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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.

Wait, what’s a synopsis? It’s not the same as a brief description of your book that goes into a query letter. Learn more.

The synopsis reassures publishing professionals (before they spend time reading your manuscript) that the way your story plays out lives up to your query letter’s pitch, with character actions and motivations that 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, lack of plausibility, a category romance ending in divorce. It can also reveal wonderfully complex characters and masterful plotting.

In this 90-minute live class with Jessica Strawser, you’ll go beyond the basics of what a synopsis should include to learn how to write a synopsis that’s lean, powerful, and engaging. Just as important, you’ll get examples of what to avoid.

By the end of the session, you will:

• 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
• Give your summary momentum so your plot flows naturally as the stakes build 
• Get tips for handling multiple points of view or timelines
• Avoid “synopsis speak,” where you end up with a mechanical and emotionless series of plot events
• End your synopsis with a satisfying tone, honoring the conventions of your genre
• See examples of synopsis dos and don’ts in action

Feedback opportunity: If you’re open to having your synopsis used as part of the presentation for constructive critique (Jessica will be kind), you can include a draft when you register. Your identity will be kept confidential, but of course your story details will not.

Keep in mind that only a handful of registrants will see their materials critiqued during this session, 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

This class is NOT for:

• Nonfiction that is not memoir
• Children’s picture books
• Short story collections
• Poetry
• Experimental or hybrid genre works

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 1 hour of registering, please contact us.

• When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
• Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 10:00 a.m.–11:30 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.

Closed captions are provided during the live class. We use Zoom’s automated closed caption service (powered by Otter), which is about 80%+ accurate.

All students receive the following

• Access to the live class (90 minutes). The instructor will take questions during class 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 access the recordings.
• Presentation slides. All participants receive a copy of the slide presentations in PDF form.
• Rough transcript. We offer a lightly edited transcript of each webinar, which we’ll share with you in addition to the audio and video recording.

Event Attendance & Anti-Harassment Policy

We strive to provide an environment where all present—whether attendee or presenter—can feel supported. In order to ensure a welcoming event, here is what we expect from all who participate.

• That the presenter and the presenter’s work be treated with respect by attendees and that all attendees treat each other with respect and a generosity of spirit.
• That attendees will refrain from harassment of any sort including (but not limited to) comments or questions of a racist, homophobic, sexist/sexual, or threatening nature. This includes actions that disrupt or interfere with anyone’s ability to participate. Offenders will be asked to leave the live event and will not be refunded.