How To Write A Synopsis For A Novel: A Simple Guide Writers Can Actually Use 

If the idea of writing a novel synopsis fills you with dread, you’re not alone. Condensing your whole book into a single, compelling page can sometimes feel trickier than actually writing the story itself. After spending months (or years!) crafting layered characters and intricate plots, how are you supposed to sum it all up in just a handful of paragraphs? That’s precisely what this guide is all about. Whether you’re prepping to query agents or submit to a publisher, knowing how to write a novel synopsis is an instrumental part of the process. In our guide here at What We Writing, you’ll learn how to structure a book synopsis that captures your story’s core, showcases your voice, and, crucially, gets people reading. By the end, you’ll have all the tools and confidence to write a synopsis that sells your story – without losing your mind in the process. 

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What Is A Novel Synopsis? 

The term “synopsis” comes from the Ancient Greek word synopsesthai, which literally translates to “a comprehensive view”. A novel synopsis features a short summary of your story’s main plot, subplots, and the ending, as well as a handful of character descriptions and an overview of the central themes present. 

A novel synopsis appears in the query letter you will send to potential literary agents and publishers. These literary agents and publishers will then use your synopsis to determine whether your story has any marketability and potential for sales. 

3 Essential Components Of A Novel Synopsis

Writing a synopsis is a vital skill for authors to possess. 

1. Characters 

The protagonist and antagonist make up the groundwork for your story. Make sure that your main characters and secondary characters shine through in your synopsis as being compelling, layered, and enticing. 

2. Conflict 

Conflict is the primary tension that keeps your audience hooked throughout the reading process. Include a short description of the main conflict in your story in your synopsis. 

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Check Out Our Guide On Writing Book Descriptions

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3. Narrative Arc 

From the inciting incident to the ending resolution, the narrative arc is the skeleton of your plot. Whilst your novel’s plot should be multilayered, your novel synopsis should condense this arc into its five basic elements. 

How Long Should A Novel Synopsis Be? 

One of the most common questions writers ask is: “How long is a novel synopsis supposed to be?” 

The short answer is: it depends. 

In general, your synopsis word count should fall somewhere between 300 and 1,000 words. The sweet spot for most submissions is around 500 words in all – long enough to cover the essentials, short enough to hold the readers’ attention. 

If you’re submitting to a literary agent or publisher, always ensure you’re adhering to their guidelines, if they have them. Some will ask for a 1-page synopsis. Others may be looking for a 2-3 page version. When in doubt, the industry standard typically follows the “1-page rule”: one single-spaced page, using a readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, sized 12. 

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Type of Synopsis	Word Count	When to Use
Short Synopsis	300-500 words	Agent queries, competitions, initial submissions
Full Synopsis	600-1,000 words	Publisher submissions, detailed proposals

Remember: a book synopsis isn’t the place to include every subplot or side character. Focus on the main storyline, key turning points, and how the story ends. Keep it clear, concise, and compelling. 

5 Tips For Writing Effective Novel Synopses 

Here are some of our best tips for producing a great book novel synopsis: 

1. Write in Third Person 

Even if your book isn’t written in the third person, it’s important to write your novel synopsis in the third person perspective. This ensures that you maintain that professional approach and narrative distance throughout. 

2. Keep it Snappy and in the Present Tense 

As we mentioned above, a good book synopsis is single-spaced and typeset, usually featuring a word count between 500 and 700 words. 

3. Emphasise the Category

Even if you’re proud that your story transcends simple categorisation or features a huge array of plot twists, clearly stating the closest category your novel fits in will help a literary agent envision how to market and sell the book. Some of the most common genres to keep in mind are: literary fiction, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, children’s and young adult, and thrillers. 

4. Reveal All 

Bear in mind that a synopsis for your book isn’t the same as the blurb that will be printed on the back, which is designed to intrigue a reader or potential buyer without giving too much of the game away. 

5. Show Off Your Voice

Your synopsis is an extension of your writing style, so make sure that the writing is in line with your voice. After all, this is your best chance of showing yourself off as an author. 

How To Write A Novel Synopsis: Step-By-Step 

So, now you know why you need a synopsis – but how do you actually go about writing one? 

Below is a simple, five-step process to help you structure your book synopsis with confidence. Whether you’re writing for an agent, editor, or competition, this approach keeps things focused, effective, and easy to follow. 

Step 1: Introduce Your Main Character

Begin by naming your protagonist off the bat. Who are they? What’s their role in the story? What do they want? 

Make sure to include their primary motivation – this will drive the narrative and help readers understand the stakes in play. 

Example: “Seventeen-year-old Luna, a defiant orphan with a talent for pickpocketing, dreams of escaping the slums of Ironhaven.” 

Step 2: Establish the Setting and Genre 

Don’t make your reader guess where (and when) your story takes place. Briefly ground the synopsis in your world – whether it’s a far-flung dystopian future, a cosy small town, or Victorian England. 

Also, be clear about the genre the story is nestled in – agents want to know what sort of book they’re dealing with. 

Example: “Set in a near-future alternate America in a city gripped by surveillance and paranoia, this YA sci-fi thriller…” 

Step 3: Outline the Central Conflict 

This is the core of your story. What does your protagonist want – and what is standing in their way? 

Be specific. Is it a villain? A personal flaw? A mystery? The stronger the conflict, the more compelling your novel synopsis will be. 

Example: “Luna joins a rebel group to bring down this corrupt regime – however, a hidden betrayal threatens to destroy them all from within.

Step 4: Explain Major Plot Points (No Cliffhangers!) 

Now it’s time to summarise the key events of the story. Focus on the main plot – not every twist or subplot – and reveal the ending. 

Yes, you need to include how the story ends. This isn’t a teaser – it’s a complete overview designed to prove your story works from beginning to end. 

Example: “After exposing the traitor and risking her life, Luna leads a city-wide uprising – and finally finds the freedom she’s fought so hard for.” 

Step 5: Highlight Your Voice 

Finally, inject a touch of your writing voice into the synopsis. The tone should match your book – quirky for a rom-com, dark for a thriller, lyrical for a literary novel. 

Avoid sounding too dry or robotic. Allow your point of view, pacing, and style to shine through, even in summary form. 

By following this step-by-step novel synopsis structure, you’ll create a summary that clearly communicates your story, its emotional stakes, and its commercial potential – all whilst remaining within the expected word count. 

Remember: keep it clear, concise, and complete. A great synopsis doesn’t just summarise your story – it sells it.