How to write a book synopsis (with a simple structure that works)

A synopsis summarizes the entire plot, ending included, so that an agent, editor, translator or narrator can judge the story's shape. A blurb sells the book to readers and hides the ending. Mixing them up is the most common synopsis mistake.

Aim for one to two pages, single-spaced, written in third person and present tense. Unless a submission guideline says otherwise, shorter is safer.

Use a simple five-part structure. Open with the protagonist, their situation and what they want. Then the inciting event that disrupts that. Then the major turning points of the middle. Then the climax. Then the resolution and how the protagonist has changed.

Name only the characters who matter — usually three or four. Introduce each in capitals on first mention if the guidelines ask for it, and refer to minor roles by function rather than name.

Focus on cause and effect. Every paragraph should connect with 'because' or 'so', not 'and then'. A synopsis that reads like a list of events hides whether the plot actually works.

Keep some voice. You do not need to explain the theme, but a few precise word choices can signal tone: a comedy synopsis should not read like a police report.

Cut subplots unless they change the ending, and never end on a question. The reader of a synopsis needs to know how it resolves.

Self-publishers need a synopsis too: for audiobook narrators, translators, foreign-rights pitches and for writing a tighter back-cover blurb. Manucheck's readability and structure reports help you identify the turning points worth including.