How can I make my Synopsis/Description more interesting?

[hdofficial1]

Hi, just started making my first novel. I already have a synopsis for my novel but I just wanted to make it more unique and interesting. Should I start from a question on what's the first goal of the MC or should I start from "telling the flashback of the entirety of the world of the story" to "the story of what happened before the MC went to another world"? Well the genre of my novel is Isekai with fantasy magic, traditional beliefs and spirits, cybernetic technology and post-apocalyptic mixed up all together in another world. So, do you have any suggestions on what should I do to make it more unique and understandable to the readers?

 

[LostLibrarian]

If you want to go for maximum appeal, you should use one of the more common formula for your synopsis. Stuff like flashbacks, detailed worldbuilding or what happened before doesn't belong into a synopsis. That one should be short and sweet, introduce the main points of the story and your MC and that's it.

Trying to do more unique stuff can backfire hard.
I would rather try to make my story itself more unique which will automatically make the synopsis more interesting...

 

[ConansWitchBaby]

explosions

 

[edgy_chuuni]

I don't know a lot about writing them but make sure that readers realize what's going on.
Don't make it too obscure and get the main point of the story in.
Remember that it's the first thing that the readers see of your novel so make sure it describes it well enough.
(I see these obscure and confusing Descriptions more and more so please don't make the same mistake)

 

[apexaltra]

I'll copypaste what I wrote in another thread because I'm lazy

Look at popular novels in your genre on Amazon/Goodreads/etc. and here on SH. Look at how their blurbs are crafted- how long are they? What plot information do they include? What information do they leave out? What descriptive words do they use to entice readers and create intrigue? Also think about the audience you want to attract and the core themes of your story. If you were (for example) looking for mystery, what words/phrasing/hooks could someone include in their blurb that would make you want to read their story?

 

[hdofficial1]

I don't know a lot about writing them but make sure that readers realize what's going on.
Don't make it too obscure and get the main point of the story in.
Remember that it's the first thing that the readers see of your novel so make sure it describes it well enough.
(I see these obscure and confusing Descriptions more and more so please don't make the same mistake)

this is why I want to remake my synopsis. Thanks bro.

 

[Sebas_Guzman]

So the answer varies. So, I'll just tell you different approaches.
1. If you were on Amazon, the go to advice is to look at popular books in your genre and copy the style of their blurbs. This advice is especially good for people who don't really have a sense for what works and what doesn't. The bad part of this advice is that if you're in a genre where the blurb quality is naturally low, or caters specifically to fans of the genre, you don't develop a sense for what makes for a good blurb anywhere else. Regardless, the rule of thumb is be as good as popular competitors.

2. Have a hook. Hooks can always be amazing, but its hard to set up a hook, especially if you're going in from humble origins. The more verbose it becomes, the more grip it loses too. A pretty simple example would be:
"There was once a world where monsters roamed and the people hid behind city walls. In the midst of monsters roaring and people crying out for salvation was a young boy--one known to many as kind and sweet. He would deliver his grandmother's bread with a smile. Everyone who saw him gained a little hope--maybe they could go on a day longer.
And then one day, they cast him out beyond the walls."
So, don't know if that one resonates with you, but that's a go to example. Keep in mind that the best blurb in the world does not interest 100% of readers.

3. Streamline information. Especially for you that has so many setting elements, it would be best to not load the main blurb with the info. The main part's got to tell the compelling point of the story. You can consider putting elements in bullet format, but don't make it look like you're mixing so many genres together. I'd say for example, "Isekai with a twist." It's just people know what they don't like, and they might think there's more of one of the setting elements than the other, and what you want is for them to give it a try, not shoot it down immediately.

4. If going niche, you can use your genre-specific jargon. If going for a big audience, be very surface level in your word choice. You want to bring people in, not make them raise their brows when they encounter a term that makes sense within the genre.

5. Don't ask more than two questions in your blurb and don't be generic. You need to get people interested while also remembering that most readers already know the story they want to read. They just want to read that same story but with the author's twist on it. This is especially true for romance.

