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Write a Great Synopsis – An Expert Guide
More expert, no-nonsense and practical advice from the author of the critically acclaimed Write to be Published, and Tweet Right.
Most writers hate writing synopses. They need dread them no more. In Write a Great Synopsis – An Expert Guide, Nicola Morgan takes the stress out of the subject and applies calm, systematic guidance. This is going to be gold-dust for writers.
“It’s always surprised me that most writers hate writing a synopsis. It’s far easier than writing a book! But I know from my blog, Help! I Need a Publisher! that it’s seen as an incredibly angstridden exercise. So, I wrote a book, to demystify it and make it simple, snappy and stressfree.”
Write a Great Synopsis covers:
• The function of a synopsis
• The difference between an outline and a synopsis
• Different requirements for different agents and publishers
• Finding the heart of your book
• All the questions and confusions that writers have
• Tricky synopses: how to tackle non-linear plots, multiples themes, sub-plots and long novels
Write a Great Synopsis uses real examples, and gives writers tools they can apply to every synopsis they write in the future. Nicola introduces readers to her Crappy Memory Tool, the best way to craft a 25-word pitch, and tips for omitting unnecessary detail. She even writes two synopses herself
Most writers hate writing synopses. They need dread them no more. In Write a Great Synopsis – An Expert Guide, Nicola Morgan takes the stress out of the subject and applies calm, systematic guidance. This is going to be gold-dust for writers.
“It’s always surprised me that most writers hate writing a synopsis. It’s far easier than writing a book! But I know from my blog, Help! I Need a Publisher! that it’s seen as an incredibly angstridden exercise. So, I wrote a book, to demystify it and make it simple, snappy and stressfree.”
Write a Great Synopsis covers:
• The function of a synopsis
• The difference between an outline and a synopsis
• Different requirements for different agents and publishers
• Finding the heart of your book
• All the questions and confusions that writers have
• Tricky synopses: how to tackle non-linear plots, multiples themes, sub-plots and long novels
Write a Great Synopsis uses real examples, and gives writers tools they can apply to every synopsis they write in the future. Nicola introduces readers to her Crappy Memory Tool, the best way to craft a 25-word pitch, and tips for omitting unnecessary detail. She even writes two synopses herself
- GenresWritingNonfiction
ebook
First published January 20, 2012
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 1, 2017
One of the biggest problems for a writer is the dreaded synopsis. This book is useful in that it gives real examples of what to do - and what not to do. I feel much more confident now about what to put in and what to leave out. many times I have wished for a magic fairy to write it for me - in the meantime this book is the next best thing.
June 25, 2018
A solid discussion explaining the difference between an outline and a synopsis. A clear book that offers instruction and provocation to create a strong synopsis.
April 16, 2012
Utterly brilliant! Very concise and to the point. Review to follow.
March 11, 2019
This was a re-read of a book I already knew would benefit me, although I read it some time ago.
As a writer this book is invaluable as it is succinct and concise in how to approach writing a synopsis. It takes all the angst and stress out of it. Nicola Morgan also has a light, humourous tone with it too, dismissing any over-complication of the task in hand. I would recommend it to anyone tackling a synopsis.
As a writer this book is invaluable as it is succinct and concise in how to approach writing a synopsis. It takes all the angst and stress out of it. Nicola Morgan also has a light, humourous tone with it too, dismissing any over-complication of the task in hand. I would recommend it to anyone tackling a synopsis.
October 4, 2018
A great craft book that stays on topic and provides thoughtful steps, instructions, and examples.
September 2, 2012
I've been waiting on tip-toes for this book to be released - synopses are tricky stuff to write, and it's always nice to get an expert's tips on them. While the UK publishing industry is a little more friendly than the US industry there's a lot less information available online about it. We've got The Writer & Artist's Yearbook, Carole Blake's From Pitch to Publication, and now there's Nicola Morgan with Write A Great Synopsis and her more general industry advice book Write to be Published. The best part about it - WAGS is only £1 in January! You can buy in here from Amazon UK.
Nicola's book is a short and snappy read that covers all the bases - the only thing I would have liked is a more formulaic method, which tends to work best for me (Susan Dennard's method worked a charm for me recently). Nicola's recommendations don't rely on a formula or a section break down, but this this allows her methods to work for a much wider range of stories. Her tips work brilliantly for both your run-of-the-mill 3 Act stories and for non-fiction and fiction that doesn't follow a standard structure. She even includes some particularly useful advise for books that jump around, include flashbacks, or have multiple endings.
This is a succinct and brilliant book, and I recommend it for any writers (UK, US or otherwise) who're tearing their hair out getting that synopsis written.
Nicola's book is a short and snappy read that covers all the bases - the only thing I would have liked is a more formulaic method, which tends to work best for me (Susan Dennard's method worked a charm for me recently). Nicola's recommendations don't rely on a formula or a section break down, but this this allows her methods to work for a much wider range of stories. Her tips work brilliantly for both your run-of-the-mill 3 Act stories and for non-fiction and fiction that doesn't follow a standard structure. She even includes some particularly useful advise for books that jump around, include flashbacks, or have multiple endings.
This is a succinct and brilliant book, and I recommend it for any writers (UK, US or otherwise) who're tearing their hair out getting that synopsis written.
July 28, 2012
This book is full of excellent advice, delivered in a clear, no-nonsense manner. I've learned so much from it that I'm embarrassed by my first attempts at synopsis writing, which thankfully were seen by only a few unlucky readers.
My advice to other writers: if you feel you've written a great synopsis, read this book and then ask yourself if you still feel the same. Even if your answer is 'Yes' I'm sure you'll find the guidance invaluable.
My advice to other writers: if you feel you've written a great synopsis, read this book and then ask yourself if you still feel the same. Even if your answer is 'Yes' I'm sure you'll find the guidance invaluable.
October 8, 2012
I have a better idea of how to write a synopsis than when I started, but not a great idea. This book was too short and left alot of questions, but since I knew nothing when I started at least now I know a bit. But unfortunately now I'm off to comb the internet for more information because I'm left lacking.
April 25, 2012
Finally...a book that takes the horror out of synopsis-writing. This transformed my fear into excitement - no easy feat. I've recommended this to my writer friends and will continue to point others towards this excellent book. Thank you, Nicola!
November 8, 2012
I'm a Nicola Morgan fan - she helped me to get published and her advice is invaluable. Writing a synopsis is usually harder than writing the book ... let her hold your hand and she'll guide you through it.
February 9, 2013
An excellent resource for writers struggling to craft a synopsis. Clear, succinct and funny. I've managed to face my fears and write a synopsis for the novel I'm currently working on, and it was much easier than I had expected!
April 25, 2016
Full of great advice about how to write a synopsis to include in a query letter to an agent or publisher. The author includes lots of examples including some before and after she has edited them, which are very instructive.
May 26, 2012
The best advice on synopsis writing you're likely to find anywhere.. nuff said.! for all writers, newbies or otherwise. I've read it already about 4 or 5 times , and it'll get plenty more readings.
September 30, 2015
Very useful. Think I know what I am doing now.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews