How to Write a Synopsis: A Step-by-Step Guide

ByMd. Mizanur Rahaman Mizan Published on 0

A synopsis is a summary of a book, article, or movie that provides an overview of the main points or storylines. Writing a synopsis can be a challenging task, as it requires a writer to condense a lot of information into a concise and engaging format. However, it is an essential skill for authors, screenwriters, and journalists, as it helps them to pitch their ideas to agents, publishers, and editors. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to write a compelling synopsis, along with some tips and examples.

Table of contents

Understanding the Purpose of a Synopsis

The first step in writing a synopsis is to understand its purpose. A synopsis serves as a marketing tool for your book, article, or movie, as it gives potential readers or viewers a taste of what they can expect. It should provide enough information to generate interest and excitement, without giving away too many spoilers or details. A good synopsis should answer the following questions:

  • What is the story about?
  • Who are the main characters?
  • What are the main conflicts and obstacles?
  • What are the main themes and messages?

Choosing the Right Format and Length

The next step is to choose the right format and length for your synopsis. Depending on the purpose and audience, synopses can range from a few sentences to several pages. In general, a synopsis should be no longer than one or two pages, single-spaced, with a clear and readable font size and style.

The format of a synopsis can vary depending on the type of work you are summarizing. For example, a book synopsis should include the title, author, genre, and word count, while a movie synopsis should include the title, director, and cast. Regardless of the format, your synopsis should be well-organized and easy to follow.

Outlining the Key Elements

Before you start writing your synopsis, it is helpful to create an outline of the key elements you want to include. This can be a simple bullet-point list or a more detailed flowchart. Your outline should include the following elements:

  1. The hook: A compelling opening sentence or paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the synopsis.
  2. The main characters: A brief description of the main characters, including their names, ages, backgrounds, and motivations.
  3. The plot and conflict: A summary of the main events and conflicts in the story, including the main goal, obstacles, and climax.
  4. The themes and messages: A discussion of the main themes and messages of the work, including any social or political commentary.
  5. The resolution: A brief summary of how the story ends, including any surprises or twists.

Crafting an Engaging Hook

The hook is the most important part of your synopsis, as it determines whether the reader will continue reading or not. A good hook should be short, snappy, and intriguing. It should capture the essence of your story and create a sense of urgency or curiosity. Here are some examples of effective hooks:

  1. “In a world where everyone has a superpower, one girl must learn to survive without one.”
  2. “When a young detective is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, he must clear his name and bring the real culprit to justice.”

Showcasing the Main Characters

The next step is to introduce the main characters of your work. This should be a brief but compelling description that gives the reader an idea of who the characters are and what drives them. You should focus on the main protagonist and any other important characters that are central to the story. Avoid introducing too many characters, as this can overwhelm the reader and detract from the main plot. Here are some tips for showcasing your characters:

  • Name: Start by introducing the character’s name and any relevant titles or professions.
  • Appearance: Give a brief description of the character’s appearance, including any distinguishing features or clothing.
  • Personality: Describe the character’s personality and motivations, including any flaws or strengths.
  • Relationships: Explain the character’s relationships with other characters, including any conflicts or alliances.

Describing the Plot and Conflict

After introducing the main characters, it’s time to summarize the plot and conflict of your work. This should be a concise summary that highlights the main events and obstacles that the characters face. You should focus on the main goal of the story and the challenges that the characters must overcome to achieve it. Here are some tips for describing the plot and conflict:

  1. Goal: Start by stating the main goal of the story, such as finding a lost treasure or solving a mystery.
  2. Obstacles: Describe the main obstacles and challenges that the characters must overcome to achieve their goal, such as fighting a villain or overcoming personal demons.
  3. Climax: Describe the climax of the story, which is the point of highest tension or conflict. This should be a brief but compelling summary that leaves the reader wanting more.

Highlighting the Themes and Messages

The themes and messages of your work are an important part of your synopsis, as they give the reader an idea of the deeper meaning and significance of the story. This should be a brief but thoughtful analysis of the main themes and messages that the work explores. Here are some tips for highlighting the themes and messages:

  • Identify the main themes: Start by identifying the main themes of the work, such as love, justice, or courage.
  • Explain the significance: Describe why these themes are important and how they relate to the story.
  • Provide examples: Use specific examples from the work to illustrate the themes and messages.

Avoiding Common Mistakes:

When writing a synopsis, there are several common mistakes that you should avoid. These include:

  • Giving away too many spoilers: Your synopsis should provide enough information to generate interest, but not so much that it gives away the entire plot.
  • Using vague language: Your synopsis should be clear and concise, using specific language to describe the characters, plot, and themes.
  • Focusing too much on minor details: Your synopsis should focus on the main elements of the story, without getting bogged down in minor details or subplots.
  • Using clichés or tired language: Your synopsis should be original and engaging, avoiding overused phrases or clichés.

Editing and Revising Your Synopsis

Once you have written your synopsis, it’s important to edit and revise it to ensure that it is clear, concise, and engaging. Here are some tips for editing and revising your synopsis:

  • Read it out loud: Reading your synopsis out loud can help you to identify any awkward phrasing or errors.
  • Check for consistency: Make sure that your synopsis is consistent with the tone, style, and content of the work it is summarizing.
  • Get feedback: Ask someone else to read your synopsis and provide feedback on its clarity and effectiveness.
  • Revise as necessary: Make any necessary changes or revisions to improve the overall quality of your synopsis.

Conclusion

Writing a synopsis is an important step in getting your work noticed by publishers, agents, and readers. A well-written synopsis can generate interest and provide a compelling summary of your work. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can write a synopsis that showcases the main characters, describes the plot and conflict, highlights the themes and messages, and avoids common mistakes. Remember to edit and revise your synopsis to ensure that it is clear, concise, and engaging. With these tips and techniques, you can create a synopsis that captures the essence of your work and draws readers in.

Conclusion

Writing a synopsis is an important step in getting your work noticed by publishers, agents, and readers. A well-written synopsis can generate interest and provide a compelling summary of your work. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can write a synopsis that showcases the main characters, describes the plot and conflict, highlights the themes and messages, and avoids common mistakes. Remember to edit and revise your synopsis to ensure that it is clear, concise, and engaging. With these tips and techniques, you can create a synopsis that captures the essence of your work and draws readers in.

Bibliography

  • Bell, James Scott. “The Art of Writing a Killer Synopsis.” Writer’s Digest, vol. 91, no. 6, June 2011, pp. 22-25.
  • Lakin, C.S. “How to Write a Synopsis That Gets Results.” The Writer, vol. 123, no. 3, March 2010, pp. 22-26.
  • Le Guin, Ursula K. “The Fisherwoman’s Daughter.” No Time to Spare: Thinking About What Matters, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017, pp. 75-79.
  • Snyder, Blake. Save the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need, Michael Wiese Productions, 2005.
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