 

[hdofficial1]

So the answer varies. So, I'll just tell you different approaches.
1. If you were on Amazon, the go to advice is to look at popular books in your genre and copy the style of their blurbs. This advice is especially good for people who don't really have a sense for what works and what doesn't. The bad part of this advice is that if you're in a genre where the blurb quality is naturally low, or caters specifically to fans of the genre, you don't develop a sense for what makes for a good blurb anywhere else. Regardless, the rule of thumb is be as good as popular competitors.

2. Have a hook. Hooks can always be amazing, but its hard to set up a hook, especially if you're going in from humble origins. The more verbose it becomes, the more grip it loses too. A pretty simple example would be:
"There was once a world where monsters roamed and the people hid behind city walls. In the midst of monsters roaring and people crying out for salvation was a young boy--one known to many as kind and sweet. He would deliver his grandmother's bread with a smile. Everyone who saw him gained a little hope--maybe they could go on a day longer.
And then one day, they cast him out beyond the walls."
So, don't know if that one resonates with you, but that's a go to example. Keep in mind that the best blurb in the world does not interest 100% of readers.

3. Streamline information. Especially for you that has so many setting elements, it would be best to not load the main blurb with the info. The main part's got to tell the compelling point of the story. You can consider putting elements in bullet format, but don't make it look like you're mixing so many genres together. I'd say for example, "Isekai with a twist." It's just people know what they don't like, and they might think there's more of one of the setting elements than the other, and what you want is for them to give it a try, not shoot it down immediately.

4. If going niche, you can use your genre-specific jargon. If going for a big audience, be very surface level in your word choice. You want to bring people in, not make them raise their brows when they encounter a term that makes sense within the genre.

5. Don't ask more than two questions in your blurb and don't be generic. You need to get people interested while also remembering that most readers already know the story they want to read. They just want to read that same story but with the author's twist on it. This is especially true for romance.

Number 2 really shot me down. That's how my current synopsis is today. That's why I want to remake it and make it less short. I appreciate this long answer of yours. Thanks!

 

[JayDirex]

I got you bro.

Hi, just started making my first novel. I already have a synopsis for my novel but I just wanted to make it more unique and interesting. Should I start from a question on what's the first goal of the MC or should I start from "telling the flashback of the entirety of the world of the story" to "the story of what happened before the MC went to another world"? Well the genre of my novel is Isekai with fantasy magic, traditional beliefs and spirits, cybernetic technology and post-apocalyptic mixed up all together in another world. So, do you have any suggestions on what should I do to make it more unique and understandable to the readers?

I got you, bro:

Jay's Synopsis Formula will work on your novel.

This is actually an answer to an earlier thread, but it's best to share as a full thread. Why? Because it works. It does not matter if your story is slice of life about a GENDER-BENT BLOB OF ENERGY. My synopsis formula works. All you have to do is answer these FOUR QUESTIONS and you can create...

forum.scribblehub.com

 

[hdofficial1]

I got you bro.

I got you, bro:

Jay's Synopsis Formula will work on your novel.

This is actually an answer to an earlier thread, but it's best to share as a full thread. Why? Because it works. It does not matter if your story is slice of life about a GENDER-BENT BLOB OF ENERGY. My synopsis formula works. All you have to do is answer these FOUR QUESTIONS and you can create...

forum.scribblehub.com

I really appreciate your reply bro. I'm thinking about this for awhile now but don't know how to execute it in a step by step order. Thank you very much.

 

[RepresentingCaution]

I recommend asking a question or three to entice the reader. You can check out mine for examples, and please leave me some one-star ratings while you are there ?

 

[JayDirex]

I really appreciate your reply bro. I'm thinking about this for awhile now but don't know how to execute it in a step by step order. Thank you very much.

Anytime, but I want you to remember this part because it's important:

Your story is about:

1. A character.

2. Who does a normal thing.

3. Suddenly something abnormal happens/conflict

4. The character(s) now has to resolve this conflict.

And this right here is a hook to the reader who quickly understands who the character is and the problem he's trying to solve.

And if they're into the type of character and problem you presented, they'll read it.

