Five Tips on How to Write a Book Synopsis*

Before you market your self-published book, you need to have a piece that encapsulates the essence of your work into a form that’s sharable. This is usually called a book synopsis.

Tip One: You Need Three.

Or better put, three versions of your synopsis. First: a logline, (for fiction) which is one or two sentences which should inform us of the title, the genre, who the protagonist is, and what sort of struggle or conflict they encounter in the story. For non-fiction self-publishing, one or two sentences which include the title, genre, and what the lesson/argument is.

Second, a slightly longer version, about the length of one paragraph, which will include more details a buyer needs to know; and finally, a one-page version of your story or message that includes the plot, main characters and themes if it’s fiction, and your argument/lesson if it’s non-fiction.

Tip Two: Break it Down, Chapter by Chapter.

Where to start! Do you have a table of contents, if it’s a non-fiction book? This can provide an easy way to break down the essence of your message. If it’s fiction, try summarizing each chapter into a short paragraph and then combine, edit, then merge some more.

Tip Three: Tell a Story (arc).

Think along the lines of classic story structure. Start with your main character, and the problem or issue that character is presented with. There’s an opposing force, which is often another character. Your hero or heroine is beset with increasing complications and setbacks, ending with a climax, before ultimately achieving a goal of some kind. This kind of “spine” works just as well with a non-fiction book.

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Tip Four: Make it Shorter.

Remember, these are marketing materials for your book, not term papers. The object is to explain what you wrote in the simplest and most effective way possible, the desired outcome being not only a clear understanding of what your book is about, but a “yes, I want to buy that book!” decision. Go back to your new synopsis versions and see what you can cut.

Tip Five: Practice, Practice, Practice.

What I really mean is memorize! Don’t worry about the page-long version of your book synopsis, that’s the one you email to people or post on your website. But – the logline sentence(s) and the one-paragraph version – those you should know by heart and be able to perform, for someone in an actual elevator to that chance meeting at a party with someone who may be interested in you – and your book – for any number of great reasons!

What shortcuts have you found helpful in writing synopses or loglines for your creative material?

* re-posted from Jim Arnold Communications original site.