Cut, cut, slash, slash
I cut an 8 page synopsis down to 1 single-spaced page tonight. 
I decided to enter one of my historicals into the Editor panel for the PRO retreat at the RWA National Conference, and you aren’t allowed to do more than a page. Let me tell you, slashing that synopsis was quite the experience. A terrifying one. And a good one. I’d recommend that everybody try it at some point.
It forces you to cut out 
every last bit of fat from your synopsis. There is no room for subplots, period. You have room for the GMC (goal, motivation, and conflict) of the hero and heroine, one paragraph for romance, and one paragraph for resolution. I’m still amazed that I managed to do this. Yes, in Courier 12 pt font, one inch margins.
Now I’m wondering if I should just use this shorter synopsis in future submissions. Maybe that’s the way to go. Who wants to read 8 pages of plot summary, anyway?? I’ve always wondered how to write a 1-page synopsis–and now I’ve actually done one. Some people do character sketches and a blurb about the conflict, but to me, that’s not really a synopsis–it’s back cover copy. I mean, what do you do? Write this killer blurb, then write a sentence that says…then stuff happens…then it all comes out right in the end?? I don’t think so.
Anyway, I hope the editors on the panel don’t look at the synopsis and scream–”My God! Could she have packed in ANY MORE DESCRIPTION???” 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 8:55 pm | Viewed 756 times
Suzanne Says:
Good for you for cutting the fat! That’s hard to do. Good luck!!
Margery Says:
WTG, Michelle. Cutting a synopsis to one page really shows you where your story is. Good luck at the PRO retreat.
katie Says:
I used to say the secret to a synopsis was take a deep breath and tellthestoryasfastasyoucan. Breathe again.
Frustrating.
Now I’m quite certain there is no secret!
You did good with the cuts! Good luck!
kacey Says:
Wow, I’m in awe. I can blurb. I can do a two page synopsis. (but I’m better at about a 5 page synopsis) But I’m in awe of cutting it to one page and having it make sense!:thumbsup:
Michelle Says:
Ah, but it was a single-spaced page.
That makes all the difference. 
Mary Says:
Good luck. I’m sure it’s great.
Jill Says:
Wow, that is hard to do. But I bet you did it great!
Michelle Says:
Jill and Mary–thanks. I went ahead and sent a proposal with the 2 page synopsis to NAL. So HQN got the full version, NAL got the abbreviated one. We’ll see if it matters.