1. Start with the basics

   • Include your title (even if it’s provisional).

   • State your genre, especially for clear categories like crime or sci-fi. Mention the age group if it’s children’s fiction.

2. Craft your pitch line

   • Open with the novel’s driving question or central concept. This should capture the essence of your story without undue stress—it’s only the beginning.

3. Quote if it adds value

   • A short quote from your novel can set the tone but isn’t mandatory. Use either a quote or a pitch line, not both.

4. Stick to the essentials

   • Focus on the main plot points. Avoid detailing subplots or every twist.

5. Highlight your protagonist

   • Introduce your main character early. Explain their motivations and journey. Avoid cluttering the synopsis with excessive names.

6. Set the scene

   • Specify the primary setting and time period, especially if historical. Keep descriptions succinct.

7. To spoil or not to spoil?

   • Decide whether to reveal your ending based on your story and audience. There’s no universal rule, so go with your instincts.

8. Match the tone

   • If possible, let the synopsis reflect your novel’s voice or atmosphere, though clarity takes precedence over style.

9. No self-praise

   • Avoid claiming your novel is “gripping” or “bestselling material.” Let the story speak for itself.

10. Be concise

    • Limit your synopsis to one page (around 500 words). Keep font and formatting readable.

11. Focus on the story

    • Prioritise narrative over themes or imagery unless central to the book’s premise.

12. Skip chapter summaries

    • Avoid turning the synopsis into a chapter-by-chapter breakdown. Stick to the broad strokes.

13. Avoid over-explaining narrators

    • Don’t emphasise unreliable narrators—they’re commonplace in first-person storytelling.

14. Tackle the unconventional with care

    • For highly experimental works, describe the concept and intent rather than attempting a conventional summary.

Final Thoughts

• Writing a synopsis is a skill worth mastering. If you struggle to summarise your novel, it may indicate underlying structural issues.

• Keep it simple, engaging, and focused on story above all else.