Synopsis: Plot Point versus Character-Focused Synopsis

[Rachel Fox]

Generally, there are two types of synopses in genre fiction: the plot point and the character-focused.

Plot Point Synopsis:

Such a synopsis focuses on main points and turning points in the novel. It does not detail secondary plots or character conflict (unless the conflict might be external and also a plot point).

A simple set up for a synopsis which is plot-focused might look like the following (btw, my Vested Interests synopsis is plot-focused):

Hook: The first paragraph. I discussed this previously. The one or two lines that grab the reader and convey the sense of your book in very tight and non-hyped writing.

Heroine Intro: Second paragraph. Describe the heroine. Who is she? What motivates her? When introducing a character for the first time in a synopsis, use all CAPS.

Hero Intro: Third paragaph. Same as for the heroine. These could be reversed or genders changed (m-m, m-f, f-m). But it is important to describe the H/H in your novel right off the top.

Villain Intro: Fourth paragraph. Who is the bad guy? What motivates him/her?

Set Up/Plot Point One: One or two tightly written paragraphs. What happens to lead to the first plot point, the point which forces the H/H to move forward.

Plot Point Two - ??: Major points in the middle of the novel. I would limit it to no more than 2-3 additional plot points; they must be major ones, not secondary plot points.

Turning Point: The point at the end of the middle that forces the H/H to make a choice and leads to the ending or resolution.

Resolution: The ending of the story.

That in a nutshell is all that is needed in a plot-focused synopsis.

****

Character-Focused Synopsis: [best used for romance genre]

Hook: Same as above.

Internal Conflict: Paragraphs One and Two, one for heroine and one for hero (or whatever gender combination appropriate for your novel. Describe the H/H’s relevant back story and the key internal conflicts the two must overcome to find love.

External Conflict: One paragraph describing what brings the H/H together and what might keep them from their HEA.

Heroine and Hero Work Together: The plot point that shows the H/H they must work together.

Intimacy: H/H succumb to physical intimacy (most likely as the result of working together against the external conflict).

Morning After: H/H’s internal conflicts rear their ugly heads again setting up a slight roadblock for intimacy.

H/H Work Together Again: Plot point that brings H/H back together to work against the external conflict again.

Black Moment: Plot point that forces the H/H to make choices that will lead to the ending.

Resolution: External conflicts are defeated; internal conflicts are resolved. H/H live happily ever after or happy for now.

The Outlines are simple and should apply to most novels. Just remember to hit only major plot points and to write tight and use your unique voice. You’ll be turning out the dreaded synopsis with the ease of a pro.

[Yuri Bellamy]

I'm pretty sure my synopsis is a plot-point synopsis, but gulp, I'm a little worried I may have mixed elements of both types in there unknowingly and have created a hot mess. I'm looking forward to your comments on that bad boy so I can correct anything that needs fixing.

[Rachel Fox]

There could be overlap esp with the external conflict and internal conflicts since sometimes it is hard to separate plot action from external conflict. Impact on an H/H's internal conflict is often the inciting incident -- which is the major plot point that takes a story from the set up to the middle of the book.

It is "emphasis" in the synopsis which these outlines demonstrate.

These outlines which are loosely based on the ones I learned from back in the day are guidelines. In fact, the character-focused one is aimed at the "lines" from Harlequin and Silhouette, and specifically Silhouette's rom-suspense line since the editors (and agents who represent authors writing romance) wanted to see the romance arc in the novel and not necessarily the suspense arc.

I included these because some people work better with an organizational tool. If asked, most people probably can tell you a little about the H/H, give you the main plot points or main internal and external conflicts and the resolution. These two structured approaches break down what is to some people a very scary and unloved process - - and make it look more manageable.

So, as with any generalization, take the outlines with a grain of salt, then add whatever spice you need to make the flavor of the resulting synopsis yours.

Moni

Originally Posted by Yuri Bellamy

I'm pretty sure my synopsis is a plot-point synopsis, but gulp, I'm a little worried I may have mixed elements of both types in there unknowingly and have created a hot mess. I'm looking forward to your comments on that bad boy so I can correct anything that needs fixing.

[Rachel Fox]

Um, I just had to re-edit that last post twice. I really need that caffeine. If I state anything and confuse you even more -- let me know. I had a long exhausting hearing last week at which I was the head arbitrator and I am still tired.

I apologize. I did not think my hearing would take the whole week and I would have had a couple of days to decompress -- didn't happen. Again, I apologize. My two sides of the brain are trying to reconcile what we are doing today. LOL

Moni

[George Allwynn]

Originally Posted by Yuri Bellamy

I'm pretty sure my synopsis is a plot-point synopsis, but gulp, I'm a little worried I may have mixed elements of both types in there unknowingly

I kinda felt like like you did - mine was a hodge podge of both, and not necessarily in the orders given. I was really glad to see Ms Rachels answer.

Oh, by the way, I read yours and it sounds like a book I'd pick up and read! Goslin sounded like a great villain and a hoot to write!

[Yuri Bellamy]

Originally Posted by Rachel Fox

Um, I just had to re-edit that last post twice. I really need that caffeine. If I state anything and confuse you even more -- let me know. I had a long exhausting hearing last week at which I was the head arbitrator and I am still tired.

I apologize. I did not think my hearing would take the whole week and I would have had a couple of days to decompress -- didn't happen. Again, I apologize. My two sides of the brain are trying to reconcile what we are doing today. LOL

Moni

What you posted made sense and was clear to me.

Originally Posted by George Allwynn

I kinda felt like like you did - mine was a hodge podge of both, and not necessarily in the orders given. I was really glad to see Ms Rachels answer.

Oh, by the way, I read yours and it sounds like a book I'd pick up and read! Goslin sounded like a great villain and a hoot to write!

Thanks for your input! I do love my villains, , and Goslin, while despicable, is occasionally amusing as well because of the way his mind works.

[Rachel Fox]

LoL Thanks, Yuri. But that was after editing it twice. It could be a very long day -- good thing I have a big box of Pepsi One. I might go through quite a few.

Moni

Originally Posted by Yuri Bellamy

What you posted made sense and was clear to me.

[Virginia Cavanaugh]

Sorry you had a long week Moni. But you are doing fine and I think it is great that you are doing this for everyone.

[Rachel Fox]

Thanks, Virginia.

I see 4 out of the 5 blurbs posted and that will be my job for the next few hours. We are only missing Gillian's. Small class today, but that is a blessing in disguise for me. I can take my time.

Moni

Originally Posted by Virginia Cavanaugh

Sorry you had a long week Moni. But you are doing fine and I think it is great that you are doing this for everyone.

[nancyd589]

Hi !
I've just visited this forum. Happy to get acquainted with you. Thanks.