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Publishing timeline. Why so long?: Editor's Notes #415 April 24, 2024 |
| Hello, Some said, “It might do good;” others said, “No.” —John Bunyan In this issue: 1. Story synopsis 2. Tickled my funny bone 3. Interesting Web site 4. Writing prompt 1. Story synopsis Whether you write stories that are fiction or nonfiction, when you approach a publisher or an agent, include a story synopsis. Even if you choose to self-publish, a synopsis that only you will read can help you notice holes in your narrative or other problems you can fix before going to print. Publishers and agents often post submission guidelines on their Web sites. These guidelines may include specifics for the story synopsis. If those you want to contact have done so, follow their instructions to the letter with regard to both the content and the format. Broadly, the synopsis lays out the plot from start to finish (yes, the ending) and sketches the main character’s desires, problems, and growth. Write the synopsis after you have finished your manuscript. Make a list of plot points using your chapters as a guide. Then condense the list to those points that are most important. Write out those points in paragraph form in the simplest style you can. This is no time for flowery prose. The synopsis is more like a telephone directory or the contact list on your cell phone than it is like a novel. Be sure to include the impact the elements of the plot have on the main character. If you do notice that your story needs more depth or that you have left out something vital, revise the manuscript to correct for the errors and amend the synopsis. Cut, cut, cut. Take out every unnecessary word. Your story synopsis is only one part of your submission package. Other items will showcase your personal voice. The synopsis shows the person reading it your story’s structure and lets the reader know whether it is worth continuing to reading a sample of your story writing. =========== 2. Tickled my funny bone Why do we put suits in garment bags and garments in a suitcase? (With thanks to Sheila W.) =========== 3. Interesting Web site Instead of giving you a link this time, I am giving you a task. Choose a publisher or an agent you might work with in the future and research their submission guidelines including those for a story synopsis. Know for sure you want to self-publish? Do a generic search for "write a synopsis with examples." Check at least three results to get a good idea of what a generic synopsis would look like. =========== 4. Writing prompt Choose a word from this list of words with multiple meanings. Write a piece that plays on the multiple meanings. I would love to see your result. https://word-lists.com/word-lists/100-english-words-with-multiple-meanings/ =========== Join Writer's Helper Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WritersHelperEditor Follow me on Twitter @AudreytheEditor Link on LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/audreyowen (Email me first so I know how you know me.) =========== If you know a writer who would appreciate receiving Editor's Notes, forward this issue. If someone has passed this on to you, you can get your own free subscription by signing up at https://www.writershelper.com/newsletter.html |
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