by Evan Yeong
Let me get right to the point: if you want to submit a manuscript to Harlequin it has to be accompanied by a synopsis. This brief summary will help give the editors a better sense of your ability to craft a narrative, create and resolve tension, and pace out emotional beats. At least, it will if properly written.
For today’s (short) blog post I wanted to take the fantastic advice provided by Harlequin Special Edition editor Susan Litman in two previous posts and boil it down for your easy consumption, like a concentrated nutritious soup.
To start things off with something she didn’t share, remember that each Harlequin Submittable page includes the expected synopsis length. At the time of this writing there are thirteen different series to submit to, and twelve of them ask for a 3-5 page synopsis. (Heartwarming extends the maximum to seven pages.)
To return to the succinct spirit of this post, here’s Susan’s advice in bullet form:
- We’re looking for an outline – Susan compared a long synopsis to a detailed portrait, but that’s not an option. With your shorter page count it’s up to you to create a quick sketch of your work, just enough broad strokes to create a decent picture.
- When in doubt, leave it out – When adding details, ask yourself how important they are to the story. It’s easy to leave out the colour of a car, but consider characters as well. If a kindly shopkeeper doesn’t affect the romance they’re probably not worth mentioning.
- Your book is where you flesh everything out – Writing a synopsis is an exercise in moderation. Your story means a great deal to you, and every little piece feels essential, but you need to remember that if your synopsis fails to grab the editor they won’t take a chance on the full manuscript.
- This is a road map – Consider a road trip, or even your own commute. When relaying that to someone you would never start with “leave home” and then immediately end at “then I arrived.” Any time the plot impacts the romance at its core should be mentioned, like a rest stop or a transferring rides on public transit.
And at just shy of 400 words, that is that! Do you have any tips on penning the perfect synopsis? It’s a difficult skill to master, but if you’ve nailed it please share it in the comments! (No word limit required)
4 replies on “The Short and Sweet on Writing a Synopsis”
Thank you, Evan! It always helps to learn new ways or better ways. 🙂
Don’t get so caught up in being professional that you come across as stiff! You can be professional and still be yourself. HOW a synopsis is written can convey a lot about the tone of the book and the scope of the characters, so don’t forget to have fun with it, too.
Hello Ms/Mrs. Hawthorne. Let me begin by saying I like and appreciate the way Harlequin extends itself to new writers with its helpful hints and requirements. Although I am a published author, I do appreciate the help as I am a good, to a great writer (I think) I have some mental maladies I acquired while in the Gulf War that inhibits my mental chalkboard and my abilities to retain a clear cognitive thought. That being said I have never written a query nor a synopsis and would like to learn what it takes to do so effectively.
Many thanks for the great advice on how to write both a query letter and a synopsis. Both of which I have found most helpful.
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!