How to write a good synopsis?

[PancakesWitch]

I copy paste the first three or four chapters to grok and then ask it to write a synopsis like the synopsis of another novel I like that I believe is a good one and tell it to make it like this, after some results, I keep what I like, refine it, rewrite it, and done. What I mostly seek is the skeleton of the synopsis

since, forever.

The moon has been a symbol of femininity since time immemorial.
The sun is the universal symbol of maleness, again since the beginning of time.
Why, you will ask. Simple.
Women *bleed* every 28 days.
The moon changes on a strict 28 day cycle.

that's why the moon *goddess* is always female.
with a perfect 28 day cycle, a woman can come to know when she can get pregnant (or not) by watching for her own moon phase.

menses was once known as a woman's "moon blood"

this was why the moon phase you were born under was considered important.
born under a full moon--- You were destined to be... powerful, outgoing, etc. (alpha)
born under a new moon---you were expected to be the opposite. (beta)
moon waxing--- (moving towards full moon status)
moon waning---(diminishing)

and being born, well, that's *very* associated with femininity.
As only women can make new life. (despite what some will say these days)

Except in Japan where the sun is a goddess and the moon her brother

 

[KidBuu699]

The synopsis, in my opinion, should have 3 things in it. It should give an idea of what the story is going to be about (journey/quest/slice of life etc), it should introduce the main character, and either say the "hook" or give an idea of what it is.

The synopsis is the third thing a potential reader sees. First is your book cover, second is the name, and the third is the synopsis. Your goal should be that each one of these attracts the reader. It should make the reader want to give your story a try.

Things to avoid in a synopsis is making it too long winded or a bunch of existential questions/statements that has nothing to do with the story. Some people think they are edgy or poetic and end up turning people away.

If you are trying to think of a good synopsis think of the times you have went to the book story or library. The synopsis would be that paragraph on the back of the book that you read to get an idea of if you want to buy the book. A taste that makes you want more.

Also seems like we have gotten a lot of prologue/synopsis posts lately.

 

[Eldoria]

I agree with other respondents that a good synopsis should have a hook. Furthermore, a synopsis should make the reader care about your story. How? Generally, a synopsis will insert a protagonist with an identity that is relatable to the reader before being confronted with the main conflict of the story. The general synopsis formula:

Protagonist with a unique identity (usually an identity that is relatable to the reader) + story conflict + stake + challenge/threat.

Let's take the following LN synopsis "Seirei Genshouki" as a study case:

Haruto Amakawa is a Japanese college student who dies in a bus accident before he can reunite with his childhood friend, Miharu Ayase, whom he hasn't seen in five years.

Suddenly, his memories resurface in the body of a boy, Rio, who lives in the slums of the Bertram Kingdom in the Stralh region of another world.

Two people with very different backgrounds and values—Rio wants revenge for the death of his mother, who was murdered in front of him.

To complicate matters, Rio is suddenly involved in a kidnapping involving two royal princesses. After Rio is acquitted of the kidnapping charges, the royalists reward him with admission to the royal academy to study magic and swordsmanship.

However, Rio is ostracized by most of his peers there because he comes from a peasant background. His only friend there is Celia Claire, a young female teacher who invites him to her laboratory every day.

Before graduating from the academy, due to false accusations, Rio becomes a fugitive and is forced to flee the country.

He promises Celia that he will return after traveling to the eastern end of his mother's homeland to find his family roots and stabilize his mixed personality.

Along with Haruto's memories, Rio awakens a "special power," and it seems that if he uses it well, he can live a better life.

If you dissect this synopsis, you can find the following elements:

Who is the protagonist? Rio is an orphan boy from the slums who is reincarnator of Haruto, a Japanese college student. Notice how the protagonist's identity is framed as "Japanese college student," an identity that readers can relate to. Also, the identity of the orphan boy from the slums provides an emotional appeal that connects with readers' sympathy.

What is the conflict of the story? The kidnapping of the royal princess, misunderstanding, discrimination, a royal conspiracy, and an identity crisis that leads to tragedy for the protagonist. Notice how each conflict ends in tragedy for the protagonist. The reader increasingly feels compassion for the protagonist.

What is the stake? The interpersonal relationship between the protagonist and his childhood teacher—the promise of his safe return to discover his identity. The stakes of the story are sweet, emotional, and heartwarming. The reader grows to love the protagonist.

What are the challenges and threats? A royal conspiracy as well as the shadow of the past that haunts the protagonist. These threats provide tension to the story, making the reader feel worried for the protagonist's safety. As a result, the reader truly cares for the protagonist.

This is a great case study in writing a good synopsis. Finally, a good synopsis is like a fragrant flower full of nectar that attracts bees.

