How To Write a Great Novel Synopsis for a Literary Agent

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  • čas přidán 10. 12. 2018
  • Writing a great synopsis for your novel is only the start. Now get our Literary Agent Submissions Builder - the fast, easy & powerful way to get your agent submission package into shape:
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    Subscribe and follow our How to Write a Book series. In this instalment, learn exactly how to write a book synopsis that will get you a literary agent.
    The publishing industry is extremely competitive with everyone seemingly wanting their book to be the next bestseller. So, how exactly do you get a literary agent to stand up and take notice of your book?
    Well, firstly. You write a good book! You won’t be getting anywhere without demonstrating to an agent that you know how to write, but assuming that you’ve done that, you need to smash a great synopsis that will leave an agent hooked and wanting to read more.
    So, how exactly do you do that?
    A synopsis is not a blurb or a sales pitch, so you want to eliminate and flowery language and just tell the agent exactly what is happening in your book. Each agent has their own specification but it usually fits between about 500-800 words and should be kept to one page, if possible.
    What you want to avoid is trying to boil down your whole book into 500 words. Instead, take the structure of your book and build it up from there. Bestselling author Harry Bingham will take you through the steps to build up your synopsis.
    This is a method that can be applied to any manuscript and should give you the tools you need to write a great synopsis in under an hour.

Komentáře • 63

  • @Olasqy
    @Olasqy Před 4 lety +10

    This video does not have enough views to reflect its value, very great learning experience.

  • @carlydaniels4184
    @carlydaniels4184 Před 2 lety +5

    This channel is one of the better places for writing tips. It clarifies the tricks of the trade--and not about the host trying to sell their egotistic personalities or boasting on how much they know, not limited to demeaning or discouraging new writers. However, it gives you an idea of the emptiness to expect in those hosts' works. Good job Jericho Writers.

  • @briester510
    @briester510 Před 5 lety +46

    The best guide on writing a synopsis I've ever found. (Trust me I've been looking.) Thank you, Harry.

  • @PaleyDaley
    @PaleyDaley Před 3 lety +1

    "The synopsis is the emotional shape of the book." That's what I'm taking away from this helpful video.

  • @holly9150
    @holly9150 Před 3 lety +1

    He is so cute it makes me want to cry!

  • @anthonyperry7296
    @anthonyperry7296 Před 5 lety +12

    Thanks H, I found the way you teach is emotional, and I have been moved. No problem listening. Easy to understand.

  • @hunterhendrick5793
    @hunterhendrick5793 Před 4 lety +7

    Make sure you all include the whole story (told in a tone like a Wikipedia article) in the synopsis as agents want that.

  • @bookediting3761
    @bookediting3761 Před 4 lety +4

    Great tip about starting with the structure instead of the manuscript.

  • @TheEefaShrof
    @TheEefaShrof Před 3 lety +2

    Most helpful and best video on writing synopsis. Thank you so much.

  • @PP-rm6oe
    @PP-rm6oe Před 3 lety +1

    Greetings from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Just what I was looking for. Difficult things made simple!! Thanks a million!

  • @helloandriana
    @helloandriana Před 4 lety +2

    Super helpful in cleaning up my mess of a synopsis! Thank you!

  • @errinwitherspoon2192
    @errinwitherspoon2192 Před 4 lety +2

    Thank you for this. You completely eliminated the overwhelm I have been struggling with!

  • @amith0tube
    @amith0tube Před 4 lety +2

    Best video on book synopsis. Thank you.

  • @TringaNebulosa
    @TringaNebulosa Před 4 lety +2

    Clear, concise and complete. Splendid job on the video!

  • @MortalWeather
    @MortalWeather Před 4 lety +6

    Thank you so much for this. I had boiled my novel down to several pages, but was seriously stuck. I hadn't even finished your video when I managed to produce 500 words from scratch. Your advice was revelatory. Happy new year!

  • @Acesahn
    @Acesahn Před 5 lety +3

    You were right, this was very easy and informative. I'll get to work right away lol

  • @Robeeh2
    @Robeeh2 Před 4 lety +2

    Thank you

  • @daviddarlingauthor
    @daviddarlingauthor Před 3 lety +2

    Just wanted to say thank you for posting this. I believe my synopsis was my downfall for several literary agents. With your simple guide, and suggestions I have reworked my summary. It shines now. Thanks!

  • @mbenohwehbrino9086
    @mbenohwehbrino9086 Před 4 lety +2

    The best guide i've ever found. Thanks, Harry.

  • @territhompson4708
    @territhompson4708 Před 4 lety +2

    Love this!! I shared it on my author page. Thank you.

  • @albertevans4223
    @albertevans4223 Před 5 lety +6

    Concise, precise and well told. Thanks Harry.

  • @shanayip6502
    @shanayip6502 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you for teaching. The video does help lots !!!

  • @RJones-ht2qt
    @RJones-ht2qt Před 5 lety +2

    Very nice. Thank you for sharing.

  • @latehare111
    @latehare111 Před 3 lety +2

    Thank you, that was very helful.

  • @dianahochberg8617
    @dianahochberg8617 Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you, Harry. You made it seems easy and clear.

  • @42networks
    @42networks Před rokem

    This video was very helpful! I was trying to describe every plot point and getting frustrated when it came out too long.

