Synopsis outline for webinar/workshop

The synopsis is the third portion (behind subject line and query) of the submission gauntlet. Lack of understanding about how to write one can block your goal of becoming traditionally published (agent/book contract/shelf space at Barnes and Noble.)

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Take advantage of a synopsis critique from an industry professional (meaning moi).

I'll be evaluating synopses at the FWA webinar on September 10th (webinar) and October 13 at the FWA /workshop meeting in St. Pete. Submit your synopsis for evaluation at the October 13th event.

Submit your synopsis for possible evaluation~

Cut and paste your 350-word synopsis into the CONTACT BOX at the bottom of this page.

The Five (5)-Step Synopsis~

The synopsis, written in present tense, reveals your story arc from beginning to end in five (5) paragraphs: 350 words.
 
One: First paragraph describes who wants what and why (goal), and what stands in their way (obstacle).
 
Two: Second paragraph expands the situation. Introduces the antagonist (person or situation that blocks the protagonist). Shows the thoughts and emotions of the protagonist as they struggle against the antagonist.
 
Three: Third paragraph moves the protagonist closer to goal achievement. Hints at the possibility of failure.
 
Four: Fourth paragraph heads toward the goal post. A “red herring” might suggest that failure (not success) is eminent and irreversible.
 
Five: Fifth paragraph reveals the story resolution as the protagonist succeeds or fails.

Note:
If you neglect to reveal goal, obstacle, and resolution in your synopsis, your manuscript sample pages will not be read. No agent will take the time to figure out the core of your story or how it might possibly end.

You have to show and sell them.

Use the structure of the following synopsis, written for Jack and the Beanstalk, as you write your own. 

 
12-year-old Jack must save himself and mom from starvation when their country suffers a drought, causing crops to fail. Bossy (the cow) goes dry. Inexperienced at bartering, Jack swaps Bossy for a handful of “magic” beans which mom, in a fit of anger, throws out the window.

The next morning, Jack discovers the beans have sprouted into a mile-high stalk. He climbs up and into another dimension. Timidly, Jack sneaks into a humungous castle. He cowers under furniture to hide from a nasty-tempered giant (the antagonist) who adds fiber and crunch to his bread by kneading human bones into his dough. Terrified that he might be captured, Jack grabs a gold coin and scoots down the beanstalk to safety.

When mom heads for the market, Jack hurries back up the beanstalk to nab a goose that lays golden eggs (thereby ensuring residual income). The giant smells Jack, but can’t find him. Jack escapes by the hair of his chinny-chin-chin. Elated by his newly-discovered thievery skills, Jack decides to climb the beanstalk, one more time, to nab a special gift for mom.

Jack sneaks back into the castle. So far so good. He grabs a singing harp and heads for the beanstalk. The harp rats him out and screams for help. The giant (murder and lunch in mind) pursues Jack down the beanstalk.

The moment Jack reaches home, he chops down the beanstalk. It collapses and the giant smashes into the earth and disappears forever. They all live happily ever after.

ONE: Reveals who wants what and why.

 
 



TWO: Expands the situation, introduces the antagonist. Protagonist takes action to overcome the obstacle(s). He feels timid, terrified, and covers under objects to conceal his presence. He hurries home as soon as possible, clutching the stolen coin. Jack proves, at the moment, that the end (avoiding starvation) justifies the means (stealing). 



THREE: The protagonist moves closer to goal achievement. The possibility of failure is introduced. Jack discovers he's quite good at stealing, and pushes his luck.  This paragraph hints at the potential for disaster.




FOUR: The goal post is in sight. But, the potential for failure and disaster for the human world loom on the horizon.
 


FIVE: Reveals the story resolution as the protagonist succeeds (or fails).

You'll find in-depth synopsis information in my 24-page tutorial, available at MolliMart, along with other low-cost tutorials, including "How to Write a Query that Lands an Agent."

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P.S. Deadline to submit your synopsis for possible evaluation during the FWA Webinar is Sept 3rd.
Deadline to submit your synopsis for possible evaluation at the FWA St. Pete meeting/workshop is Oct 6th.