by Suzanne James

Created on: October 18, 2007

One of the most overlooked, yet most important, aspects of novel writing is the synopsis. Publishers are constantly frustrated when they lose a good story because a poorly written synopsis misrepresented the novel. Another frustration is when a book goes through a whole list of situations that happen in the book, but the synopsis fails to talk about the character's journey, the story's emotional impact, or the story premise.

Focus On The Story - Not What Happens In The Story

One of the hardest things for new writers to separate is the events that happen in the story, and what the story is about. A synopsis should not outline everything that happens in the story. Instead, it should focus on the most important aspects of the novel as defined by the genre.'

For example, one of the biggest problems in the average romance synopsis is the fact that the writers completely forget to include the romance. The publisher knows where the characters work, how they meet, the conflicts, the problems, and maybe a brief outline of the climax. However, the writer completely forgets to talk about the level of sexual tension, whether the story is about relationships and commitment, or freedom and discovery.'

This publisher is left with a list of situations that can easily be used in a suspense novel, or a thriller, without ever explaining what makes this book a romance.

Subgenre

Most genres today have multi-sub genres, or themes. A romance novel can have different levels of sexual tension. They can focus on the sexual adventure, building a real relationship, or the character healing' and becoming a better person.

A mystery novel may focus on the characters and tell a social story based on several people, like something Agatha Christy would write. Or, it could focus 100% on the facts, like a Sherlock Holmes story.

A suspense novel can be an emotional roller coaster ride, or the author can play mind-games with the story's reader. The story can touch on primal fears, disturbing the reader, or it can be a safe' and exhilarating ride.

Not all publishers handle all sub genres. Some romance publishers do not want relationship or human growth stories. Publishers like Phaze or Ellor's Cave focuses on the sexual journey. However, Wild Rose Press, focuses more on the character's journey. A synopsis should outline these aspects for the publisher. Do not leave the publisher to guess - they are not psychic.

Can You Write?

This may sound foolish, but many publishers use the synopsis to just a writer's

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