Chronology in a synopsis?!?

Question

Okay, so I've written a novel and I'd like to try to get the attention of agents and/or publishing companies. I've read about the importance of putting together a synopsis, so that's what I'm doing now. From what I've read, the synopsis should be chronological. That makes sense, but it's easier said than done since there are two storylines taking place in the book that come together towards the end. (Some events in the main character's personal life seem irrelevant to her work until the end.) In the manuscript itself it flows from section to section. However as I try to reduce it to a very abbreviated synopsis it seems like I'm bouncing back and forth between personal life and professional life.

So do I follow the same pattern as the manuscript - bouncing back and forth as gracefully as possible in the synopsis? Or do I do the professional storyline first, catch the reader up on the personal storyline, and then pick up where the two come together? What would a publisher want?

Thank!

Answer 1

Whenever I have submitted an accepted piece, I have always sent in the synopsis and the first chapter.

The synopsis should clearly delineate what the plot line is and how it is constructed - you've almost done a creditable job in your post. You need to describe how you have written the piece as well, so if you have several story strands running at different times then you need to make that clear in the synopsis and then explain how it all pulls together at the end. Don't think that your synopsis has to be a precise of the story.

By submitting the first chapter you can show how you have written the piece and your skill at writing it. There would be no problem in setting up your different plot strands in this first chapter and, it goes without saying, leaving it to finish at a critical point leaving the reader wanting to know more.

I wish you good luck and don't be put off by the inevitable rejection slips.

Answer 2

A synopsis is a brief statement summerizing the book. It should never be longer than one page. You don't have to account for all the action. The publisher just wants to get an idea what the book is about.