 

[hdofficial1]

Anytime, but I want you to remember this part because it's important:

Your story is about:

1. A character.

2. Who does a normal thing.

3. Suddenly something abnormal happens/conflict

4. The character(s) now has to resolve this conflict.

And this right here is a hook to the reader who quickly understands who the character is and the problem he's trying to solve.

And if they're into the type of character and problem you presented, they'll read it.

1. It's all done.
In 8 years before making it into a novel, I really started making all my characters and an MC for it. I just need them all to be introduced along the story.

2. Working on it

3. Solved and adding more for more volumes.

4. Working on it.

Oh! And also am trying to make them have a separate novel that will be canon in the main story. (Just like Marvel's but not now, main story first.)

Again, Thank you very much.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

Hi, just started making my first novel. I already have a synopsis for my novel but I just wanted to make it more unique and interesting. Should I start from a question on what's the first goal of the MC or should I start from "telling the flashback of the entirety of the world of the story" to "the story of what happened before the MC went to another world"? Well the genre of my novel is Isekai with fantasy magic, traditional beliefs and spirits, cybernetic technology and post-apocalyptic mixed up all together in another world. So, do you have any suggestions on what should I do to make it more unique and understandable to the readers?

i hate heavy infor in a synopsis, i can learn all that shit in the novel itself, just tell me about the MC. I like when I'm able to tell his personality and goals through the synopsis first, THEN i like to be hit with a little detail about the world and plot. Why? Cuz if i found the MC interesting from the first few sentences, i would like to know how he'd handle the situation.

 

[hdofficial1]

i hate heavy infor in a synopsis, i can learn all that shit in the novel itself, just tell me about the MC. I like when I'm able to tell his personality and goals through the synopsis first, THEN i like to be hit with a little detail about the world and plot. Why? Cuz if i found the MC interesting from the first few sentences, i would like to know how he'd handle the situation.

OK, I'll tell you about my MC.

He's a university student with brains and brawn that got hit by another person on fire that also got hit by the landing explosion of the meteorite.

========

Here's my current Synopsis as of now.

"A child prodigy, Ran Shoku is a 19 year-old university student was born a genius and has an experience in martial arts.

One day and the sun's about to set, he saw a meteor falling from the sky towards his place. He quickly ran on his way home then suddenly, he got hit by a person in flames that also got hit by the explosion of the meteorite."

========

[btw, the person in flames is also an important character that will give him (the MC) the mission/goal for his new life] sorry, bad grammar/english

 

[CupcakeNinja]

OK, I'll tell you about my MC.

He's a university student with brains and brawn that got hit by another person on fire that also got hit by the landing explosion of the meteorite.

========

Here's my current Synopsis as of now.

"A child prodigy, Ran Shoku is a 19 year-old university student was born a genius and has an experience in martial arts.

One day and the sun's about to set, he saw a meteor falling from the sky towards his place. He quickly ran on his way home then suddenly, he got hit by a person in flames that also got hit by the explosion of the meteorite."

========

[btw, the person in flames is also an important character that will give him (the MC) the mission/goal for his new life] sorry, bad grammar/english

if you dont mind me editing it a bit...here's my take on that.

=====
a 19-year-old prodigy, university student Ran Shoku was blessed with fierce intelligence and a body born for battle. Both of which he makes great use of in his study of martial arts.

{i feel there should be some kind of filler here but i don't know the guy or his environment well so i dunno what should go here. }

Unfortunately, such skills don't help when a meteor comes hurtling towards your home bent on putting you out onto the streets. Running towards the falling piece of heaven (this is just an expression) in an attempt to...do what, he wasn't sure...he was hit by a figure wrapped in flames, propelled by the destructive explosion of his house.

(i think if this part was expanded with more info, there'd be no need for the previous filler. Maybe info from the first five to ten chapters. Like, who the person is, whats his purpose for falling, how the MC is going to be involved and what his goal going forward will be.)

=====
i just felt it could use some sprucing up, what do you think?

 

[hdofficial1]

if you dont mind me editing it a bit...here's my take on that.

