main character (s)' biggest problem? In a romance, it's best to try to focus on both hero and heroine? This should be your opening book.
Clichéd example: The hero finds out he's inherited 30 million dollars, the only catch is he has to be married by the time he's thirty-five and the clock is ticking (external conflict).
2) Pre-heat Oven to Steamy
Hero watched his parents' marriage deteriorate. Then his own marriage fell apart. He's not exactly open to the idea of marriage for any reason. He certainly doesn't want to put his heart on the line and risk being hurt again. So he convinces himself that he will find someone and marry for convenience only with the understanding that they will divorce after a suitable period of time. This way, he convinces himself, his heart won't be involved. (internal conflict)
3) Add Spices
How can you complicate things? Is the heroine determined to find happily ever after? To make him fall in love? The only woman he can get to marry him (under the circumstances) may be a woman who stole his heart and then trampled it years earlier. Getting involved with her again isn't a good idea but he has little choice. (relationship conflict)
4) Mix Well and Bake at Steamy for 200 + pages
What other complications do you throw the character's way? Relate them back to the internal and external conflict. Focus on those elements. Our hero is overcome with passion and makes love to his new wife. She gets pregnant (I told you this was a clichéd example). He has always intended to be there for his children, unlike his own father. Now what does he do?
5) Are you a Good Cook?
How does it all turn out? How are things resolved satisfactorily? Relate back to that conflict. The new wife proves that she is trustworthy when she's offered a promotion and turns it down because she doesn't want her baby to be on the opposite coast as his father. The hero realizes his notions about marriage don't apply to EVERY marriage. Happily ever after.
That's it. Keep it short. Keep it simple. Keep it sweet. Happy cooking!
Lori Soard ~ Bio
Lori Soard has a Ph.D. in Journalism and Creative Writing. Thousands of her articles and short stories have been published as well as several books.
She's Chairperson and co-founder of World Romance Writers, owner of wordmuseum.com and writerpages.com, and sits on the national board of Romance Writers of America. She loves getting email from her readers at lasoard@aol.com
