Synopses/proposals

[ksmith]

Three chapters and a synopsis of the rest--this I have done before. However, I tend to write working synopses, complete with dialogue. 60-70 pages (double-spaced, but still), broken down by POV. Former agent used to say that with a little more dialogue, I'd have the book.

Anyway, question for the house--how long are your synopses, on average? Do they include dialogue?

Comments

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

My synopses are usually only 2-3 pages long for one book, double spaced. They typically do not include dialogue. I don't know enough about the story at that point to be able to include any meaningful dialogue.

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

how long are your synopses, on average? Do they include dialogue?

On average, I prefer to write a Whole Entire Book on spec rather than a synopsis.

If I have to do the synopsis thing, it's usually around 10 pages, may include anything from character description, dialog, puns, and a description of the plot that I'm probably going to throw out anyway.

[janni.livejournal.com]

Well, I avoid synopses when I can. :-) Just because they're not always all that useful to me as a writer.

When I do have to write one (sometimes after the book is done!), I figure it's primarily a sales tool and try to make it as short as I can--usually under 10 pages, closer to 5 if I can manage it.

In the past, though, I have gone as long as 25 pages.

Of course, these are all for middle grade and YA projects, which means the actually books in question are around 25,000-65,000 words.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

I have a book by Pam McCutcheon entitled WRITING THE FICTION SYNOPSIS--A step by step approach that suggests formats and turning points and contains samples of long and short synopses. I'm not looking forward to this, but I have to do it...

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

Anywhere from two to ten-twelve pages, but I have done detailed ones at 25 pages. Have sold from lengths varying from 6 pp to 25 pp.

Now, I check houses for their current guidelines...