=====
a 19-year-old prodigy, university student Ran Shoku was blessed with fierce intelligence and a body born for battle. Both of which he makes great use of in his study of martial arts.

{i feel there should be some kind of filler here but i don't know the guy or his environment well so i dunno what should go here. }

Unfortunately, such skills don't help when a meteor comes hurtling towards your home bent on putting you out onto the streets. Running towards the falling piece of heaven (this is just an expression) in an attempt to...do what, he wasn't sure...he was hit by a figure wrapped in flames, propelled by the destructive explosion of his house.

(i think if this part was expanded with more info, there'd be no need for the previous filler. Maybe info from the first five to ten chapters. Like, who the person is, whats his purpose for falling, how the MC is going to be involved and what his goal going forward will be.)

=====
i just felt it could use some sprucing up, what do you think?

Bro, your choice of words is so awesome. Even I can't think of a meaningful expression while telling the synopsis of the story. Also I can't seem to find a word that describes your awesomeness while rewriting my synopsis. You really are a great novelist.

It also seems that I need to make it more understandable to the readers.

Actually, I copied on some elements of the synopsis of some isekai animes and some of them are not giving much info on "how did they die just to get isekai'd to another world." So I took that take to lessen the info on some parts; I didnt tell much about "why is he running towards its land zone/his home" because the readers might think that there's someone or something important that needs to be saved. The synopsis isn't even finished and I thought if after he wakes from his travel to another world, he might think who hit him then realizes that his mother hit him because of the explosion from his house?

Any thoughts?

 

[CupcakeNinja]

Bro, your choice of words is so awesome. Even I can't think of a meaningful expression while telling the synopsis of the story. Also I can't seem to find a word that describes your awesomeness while rewriting my synopsis. You really are a great novelist.

It also seems that I need to make it more understandable to the readers.

Actually, I copied on some elements of the synopsis of some isekai animes and some of them are not giving much info on "how did they die just to get isekai'd to another world." So I took that take to lessen the info on some parts; I didnt tell much about "why is he running towards its land zone/his home" because the readers might think that there's someone or something important that needs to be saved. The synopsis isn't even finished and I thought if after he wakes from his travel to another world, he might think who hit him then realizes that his mother hit him because of the explosion from his house?

Any thoughts?

i think it doesnt matter if they find out from the synopsis, its a key element in the story and its going to be revealed within the first chapter or two anyway, right? You just have to make it a bit emotional.

Like, this is just how i think it will go down but lets say he's close to his house and he see's his mother standing there waiting for him. She's a little youthful, maybe, pretty (to make her more appealing and sympathetic, cuz readers love beautiful people) and is standing there in the doorway. She doesn't notice the fiery omen of death looming above and instead lights up when she sees her son's familiar frame coming from afar. So she starts to smile and raising her arms, calling out to him with affection.

Then boom. It hits. And seared into his eyes moments before death is the image of his mother being blasted outward, engulfed in flames, crashing into his body with the force of a freight train. Ending him.

Now, that describes the scene in my mind but i can shorten it if i were doing it in the synopsis.

All you'd have to do is work in how she's part of the goal. Is there some being that tells him he has a chance at reviving her, of maybe even going home? Perhaps she'd even just be revived there with him. But he's obviously gotta go through some hell to achieve that.

Not sure what your exact plans are, but from what you've said that's what seems like the plot to me. Its good. Short, sweet, and very direct. You pull on some heartstrings with things like that.

I'd just recommend keeping that in mind when writing.

I'd written a story with a similar theme, where the MC dies and loses his family that way. I always made sure to include instances where he remembers their happier moments, then telling how much it hurts not having them anymore after he just barely started pulling his shit together. Lotta authors with themes like these, where the MC dies and is reincarnated, always have them with no family to miss him or him they.

Which i find bullshit, cuz its something done just to make the transition between worlds easier. Like, nah fam....thats lazy as fuck. I dunno about them, but my MC is actually gonna have to suffer through the heartache of losing everyone he loves. Maybe drown himself in liquor and women to help numb the pain.

