Hello all, once again I am turning to my friends at boomers to find an answer.


I contacted an agent and gave a brief overview in my e-mail about my book project and asked if she was taking on new clients, etc.

In response she asked me to send a synopsis. Not a full blown query, not the first 3 chapters--a synopsis. Anyone have a clue what she is looking for?

should I send a full blown query PLUS first 3 chapters????

would appreciate any insite available.

Only send what the agent asked for and nothing more.

You can write a one page or half page synopsis but find a guideline on the Internet that can direct you so you'll do it the best possible way. If I had a link I'd post it for you but I'm sure the gals here will have one. This is great news. You should be excited! Good luck.

I wrote an article on how to write a Synopsis.

Here it is. I hope it helps.
http://www.vickimtaylor.com/Overcoming%20the%20Fear%20of%20Writing%20a%20Synopsis.htm

Starting Over, How exciting.

The reason agents and publishers request a synopsis is that it proves your ability to structure your writing. They request a sample chapter because that shows the rhythm and beauty of your words. Both the structure and the rhythm are important to the readers of both fiction and non fiction.

It is important to reveal elements of a story in a pattern of increasing action in order to maintain the interest of the reader. Even non-fiction is structured around the standard story arc format.

The synopsis, by being short also proves your frugality with words. Here's what some folks say works for them.

Just sit down and write without editing at all then sleep on it. Go back the next day to edit it to a story strucure. Sleep on it again and go back to cut every possible adverb and adjective. Have someone else edit it one more time for errors and send it out.

I'll say a prayer for success.
smile

Thanks all, I knew I could count on you for help! What would I do without you?!

http://www.vickimtaylor.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=10

this link takes you to a list of articles about the synopsis.

Good luck Starting Over.

Best of success to you! Let us know how it goes.

Good luck starting over! Thanks for posting that Vicki. I have it bookmarked!
chick

I bookmarked it to Vicki, thanks
And best of luck to Starting over!