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Learn to write and edit a synopsis that makes editors and agents eager to read your work
It’s one of the most despised documents of all time: the synopsis. Agents and editors sometimes ask for a synopsis because they need to know—from beginning to end—what happens in your novel or memoir.
The synopsis reassures publishing professionals (before they spend time on your manuscript) that your character actions and motivations are realistic and make sense. It shows them the scope of your work and how well it is paced. And it might reveal big problems in your story—e.g., “it was just a dream” endings, ridiculous acts of god, a category romance ending in divorce. It can also reveal wonderfully complex characters and masterful plotting.
In this 90-minute live class with Jane Friedman, you’ll learn how to write a synopsis that’s lean, powerful, and engaging. And just as important, you’ll get examples of what to avoid.
By the end of the session, you will:
- Get advice on appropriate synopsis length and how many words you should shoot for in your first draft and final draft
- Identify the best way to introduce your characters (as well as the ineffective way)
- Reliably and consistently assess what information or detail you should leave out
- Understand if you should split your synopsis into sections (probably not, but there are a few scenarios where it becomes desirable)
- Avoid “synopsis speak,” where you end up with a very mechanical and emotion-less series of plot events.
Feedback opportunity: If you’re open to having your synopsis used as part of the presentation for constructive critique (Jane will be kind), contact us after you register and paste your synopsis right into the body of the email. (No attachments, please.) Your identity will be kept confidential, but of course your story details will not. Keep in mind that feedback is not guaranteed, and it won’t be a formal or full critique. But it’ll still be fun and useful!
Who should take this class
- Novelists, all genres
- Memoirists
Do I have to attend the live class?
No. Everyone who registers will get access to the recording. However, if you’d like to attend live, keep reading.
How do I attend the live class?
This class uses Zoom webinar technology. You will join through your Internet-connected computer or mobile device. When you register, you will receive information via email on how to join the class. If you don’t receive it within 10 minutes of registering, please contact us.
- When: Wednesday, May 6, 2020
- Time: 1 p.m. Eastern Time / 10 a.m. Pacific Time
- Fee: $25
The webinar is broadcasted via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer or mobile device speakers. The visual presentation is displayed directly from the presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions read and answered by the presenter for the entire class to hear.
About the instructor
Jane Friedman has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in business strategy for authors and publishers. Since 2015, she has edited hundreds of synopses for writers preparing to query agents and publishers.
Jane’s newest book is The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press); Publishers Weekly said that it is “destined to become a staple reference book for writers and those interested in publishing careers.”
In addition to being a columnist with Publishers Weekly and a professor with The Great Courses, Jane maintains an award-winning blog for writers at JaneFriedman.com; her expertise has been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, PBS, CBS, the National Press Club and many other outlets.
I can’t thank you enough. Of all the critiques and edits I’ve had in the past—and there have been tons—your methods are the most impressive. Your work is professional and excellent.
Marlene Bell
client
As I imagine it is for most first-time writers, putting together a query and synopsis can seem like a daunting and frustrating task. It’s easier to write an 80,000+ word novel than it is to squeeze the story down to just a few paragraphs in a way that captures the book’s essence. To this end, Jane’s expertise was invaluable. Her knowledge and patience made the [editing] process not only a great learning experience, but a pleasurable one also.
Francisco Molina
client
Your input and experienced eye has been enormously helpful in getting me out of the storyteller mode and into a pitch mode.
Stephen Foehr
client
You’ll receive the following
- Access to the 90-minute interactive class. After 75-90 minutes, Jane will take questions using in-class chat/text. The class will end after roughly 90 minutes.
- A recording of the class—audio and video. This is especially helpful if you have a conflict with the class time or something comes up and you can’t make the session. Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for 30 days. You do not have to attend the live event to get a recording of the presentation.
- Presentation slides. All participants receive a copy of the slide presentation in PDF form.
- Additional answers to questions, if needed. If there isn’t time for Jane to answer all the questions during the live event, she will answer them in writing afterward. All participants will receive the answers with the follow-up recording.
- Rough transcript. We use Otter to create an automated transcript of the entire webinar, which we’ll share with you in addition to the audio and video recording.
Refund policy
Sorry, but refunds are not offered unless the webinar is canceled or rescheduled. All registrants receive access to the recording even if they are unable to attend. Have questions? You can contact us here.
System Requirements to Join the Webinar
We will be using Zoom webinar technology.
You’ll need:
- An internet connection: broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)
- Speakers: built-in or USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth
Recommended bandwidth:
- 600kbps (down) for high-quality video and 1.2 Mbps (down) for HD video
- If you connect through audio only: 60-80kbps (down)
Supported operating systems:
- Mac OS X with MacOS 10.7 or later
- Windows 10, Windows 8 or 8.1, Windows 7
- Windows Vista with SP1 or later
- Windows XP with SP3 or later
- For a full list of supported systems, click here
Supported tablet and mobile devices:
- Surface PRO 2 running Win 8.1
- Surface PRO 3 running Win 10
- iOS and Android devices
- Blackberry devices
Supported browsers:
- Windows: IE 11+, Edge 12+, Firefox 27+, Chrome 30+
- Mac: Safari 7+, Firefox 27+, Chrome 30+
- Linux: Firefox 27+, Chrome 30+
For a detailed listing of system requirements, check Zoom’s site.