How to Write a Killer synopsis www.karentyrrell.com
I set myself a gargantuan task of creating a KILLER synopsis for my humorous techno-fantasy novel for children: JOSH SUPER SPACE KID. I needed a kick-ass one pager to create buzz in the publishing world. I researched synopsis experts, scrambling through writing text books, to create that elusive KILLER synopsis.
Facebook writing buddies on Australia Writers Rock, Just Write for Kids and on my own Karen Tyrrell page offered support.
Finally these kick-ass tips rocketed back to me in the process …
How to Write a Killer Synopsis
1. Ask yourself: what is your hero’s struggles, challenges and final victory? Flaunt your hero’s dreams, fears and most importantly his voice.
2. What makes your story unique and attention grabbing? Focus on your story arc, especially major scenes and climaxes.
3. Limit your characters to 4 or 5: the hero, the sidekick or ally, the antagonist and two other characters.
4. Write in the present tense. Amp every word to the max creating an enthusiastic and enticing synopsis. Vary the construction of each sentence until the words blast off the page.
5. Start the synopsis with the inciting incident: the crisis … finish with the ending and resolution.
6. Who is the synopsis for: an agent or publisher? Ensure it’s written in the exact format described on the submission guidelines.
For the last six months, I sweated over and polished JOSH SUPER SPACE KID with the help of Beta writers from my critique group: Write Links, ready for lift-off.
**Special thanks to Alison, Ayesha, Samantha, Jacqui, June, & Jocelyn.
JOSH’s theme is aligned with my ‘resilience and hope’ author platform.
YAY! I’m presenting Write & Publish a Children’s novel Master Class with Charmaine Clancy on Jan 10 at Black Cat Books & Cafe
Killer Synopsis
KarBOOM! This week, I launched JOSH SUPER SPACE KID into the publishing world with my KILLER synopsis and cover letter. My stomach clenched, in terror and ecstasy, as JOSH zoomed out into the unknown.
‘Your plot is strong and moves along at a good pace. You have successfully created a strong first novel in an action packed adventure series …It has commercial potential.” Leonie Tyle Publisher
The Countdown is on …
I’m transmitting a special intergalactic message across the cosmos … JOSH SUPER SPACE KID must be saved forever in print for human kind to read and enjoy.
Only YOU can save JOSH from oblivion.
Please help me amp this transmission to the max.
Transmitting now ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )
Your suggestions are wonderful, good of you to share.
Thanks
Hi Anita, Thanks for checking out my synopsis tips. These resulted from weeks of research. I used them writing my own synopsis for Josh Super Space Kid… Karen 🙂
Some people would murder for this
For a KILLER synopsis? lol … Maybe Kick-some-ass ?
Great tips, Karen! Fingers and toes crossed for you and Josh!
Hi Ali,
Thrilled you like my tips
Thanks for being my number one supporter. Always there to bounce back ideas.
I’m praying for a double book deal… One for Mollie and one for Josh … Karen 🙂
Hi Karen, your tips are so energetic and powerful. Well done. Wishing JOSH all the best and I love Leonie’s comments.
Thanks Kaye for popping over to find out what it’s all about. Thrilled you like my synopsis tips and Leonie’s comments… Karen 🙂 PS I just love what Leonie said too.
Excellent tips Karen. I look forward to reading Josh
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks so much for taking a peek of my synopsis tips … and commenting in such a positive way.
I hope you get the chance to read Josh Super Space Kid in 2015 … Karen 🙂
Sounds as though you’ve really launched Josh into space now. Keep the space adventures coming now, Karen. We are all glad to have been able to help you on your way.
Thanks Jocelyn,
For all your wonderful support and encouragement.
YES, I’ve started the sequel. Hope to show it to you soon… Karen 🙂
PS Best wishes for your fabulous “Bush holiday” children’s novel
Go Josh go! 🙂
I can’t wait for a paper copy to rocket our way.
fingers and toes crossed Karen
Hi Steph,
Thanks for the cheer squad and finger/toe crossing!
You’ll be the first to receive a paper copy when it goes to print.
Cheers,
Karen 🙂
[…] 2. FOLLOW the exact submission guidelines to a T developing a “perfect” manuscript and a KILLER synopsis. READ How to Write a Killer Synopsis. […]
Thanks for sharing these tips Karen.
Appreciated ..
Good luck with everything,
Kara
Hi Kara,
Thanks so much for checking out my tips on writing a synopsis.
I wish you the very best with writing yours…
Cheers,
Karen 🙂