You're trying to write a synopsis that hides the ending. The agent has asked for the ending. They want to know if you can land the plane.
The misdiagnosisThe misdiagnosis is that the synopsis should be a tease.
The real diagnosisIt's a structural document. The agent is checking that you can plot. That you can finish. That the ending is earned. Hiding the ending is hiding the data they asked for.
Synopsis Skeleton
| Section | What Goes Here |
|---|---|
| Page 1, Top | Setting + protagonist + want + obstacle |
| Page 1, Middle | Key turning points through Midpoint |
| Page 2, Top | Act 3 turning points + climax |
| Page 2, Bottom | Resolution. Yes, including who dies. |
Three Synopsis Rules
- Present tense. Always.
- Name only major characters.
- Include the ending. They asked.
A synopsis is not a movie trailer. It is a blueprint. Plans show the load-bearing walls.
Write the worst synopsis first. Edit it down. Two pages.
The dare (not assignment)Draft your synopsis on one sitting. Bad on purpose. Fix it tomorrow. Send it Friday.
Image promptA two-page synopsis printed and paper-clipped, lying on a desk. Pen across the top. Painterly. Cream and purple. No people.
— The Book Maven
