With my query process over… yes, I said it over. Well, okay… maybe it’s not OVER over, but it’s over as far as writing goes. It has the stamp of approval from a industry rep, now I just have to send it out. So, really it’s just beginning of the process, but… ahhh it’s over. Let’s just go with it…
With my query process over, now I have to focus my attention on my synopsis. At first when I went through, chapter by chapter, I thought “Holy muffins, this is going to be daunting.” Then I opened the synopsis and thought, “Wow, this might actually be fun! You know revisiting my friends in Mandor.” Now that I am on page 7 of 22… I am saying, “Holy muffins…” again.
*headdesk*
When I mentioned I was writing my synopsis on twitter, I had a fellow aspiring author ask me the difference between a synopsis and a query.
Do you know? My answer: The kitchen sink.
Explain: While a query is suppose to be similar to the back of a book, the pitch, the teaser… the synopsis needs to include all the little nuggets which include but is not limited to, the kitchen sink. But really only if the kitchen sink is important to the story… but in some, it could. Because maybe it’s the phantom sink or something. Go with it.
The perfect query should take the reader by the collar, shake them around and make them desire to read your book.
The perfect synopsis should show you why you snatched the collar, how you will shake them around and give you all the nuggets so you won’t have to read the book, the synopsis will do.
See the difference?
The length of a query should be no longer then 200-400 words… MAX! That is including your signature line and everything… and even at 400 words you are pushing the TOO LONG envelope. More like 200-300 is ideal. Just keep it in one page
The length of a synopsis needs to be around 3-5,000 words or 4-6 pages… double spaced. Which is why I referred to the kitchen sink.
There is vast difference between the two.
Do you need a synopsis? It can’t hurt to have one handy for conferences and when an agent asks. Because about half will ask and if you don’t have it ready when you query, you could be in for a couple all nighters as you write it. Just saying…
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2 Responses
You’re right. I’ll never forget the day I learned that in Synopses you’re supposed to give away the plot twists and secrets and the ending… At the time it seemed SO counterintuitive! But of course it makes a ton of sense when you think about it!
Great post! Good luck with the rest of your query journey