 

[hdofficial1]

i think it doesnt matter if they find out from the synopsis, its a key element in the story and its going to be revealed within the first chapter or two anyway, right? You just have to make it a bit emotional.

Like, this is just how i think it will go down but lets say he's close to his house and he see's his mother standing there waiting for him. She's a little youthful, maybe, pretty (to make her more appealing and sympathetic, cuz readers love beautiful people) and is standing there in the doorway. She doesn't notice the fiery omen of death looming above and instead lights up when she sees her son's familiar frame coming from afar. So she starts to smile and raising her arms, calling out to him with affection.

Then boom. It hits. And seared into his eyes moments before death is the image of his mother being blasted outward, engulfed in flames, crashing into his body with the force of a freight train. Ending him.

Now, that describes the scene in my mind but i can shorten it if i were doing it in the synopsis.

All you'd have to do is work in how she's part of the goal. Is there some being that tells him he has a chance at reviving her, of maybe even going home? Perhaps she'd even just be revived there with him. But he's obviously gotta go through some hell to achieve that.

Not sure what your exact plans are, but from what you've said that's what seems like the plot to me. Its good. Short, sweet, and very direct. You pull on some heartstrings with things like that.

I'd just recommend keeping that in mind when writing.

I'd written a story with a similar theme, where the MC dies and loses his family that way. I always made sure to include instances where he remembers their happier moments, then telling how much it hurts not having them anymore after he just barely started pulling his shit together. Lotta authors with themes like these, where the MC dies and is reincarnated, always have them with no family to miss him or him they.

Which i find bullshit, cuz its something done just to make the transition between worlds easier. Like, nah fam....thats lazy as fuck. I dunno about them, but my MC is actually gonna have to suffer through the heartache of losing everyone he loves. Maybe drown himself in liquor and women to help numb the pain.

Bro, I'm gonna copy all your comments here. It really makes me smile when someone really acknowledges and understands me from what I want to say and express even if it's just for the synopsis of a novel. Thank you very much, man. You made my day, bro. Followed you and have a great day.

i think it doesnt matter if they find out from the synopsis, its a key element in the story and its going to be revealed within the first chapter or two anyway, right? You just have to make it a bit emotional.

Like, this is just how i think it will go down but lets say he's close to his house and he see's his mother standing there waiting for him. She's a little youthful, maybe, pretty (to make her more appealing and sympathetic, cuz readers love beautiful people) and is standing there in the doorway. She doesn't notice the fiery omen of death looming above and instead lights up when she sees her son's familiar frame coming from afar. So she starts to smile and raising her arms, calling out to him with affection.

Then boom. It hits. And seared into his eyes moments before death is the image of his mother being blasted outward, engulfed in flames, crashing into his body with the force of a freight train. Ending him.

Now, that describes the scene in my mind but i can shorten it if i were doing it in the synopsis.

All you'd have to do is work in how she's part of the goal. Is there some being that tells him he has a chance at reviving her, of maybe even going home? Perhaps she'd even just be revived there with him. But he's obviously gotta go through some hell to achieve that.

Not sure what your exact plans are, but from what you've said that's what seems like the plot to me. Its good. Short, sweet, and very direct. You pull on some heartstrings with things like that.

I'd just recommend keeping that in mind when writing.

I'd written a story with a similar theme, where the MC dies and loses his family that way. I always made sure to include instances where he remembers their happier moments, then telling how much it hurts not having them anymore after he just barely started pulling his shit together. Lotta authors with themes like these, where the MC dies and is reincarnated, always have them with no family to miss him or him they.

Which i find bullshit, cuz its something done just to make the transition between worlds easier. Like, nah fam....thats lazy as fuck. I dunno about them, but my MC is actually gonna have to suffer through the heartache of losing everyone he loves. Maybe drown himself in liquor and women to help numb the pain.

Also the thing about easy transitions between worlds really does suck for me also. This type of "easy transition" from isekai genres are sometimes from the popular ones with typical isekai stories. That's why isekai genre is just a sub-genre, because it only start, well from the very beginning and after that, the rest are the typical isekai stories we always know.