Is it acceptable to send a synopsis when being asked to send an outline...?

Question

I'm more comfortable sending a synopsis than an outline; it just works for me. Would this be acceptable or considered unprofessional?

Answer 1

Absolutely not. It does not pay to take license with anything a publisher has asked for. Their requirements are not pleas for compliance, they are demands to be met. Although I understand your desire to do what is comfortable for you (I don't like doing outlines, either) but if it's not what the publisher/editor asked for your submitted material may well find itself in their round file.

If they will accept either, they will tell you that. There is an old saw that says, "Do not anger the doctor just before surgery." Equally, do not **** off the publisher/editor before acceptance. Unless you are a world famous author and your work is in great demand, do precisely what they want. That, by the way, includes format. Be careful, it's easy to become a writer with no outlet.

Don't fret, it won't always be thus after a certain editor/publisher has been pleased with your offerings.

Oh, and for your interest and one of the answerers, a synopsis is not an outline and it would do you well to learn the difference.

J.

http://www.jrichardjacobs.net

"The speed of the brain is inversely proportional to the speed of the mouth squared."

Answer 2

If this is about a book submission, I would say a short synopsis would be OK with the outline, but make sure it sounds interesting, because if the reader finds it boring, it will be a good excuse not to ask to read any more of it.

Answer 3

A synopsis IS an outline! There is no difference. A blurb is different, as it doesn't give the ending.