 

[Omarfaruq]

I agree with other respondents that a good synopsis should have a hook. Furthermore, a synopsis should make the reader care about your story. How? Generally, a synopsis will insert a protagonist with an identity that is relatable to the reader before being confronted with the main conflict of the story. The general synopsis formula:



Let's take the following LN synopsis "Seirei Genshouki" as a study case:



If you dissect this synopsis, you can find the following elements:

Who is the protagonist? Rio is an orphan boy from the slums who is reincarnated as Haruto, a Japanese college student. Notice how the protagonist's identity is framed as "Japanese college student," an identity that readers can relate to. Also, the identity of the orphan boy from the slums provides an emotional appeal that connects with readers' sympathy.

What is the conflict of the story? The kidnapping of the royal princess, misunderstanding, discrimination, a royal conspiracy, and an identity crisis that leads to tragedy for the protagonist. Notice how each conflict ends in tragedy for the protagonist. The reader increasingly feels compassion for the protagonist.

What is the stake? The interpersonal relationship between the protagonist and his childhood teacher—the promise of his safe return to discover his identity. The stakes of the story are sweet, emotional, and heartwarming. The reader grows to love the protagonist.

What are the challenges and threats? A royal conspiracy as well as the shadow of the past that haunts the protagonist. These threats provide tension to the story, making the reader feel worried for the protagonist's safety. As a result, the reader truly cares for the protagonist.

This is a great case study in writing a good synopsis. Finally, a good synopsis is like a fragrant flower full of nectar that attracts bees.

My synopsis ends with a question ??

 

[onehunter]

I agree with other respondents that a good synopsis should have a hook. Furthermore, a synopsis should make the reader care about your story. How? Generally, a synopsis will insert a protagonist with an identity that is relatable to the reader before being confronted with the main conflict of the story. The general synopsis formula:



Let's take the following LN synopsis "Seirei Genshouki" as a study case:



If you dissect this synopsis, you can find the following elements:

Who is the protagonist? Rio is an orphan boy from the slums who is reincarnator of Haruto, a Japanese college student. Notice how the protagonist's identity is framed as "Japanese college student," an identity that readers can relate to. Also, the identity of the orphan boy from the slums provides an emotional appeal that connects with readers' sympathy.

What is the conflict of the story? The kidnapping of the royal princess, misunderstanding, discrimination, a royal conspiracy, and an identity crisis that leads to tragedy for the protagonist. Notice how each conflict ends in tragedy for the protagonist. The reader increasingly feels compassion for the protagonist.

What is the stake? The interpersonal relationship between the protagonist and his childhood teacher—the promise of his safe return to discover his identity. The stakes of the story are sweet, emotional, and heartwarming. The reader grows to love the protagonist.

What are the challenges and threats? A royal conspiracy as well as the shadow of the past that haunts the protagonist. These threats provide tension to the story, making the reader feel worried for the protagonist's safety. As a result, the reader truly cares for the protagonist.

This is a great case study in writing a good synopsis. Finally, a good synopsis is like a fragrant flower full of nectar that attracts bees.

spirit chronicles, I think Vol 28 is soon

 

[TinaMigarlo]

how to write a blurb, synopsis, whatever you call it.

I was looking at KU, and there was a bunch of websites came up. One was "how to write a blurb that performs"
big splashy website, looked very professional. This was no soccer mom's blog.
they gave examples, and suggestions. I found books with similar premises, and framed mine around those similar.
which was what they said, to do.
my blurb, which I was proud of, was modeled after a famous book's blurb.
used for one of the examples, of how to do it right.

Now. on here? I plopped my blurb up for review on a thread for that. Got *prision* raped, for my blurb here.

amongst everything, one major point of contention was...
well? you say something horrific happened. Then four more years of hell, as or even worse than what happened, followed it.
we get it, its dark, its psychological.
just TELL us, what happened!

I didn't say a word.

But really. It was a major point in the large novel?
to finally find *out* what had happened, that was so horrific. Then what followed.
I'm getting yelled at, for not... revealing, my big reveal !
Yeah, just plop "cliff's notes" on the whole thing, why even bother to read the book,
when you know the big halfway through reveal, that touches off the action that follows and ramps everything up.

There's no "one way" or "correct" way to one size fits all, a blurb.

 

[Nolff]

since, forever.

The moon has been a symbol of femininity since time immemorial.
The sun is the universal symbol of maleness, again since the beginning of time.
Why, you will ask. Simple.
Women *bleed* every 28 days.
The moon changes on a strict 28 day cycle.

that's why the moon *goddess* is always female.
with a perfect 28 day cycle, a woman can come to know when she can get pregnant (or not) by watching for her own moon phase.

menses was once known as a woman's "moon blood"

this was why the moon phase you were born under was considered important.
born under a full moon--- You were destined to be... powerful, outgoing, etc. (alpha)
born under a new moon---you were expected to be the opposite. (beta)
moon waxing--- (moving towards full moon status)
moon waning---(diminishing)

and being born, well, that's *very* associated with femininity.
As only women can make new life. (despite what some will say these days)

Holy f*ck. The joke went over your head.

