when a publisher ask for a syopsis in their summision requirment is it the same thing as a query letter?

Question

Would I write the synopsis in letter form as I would a query letter?

How long should a synopsis be?

Does anybody know any websites or of any books that expain how to write a synopsis?

http://www.sfwa.org/writing/OP71.htm

Is this a good example of a synopsis?

Answer 1

I don't know what a query letter is, but it doesn't sound like it would be the same as a synopsis.

A synopsis is a brief outline or general view, as of a subject or written work; an abstract or a summary, or a short summary or version prepared by cutting down a larger work:


Found this information about a query letter. So I would say they are not the same


A query letter is a letter to a periodical or publishing house to ascertain interest in a book or article while it is in the planning stages. It is commonly used in freelance journalism. Often it is accompanied by a treatment, summary or a first chapter of a potential piece of writing.

At an event held by The Progressive, it was explained that a query letter should be sent to publications likely to be receptive. The questioner should have familiarity with the publication, and do background research to ensure that it has not been done before.

If it has, the questioner may wish to try a new angle, according to Jack Vitek at Edgewood College.

Answer 2

The example you found is very good for many publishers.

We actually prefer a chapter by chapter synopsis, highlighting the main events or points of each chapter. Writing the synopsis letter style makes it more difficult for the acquisitions managers to scan and organize the information quickly.

Definitely include at the beginning, the characters, settings, etc. from the example you found, with even a short paragraph if you like, about the 'general' theme of your novel, and then list the main points only of each chapter - for example,

Chapter 1 - Bethany and Michael decide to head out on a road trip for their honeymoon. Will their families freak out? Will there be enough money?

Chapter 2 - The couple struggle with preparations for their roa trip; the car is about to fall apart, the wedding itself seems to be racking up debt faster than pennies collecting in the jar on the counter.

Chapter 3 - Bethany takes a second job as a stripper. Michael frets about her new job, agonizing over his day job.

And so on....

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Generally a synopsis should be brief. 1 page long, at most 2 pages, always double spaced. Did you ever have to write a summary in school, or a synopsis even? That is all you have to do with it. Formal MLA format. The synopsis isn't your manuscript. If you they want to read some of your story, then that you would format according to their format.

Here is a page that I look at when trying to write a query letter:
http://www.hollylisle.com/fm/Articles/agent2.html
http://www.nicholassparks.com/WritersCorner/Query.html

and some links I found on help with a synopsis
http://www.eclectics.com/articles/synopsis.html
http://www.writing-world.com/publish/synopsis.shtml
http://brendacoulter.com/BrendaCoulterSynopsis.htm
http://www.il.essortment.com/synopsiswriteb_rqmx.htm
http://www.author-network.com/synopsis.html

Answer 4

No. A query letter is a pitch for your book. A synopsis is a brief overview of your book and shouldn't be more than a page long at most.