Writing a Synopsis (Without Losing Your Mind)
If you’ve ever sat down to write a synopsis and immediately wanted to scream into a pillow, you’re not alone. For many writers, crafting a synopsis feels like the ultimate creative buzzkill. You’ve poured your heart into a layered, emotional, beautifully structured manuscript—and now you’re supposed to squash it into one tidy little summary?
Rude.
But here’s the truth: writing a synopsis doesn’t have to be soul-sucking. With the right approach, it can actually clarify your story, highlight your strongest plot points, and give agents, editors, or contest judges exactly what they need to say “yes.” Let’s break it down.
What Is a Synopsis, Really?
A synopsis is a 1–2 page (sometimes shorter) summary of your entire novel, including the ending. No cliffhangers. No vague teasers. Think of it like the blueprint of your story—the emotional arc, the turning points, the stakes. It’s not back cover copy. It’s not a pitch. It’s more like a practical roadmap of your plot.
And yes, it has to be readable. The best synopses don’t just list events—they show how those events shape your characters and escalate your story.
Step 1: Start with the Core
Before you write anything, jot down:
Your protagonist’s main goal
The central conflict
What’s at stake if they fail
How it all ends
This is the emotional spine of your synopsis. If you stay grounded in these key pieces, you’ll avoid the dreaded info-dump spiral.
Step 2: Sketch the Big Plot Points
Think of your story in acts or turning points:
The setup (Who is your character? What do they want?)
The inciting incident (What shakes up their world?)
The midpoint (The twist or shift that raises the stakes)
The climax (The big confrontation or choice)
The resolution (How does it end and what changed?)
You don’t need to include every subplot or side character. Keep the spotlight on your main character’s journey.
Step 3: Keep the Voice Clear and Professional
Your synopsis should be written in third person, present tense, even if your novel isn’t. Keep it clear, concise, and confident. You’re not trying to wow the reader with lyrical prose here—you’re proving you know how to tell a coherent, engaging story from beginning to end.
Note: you can include a little voice or tone that reflects your story’s mood (especially for genre fiction!), but don’t overdo it. This is more functional than flashy.
Step 4: Trim the Fat
After your first draft, do a ruthless edit. Cut:
Repetitive phrasing
Unnecessary backstory
Minor characters who don’t drive the main plot
Anything that doesn’t connect to the character arc or conflict
Aim for clarity and momentum. If it doesn’t push the story forward, it doesn’t belong.
Step 5: End Strong
Don’t leave the reader hanging. A good synopsis includes the ending—and should show how your character has changed because of everything that’s happened. It wraps the arc, ties up the stakes, and leaves the reader with a sense of emotional resolution.
Bonus Tips (Because You Deserve Them)
Write your synopsis after your book is finished. Don’t torture yourself too early.
Write a long, messy version first. Then whittle it down.
Have a friend read it and tell you where they get confused.
Use formatting wisely: Single-spaced, with paragraph breaks for each new idea. Make it easy to read.
Final Thoughts
Yes, synopses are weirdly hard. But they’re also a chance to prove you understand your story inside and out. And when you finish one that actually works? It’s incredibly satisfying.
So take a breath, make yourself a strong cup of something, and remember: you already wrote the whole book. The synopsis is just you, shining a flashlight on its structure.
You’ve got this. And you’re closer to “send” than you think. 💛