Sure, girl. Sure.

 

[TinaMigarlo]

Holy f*ck. The joke went over your head.

Sure, girl. Sure.

hey Zippy...

it didn't go over my head.
it was blatantly obvious.
I was just being a smart ass.
verbal irony really isn't your strong suit, I can see that.

 

[Nolff]

hey Zippy...
View attachment 46682
it didn't go over my head.
it was blatantly obvious.
I was just being a smart ass.
verbal irony really isn't your strong suit, I can see that.

Great. Good job being the person to do that.

 

[PurpleXanmal]

Wait wait wait, I got it!

In a world where... no no no!

He was just your average guy when... no!

She wasn't just any... no wait

That's how I met... Wrong genre

What is love? Baby don't hurt me! - wait, that's a song.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

He was just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit...

 

[MFontana]

I agree with other respondents that a good synopsis should have a hook. Furthermore, a synopsis should make the reader care about your story. How? Generally, a synopsis will insert a protagonist with an identity that is relatable to the reader before being confronted with the main conflict of the story. The general synopsis formula:



Let's take the following LN synopsis "Seirei Genshouki" as a study case:



If you dissect this synopsis, you can find the following elements:

Who is the protagonist? Rio is an orphan boy from the slums who is reincarnator of Haruto, a Japanese college student. Notice how the protagonist's identity is framed as "Japanese college student," an identity that readers can relate to. Also, the identity of the orphan boy from the slums provides an emotional appeal that connects with readers' sympathy.

What is the conflict of the story? The kidnapping of the royal princess, misunderstanding, discrimination, a royal conspiracy, and an identity crisis that leads to tragedy for the protagonist. Notice how each conflict ends in tragedy for the protagonist. The reader increasingly feels compassion for the protagonist.

What is the stake? The interpersonal relationship between the protagonist and his childhood teacher—the promise of his safe return to discover his identity. The stakes of the story are sweet, emotional, and heartwarming. The reader grows to love the protagonist.

What are the challenges and threats? A royal conspiracy as well as the shadow of the past that haunts the protagonist. These threats provide tension to the story, making the reader feel worried for the protagonist's safety. As a result, the reader truly cares for the protagonist.

This is a great case study in writing a good synopsis. Finally, a good synopsis is like a fragrant flower full of nectar that attracts bees.

There's two more elements to consider.
The When and Where of the story.
These quickly provide setup for the setting of the narrative, and drop a teaser of world lore to make the world feel more real, and lived-in, before the first page is even glanced at.

I personally use this one as my own case-study (and reference point) - The blurb for Empire of Exiles by Erin M. Evans.

A scribe, a mage, an archivist, and an investigator.
Four unlikely heroes.
A secret threatening an Empire.

Twenty-three years ago, a duke with a grudge led a ruthless coup against his empire, killing thousands. He failed. The duke was executed, a terrifyingly powerful sorcerer was imprisoned, and an unwilling princess disappeared. The empire moved on.

Now Quill, an apprentice scribe, arrives in the capital city believing he's on a simple errand for another pompous noble; fetch ancient artifacts from the magical Imperial Archives. But these artifacts are the instruments of revolution, the banners under which the duke led his coup. And the city has just been shaken by a brutal murder that looks to be caused by a weapon not seen since those dark days of rebellion.

With Quill being the main witness to the murder and with no one in power believing his story, he must join with a young mage, a seasoned archivist, and a disillusioned investigator to find out the truth of the attack. And what they will uncover will be the key to saving the empire— or destroying it.

Who, What, Where, When, and Why.
The conflict and stakes, and initial challenge.
And a tiny bit about the world's history before the story begins (provided it is relevant to the current era, and story).

 

[Juia_Darkcrest]

I broke down the first part of my prologue for my synopsis;

John was just an average, everyday old man. He had always worked hard, had a wife, kids, and family. He had lived what most would call a good life.

Then one day, at a crosswalk, some kids were not paying attention and tried to cross. A truck was barreling down the street, and John didn't hesitate and jumped in front of the kids and threw them out of the way, along with throwing out his back. The truck slammed into him, and the world went black.

When he awoke, he found himself in a circular room, golden and silver lights flashing around the floor. Ten doors were lit up on the wall behind him, and a man was on a dais in front of him, head looking up, arms out wide like some type of showman.

"Welcome, kids, to your new life as a DEN protagonist. You will be competing against other groups in various anime, vide- wait, who are you?"

"My name is John. Who are you? And what is anime?"

Follow our new protagonist while he ventures into new worlds he had never even heard of before and tries to survive.

 

[Cookiez_N_Potionz]

I'm still improving

 

[MFontana]

I'm still improving

Me too.
Blurbs are NOT my strong suit. I tend to be a bit too verbose to condense things down neatly.
Speaking of, I still have to revise Aestelle Nocte's blurb as well. There is a bit that still needs revision.