  • @Glimpse_It_Recaps
    @Glimpse_It_Recaps Před rokem

    Seriously cleared so much for me

  • @singin8324
    @singin8324 Před 2 lety

    This video has been a great help, thank you so much Harry.

  • @jasonhamilton424
    @jasonhamilton424 Před 3 lety +1

    I never respond to these things but i gotta say thanks man! This really helped.

  • @roschipperfield4679
    @roschipperfield4679 Před 4 lety +3

    Thank you very much, you have made something so complicated seem a lot easier and as I was watching I could see how and where I could fit parts of my novel into those categories. Thank you

  • @katherinewheeler7054
    @katherinewheeler7054 Před 2 lety

    Thank you! That was very helpful!

  • @liliangardner
    @liliangardner Před 4 lety +2

    Thanks for your interesting video. Simple and clear.

  • @LoShaw31
    @LoShaw31 Před 3 lety +4

    Absolutely invaluable insight into something that seems so incredibly daunting. I will soon be tackling my synopsis and will definitely be referring back to this video. Thank you!

  • @me_and_mo_podcast
    @me_and_mo_podcast Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks for the video Harry.

  • @KKati-th6bv
    @KKati-th6bv Před 3 lety

    Excellent! Thank you for sharing ..🙋🏼

  • @ironmumsat40plus85
    @ironmumsat40plus85 Před 3 lety +1

    Great advice. Easy to listen to and makes me believe I can do this! I can so I will. Thanks

  • @nortesur9504
    @nortesur9504 Před 5 lety +2

    What a great content...Greetings from Colombia south America...

  • @WhereTheRainbowEnds1111

    This was INCREDIBLY helpful. Thanks so much

  • @juliesit5344
    @juliesit5344 Před 4 lety +3

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I have just completed my synopsis for my first novel, and it was so easy following this method. Thank you again!!!

  • @ughitstravis9243
    @ughitstravis9243 Před 4 lety +1

    Excellent video 👍

  • @EfiLovesBooks
    @EfiLovesBooks Před 6 měsíci

    This is incredibly useful. Thank you for making it!

  • @morganabourggraff132
    @morganabourggraff132 Před rokem

    This is so incredibly helpful. Thank you!!!!

  • @VanaeCavae
    @VanaeCavae Před 2 lety

    Thank you for your advice. I shall use it to write my synopsis now.

  • @maryreynard7338
    @maryreynard7338 Před 2 lety +1

    This guy is great. In watching some of the other videos on CZcams I have been alienated by the elite and condescending attitude of the Agents and others in this industry. This guy is full of enthusiasm and good will towards the author. Thank You Sir!

  • @maxvoroshilov3207
    @maxvoroshilov3207 Před rokem

    Amazingly good!

  • @fabh_
    @fabh_ Před 2 lety

    Best piece of advice I have found

  • @DavidWilliams-tk3dy
    @DavidWilliams-tk3dy Před 3 lety +1

    Superb. Thank you. Clear, concise, practical. As a result of finding your videos I have paid my subscription and joined Jericho Writers. I feel I've written a pretty decent commercial novel. I now feel far more optimistic I will be able to get it published.

  • @user-lc4jr8tu7m
    @user-lc4jr8tu7m Před 4 měsíci

    Totally brilliant synopsis advice with a helpful structure to work with. Thanks Harry!

  • @AnimeEmpress1
    @AnimeEmpress1 Před 4 lety +3

    I think that was the clearest explanation of how to write a decent synopsis that I've ever come across . It's even better than how literary agents describe it. Brilliant, thanks for uploading this and the other excellent tutorials. I think you're incredibly gifted!

  • @moudgalya8571
    @moudgalya8571 Před 3 lety +1

    Should I include the twist ending in the synopsis?

  • @rashekihendrix4032
    @rashekihendrix4032 Před 2 lety

    We appreciate you 🙏

  • @tibbar1000
    @tibbar1000 Před rokem

    Great video!

  • @rashekihendrix4032
    @rashekihendrix4032 Před 2 lety

    I love this guy 👦❤this is vary creative and helpful 👏

  • @Earthsuitlife
    @Earthsuitlife Před 3 lety

    Thank you very much.

  • @KrystinaLiberty
    @KrystinaLiberty Před 4 lety +3

    Saw this while I was writing my book. Just finished and cane back to it. Fabulous video.

  • @liliangardner
    @liliangardner Před 4 lety +1

    Can we put names in bold for fiction?

  • @winterwillow8440
    @winterwillow8440 Před rokem

    Am I supposed to highlight or capitalize characters name as I introduce them? I’ve seen this in some synopses

  • @tate9545
    @tate9545 Před 3 lety

    Does it have to be 500 words,? Also could a the storyline be enough ? I believe my storyline would be enough information to let someone know if they want to read it ?

  • @tateasaurusrex911
    @tateasaurusrex911 Před rokem

    Great info, but I’m a idiot and still finding it hard to write my synopsis for my 13 page story. The difference between not having it as a blurb or a pitch. Does anyone have any suggestions?

  • @liliangardner
    @liliangardner Před 4 lety

    Is it better to reveal the end of the story in the synopsis?

    • @DavidWilliams-tk3dy
      @DavidWilliams-tk3dy Před 3 lety

      I would have thought it's essential. The synopsis is there to inform an agent about your book as opposed to enthral a reader.