How to Write a Book Synopsis: Answering Your Questions on the Business of Writing
By Kim Childress
At Childress Ink, we know writing is both an art and a profession. As part of our mission to support authors at every stage, we often answer questions from the writing community. One of the most frequently asked: What should be included in a book synopsis?
Whether you're preparing to query a literary agent or submit to a publisher, understanding how to write a strong synopsis is essential. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you craft one that captures your story—and your voice.
1. Understand the Purpose of a Synopsis
A synopsis is a concise, 1–2 page overview of your book that outlines the plot, primary characters, and major themes. Agents and editors use it to quickly understand your story structure and storytelling style.
2. Start with a Strong Hook
Begin with a compelling introduction that includes your main character, the setting, and the central conflict. This should act like a pitch—brief but impactful.
3. Summarize the Plot in Chronological Order
Stick to the main storyline. Avoid excessive detail or secondary plots unless they are critical to understanding the primary arc.
Structure your plot summary as follows:
Introduction: Establish key characters, setting, and the initial problem.
Rising Action: Highlight key events and challenges.
Climax: Describe the pivotal turning point.
Falling Action: Detail the immediate aftermath of the climax.
Resolution: Show how the story ends and how characters are transformed.
4. Highlight the Main Characters
Focus on the protagonist and major supporting characters. Briefly describe their motivations, development, and how they change over the course of the narrative.
5. Always Include the Ending
Yes, a synopsis should reveal how your story ends. This shows decision-makers that your manuscript has a complete arc with a satisfying resolution.
6. Prioritize Clarity and Brevity
Be concise: Leave out nonessential details.
Use clear language: Avoid jargon, technical terms, or overly complex sentences.
7. Let Your Voice Shine Through
Your writer’s voice should still be present, even in summary form. This gives editors a taste of your style and tone.
8. Edit Thoroughly
Proofread: Eliminate typos and grammatical mistakes.
Get feedback: Ask trusted peers or mentors to review your synopsis for clarity.
Example Format Template
Title: Your Book Title
Author: Your Name
Genre: Your Book’s Genre
Synopsis Structure:
Introduction – Introduce the protagonist and setting.
Rising Action – Summarize key events leading to conflict.
Climax – Detail the major turning point.
Falling Action – Outline what follows.
Resolution – Reveal the ending and transformation.
Sample Synopsis
Title: The Great Adventure
Author: Jane Doe
Genre: Fantasy
When young farmhand Eliza discovers a mysterious map, she embarks on a journey to find a legendary treasure. Joined by a ragtag group of companions, Eliza faces mythical beasts and dark magic, ultimately confronting the sorcerer Malakar in a climactic battle.
Eliza’s victory brings peace to the land, and she returns home with a newfound sense of purpose—forever changed and ready to lead as protector of her realm.
Final Tips for Writing a Book Synopsis
Tailor your synopsis to each agent or publisher’s submission guidelines.
Stay authentic to your story’s genre and voice.
Think like an editor—include only what matters.
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Kim Childress is an award-winning editor and author of hundreds of books for children and adults, including Find Your Future in Art. She is a product developer in children’s publishing, book editor for Girls’ Life magazine since its 1994 debut, and former middle-grade acquisitions editor for HarperCollins (Zondervan). She has maintained a successful career while raising a personal focus group of four children through diapers, doctors, broken bones, college, and plagues. Learn more about Kim and follow her adventures at ChildressInk.com and Ink-a-Dink.com. You can purchase her workshops at penconeditors.com, including on editing middle-grade and YA fiction and nonfiction, creating books of excellence for young readers, How a Book is Made from Start to Finish, and Trends and Opportunities in Fiction and Nonfiction Picture Books. Find these and more workshops from editors of excellence at penconeditors.com.