Advice for writers
for writers
How to Write a Compelling Book Synopsis for Agents and Publishers
Why the Book Synopsis Matters
When I first started learning about the publishing process, I was surprised by how much emphasis agents and publishers place on the book synopsis. It’s often the deciding factor in whether they request more pages or move on to the next submission. A well-crafted synopsis proves that you not only have a strong story but also the ability to present it professionally.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to write a compelling book synopsis that captures the attention of agents and publishers. We’ll cover length, structure, common pitfalls, and I’ll even share an example so you can see what a professional synopsis looks like in practice!
What Is a Book Synopsis?
A book synopsis is a concise summary of your manuscript that gives literary agents and publishers a clear idea of your story’s core elements.
Unlike a back cover blurb, which is meant to entice readers, the synopsis is designed to inform. It reveals:
✦ The main characters
✦ The central conflict
✦ The stakes
✦ The major plot points (including the ending)
Think of it as a roadmap of your story. Its purpose is to show that your book has a strong structure, compelling characters, and satisfying resolution.
Step 1: Understand the Purpose
The goal of a book synopsis isn’t to sell your book to readers—it’s to convince an agent or publisher that you can deliver a complete, well-structured manuscript. A great synopsis demonstrates:
✦ That you understand story structure.
✦ That your book has a clear narrative arc.
✦ That your characters face meaningful challenges and change by the end.
Many writers mistakenly treat the synopsis like a teaser or marketing copy, but agents actually want to know the ending. Your synopsis should prove that your book holds together from start to finish.
Step 2: Determine the Right Length
One of the most common questions writers ask is: “How long should a book synopsis be?” The industry standard is usually 1–2 single-spaced pages (roughly 500–800 words). Some agents may specify exact requirements in their submission guidelines, so always double-check before sending.
Too short, and you risk leaving out crucial information. Too long, and you risk overwhelming the reader. Aim for a balance: concise but thorough.
Step 3: Outline the Key Elements
To write a strong synopsis, focus on including:
✦ Main characters – Introduce your protagonist and any major supporting characters by name.
✦ Core conflict – What problem drives the story?
✦ Plot progression – Include the most important turning points and developments.
✦ Climax – Describe the most intense or decisive moment.
✦ Resolution – Yes, include the ending! Agents and publishers want to know how the story wraps up.
When drafting a synopsis, continuously ask yourself: “If someone only read this, would they understand the essence of my book?” That mindset can help you cut fluff and focus on substance!
Step 4: Write in a Professional Tone
A synopsis should be written in third person, present tense, regardless of the tense or perspective of your book. Keep the language clear, professional, and active.
Example:
Instead of: “John was walking down the street when he noticed…”
Use: “John walks down the street and notices…”
This style keeps the summary immediate and engaging, even when condensing complex narratives.
Step 5: Polish and Revise
Your first draft of a synopsis will likely be too long or too scattered—that’s normal. Here’s how to refine:
1. Trim excess detail – Only keep what moves the story forward.
2. Focus on causality – Make sure each event logically connects to the next.
3. Read aloud – This helps catch awkward phrasing or overly complicated sentences.
4. Get feedback – A critique partner can tell you if your synopsis is clear to someone unfamiliar with your manuscript.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Book Synopsis
When I studied examples of synopses, I noticed the same mistakes coming up again and again. Here are the big ones to watch out for:
❌ Writing a teaser instead of a summary.
❌ Overloading with character names and subplots.
❌ Leaving out the ending.
❌ Making it too flowery or vague.
Remember, this isn’t marketing copy—it’s a professional tool!
Example of a Strong Book Synopsis
Seeing an example can help bring all of this advice together. Here’s a brief, fictional example of what a professional-quality synopsis might look like:
Title: The Clockmaker’s Apprentice
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Word Count: 95,000
Apprentice clockmaker Eliza dreams of building timepieces that rival her late father’s work, but when a mysterious patron commissions a clock that runs backward, she uncovers a device that can manipulate time itself. As Eliza experiments, she discovers that altering time carries dangerous consequences: every change she makes unravels the lives of those she loves.
When her patron reveals his plan to rewrite history for personal gain, Eliza must confront him to stop the distortion of time. With the help of her childhood friend Samuel, she navigates betrayal, forbidden inventions, and the shadow of her father’s legacy. In the final confrontation, Eliza destroys the backward clock, restoring the timeline—but at the cost of losing Samuel forever.
Resolved to honor her father’s true legacy, Eliza accepts her loss and dedicates herself to creating clocks that measure not just time, but the value of the moments within it.
This example demonstrates how a synopsis can concisely convey the protagonist, conflict, stakes, climax, and resolution—while staying under two pages.
Writing a Great Book Synopsis
Writing a strong book synopsis can feel daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes much easier. Remember: agents and publishers aren’t expecting perfection—they’re looking for clarity, structure, and a demonstration that you understand your own story!
If you treat the synopsis as a professional snapshot of your book, you’ll not only impress agents but also gain a clearer understanding of your manuscript.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
A synopsis is just one part of your publishing journey. If you’re exploring different publishing options, Atmosphere Press offers packages tailored to every stage of the process.
Find the Perfect Publishing Package for Your Needs!
Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.
