You have finally finished writing your book. Closed. You can’t be happier. How to write a summary for your book. You’re even willing to pop champagne with your friends. You had forgotten one of the most important trade tools! (Synopsis)
Thanks to an eye-catching cover or a good title, you’re already over the toughest part if you’ve managed to attract a potential reader to look at your book. The synopsis is the third aspect your possible reader will pay attention to once the cover and the title have done a good job. If we compare the first two aspects with a summary, you could say that a memoir ghostwriter’s resume is like a job interview.
Breaking down a synopsis
Let’s start with a good model to get into the nitty-gritty. Check out the synopsis for Gillian Flynn’s best-selling Gone Girl: On a hot summer day, Amy and Nick are ready to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary in North Carthage, on the banks of the Mississippi River. But Amy disappears that same morning without a trace. As the police investigation progresses, fears fall on Nick. However, he insists on his innocence. He seems strangely vague and cold, but is he capable of killing?
Why does this summary work?
As we see, the first sentence establishes the story’s premise directly and to the point. Sealed deal. It offers the reader a thrilling mystery and dark secrets waiting to be discovered should they engage in the story. The final question marks a milestone in the synopsis: “Is he capable of killing?” The inclination to learn the answer to this question will probably lead us to want to open the book and start reading it.
Make it quick and interesting.
Another practical tip for writing an outline is to use short sentences. Even if you’ve got someone to read your synopsis, chances are they’ll only skim it. Short, powerful sentences help maintain welfare while making your readers retain the message you are attempting to convey.
How long should my synopsis be?
Most experts suggest writing a synopsis of around 250 words. Your synopsis should be like love at first sight; if you make out, readers will think you’re annoying. And if, on the other hand, it is very short, you probably won’t be able to reach the hearts of your texts.
The length must, therefore, be necessary: it has all the elements without which the book would not make sense but without getting bogged down. Use clear and clean language, and everything will go smoothly.
What should not have a synopsis?
Do not use descriptions: neither hair colors, nor how blue the sky is that day in the morning, etc. These are substantial data that you should add in a synopsis. A synopsis should be exciting, and descriptions should be negative.
Don’t go overboard with the conversation: if you do, it must convey a fundamental twist.
Do not give spoilers or use quotes from the book. The latter do not count for anything in themselves: simply a solitary fact with which you cannot sympathize.
Introduce at least one of the main symbols.
It’s a fact that your potential readers will be much more likely to pick up your book if they associate all of the dynamic triggers in the synopsis with the main character. Notice how, in the synopsis of “Gone Girl,” the names are included in Book Marketing Services and positioned conveniently. Nick is not only the title of the book’s main character; he is Amy’s suspected murder spouse.
It would help if you strived to do the same: present one of your main characters in a brief but engaging way so that people are interested in the story.
Conclusion
Writing a captivating book summary is an art that can make the difference between your book languishing on a shelf and being eagerly read by a broad audience. By mastering the techniques noted in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a compelling synopsis that captures the essence of your story, leaving readers desiring more. So, grab your pen and start crafting that winning book resume today!
