Beta Reader Group discussion

My current synopsis is about 2k words to describe a 77k word novel. I have trimmed it to pretty much only the relevant main plot details at this point, but it still looks like it is awfully long. Is there a consensus on how long is too long? I could cut this down further, but it would start cutting pretty substantial events out.

Hi Jacob,

I am including a link to Reedsy that might help you to streamline your synopsis - https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-...

Good luck.

Kind regards

Luculle

I'm doing my synopsis now for a 91k mystery and it is a challenge. I am working backwards from a detailed very loose draft of 10k in notes, aiming for about 1k.

The link from Luculle looks good and fits my understanding, though the example given for Great Expectations seems far too condensed to be compelling.

The link mentions the importance of telling vs showing in the synopsis. I follow the concept but object in the sense that the synopsis still must show the voice, characterization, plot and skill of the author by being a compelling thing to read.

Thanks both of you! That helps me at least get an idea of what I should generally be aiming for.

Marvin wrote: "I'm doing my synopsis now for a 91k mystery and it is a challenge. I am working backwards from a detailed very loose draft of 10k in notes, aiming for about 1k.

The link from Luculle looks good a..."

I was able to cut mine down further from just over 2k to about 1.5k words. I feel like if I cut it any further it will just be a list of plot points.

One page double spaced is what I read being requested

Reuben Ayala wrote: "One page double spaced is what I read being requested"

Sounds more like the blurb for a query (250 words).

I'd expect a synopsis to be 600-1000.

In any case, it makes sense to check what agents ask for.

Reuben Ayala wrote: "One page double spaced is what I read being requested"

From what I have seen and read, one page, single spaced, zero margins, size 10 font is a requirement a few agents have.

That is generally the exception based on what I have seen/read/experienced.

Jacob wrote: "Reuben Ayala wrote: "One page double spaced is what I read being requested"

From what I have seen and read, one page, single spaced, zero margins, size 10 font is a requirement a few agents have. ..."

Just tried it... works out to 1000 words :)

Marvin wrote: "Just tried it... works out to 1000 words :)"

How serendipitous. :)