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Before you could define the how, let's take a look at "why": Why do you write a synopsis? Because in a lack of today's time, you need to grab the reader in a few pages or a few words and make them read the whole story through it. You have to take that in mind when you prepare the summary of your story, the synopsis.

If you're a good writer, the following five simple points will help you in preparing an audience-winning summary:

1. KNOW THAT AUDIENCE. There are more types of synopsis depending on the target group. You may write a synopsis to your future readers, to your future publishers and to your future agents/producers. Know who will read that summary. If you want to get a reader to read your novel, don't give them everything, just hook them on the story. If you want to get a publisher, be detailed, answer all questions and follow the guidelines they usually share on the web page. If you'd like to get an agent, or a producer, show them first the story (like a longer logline) and then your personal voice in describing the plots of the story. Do not mix these types of summaries!

2. KEEP THE LENGTH. For the reader, write the length that can be put on a book cover: not more than 200 words. For the publishers, you might write as long as 2000 words but check what they want! For scripts, stay rather on one page (about 6-700 words).

3. KEEP IT SIMPLE. You want to give them all the details that they need and you want them to understand and to be enthusiastic about your story. You want to be short but be explicit in being short, don't let misunderstandings to happen. Remember: if the publisher/agent/producer wants you and your story, they will need to sell it to other people so let them make their pitches straight-forward!

4. STICK TO THE PLOT. Any story is about one or two major series of events, let it be internal or external or both. You want to show how and why your main character(s) changed because that what is all about. Don't get deep into substories, other characters etc.

5. SHOW OFF YOUR WRITING SKILLS. This is mainly for the professional target group. They don't only buy the idea but you want them to buy you as well. So dare to show them what a good writer you are. Keep your peculiar style in the synopsis as well, show them your humor or imagination or romantic side, anything that makes you special.

Don't expect your first version to be perfect. This is a hard work but you can learn to do it excellent. Take it as a writing lesson and you'll win the reader whoever it is. PRACTICE, FOCUS AND ENJOY! - these are the keywords for your synopsis.

Learn more about this author, Andrea Miklos.
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