Congratulations on finishing your manuscript and cover letter. But wait, the guidelines require a synopsis of your nonfiction. So how do you go about it? Should you summarize chapter by chapter?

For now, we do not need to define a synopsis. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran pen wielder, you know that a synopsis is a summary of your written work. Publishers require a synopsis along with your cover letter and the actual MS, especially for newbies.

The newbie might ask, “Why would the publisher need a summary when I have already enclosed the complete MS?” Well, editors and publishers are overwhelmed by the volume of their tasks, giving them little time to read works from unknown authors. Think of your synopsis as the key that will open the gates of interest to editors and publishers. A good synopsis will tell them if your full MS is worth reading and publishing.

How do you write a good synopsis? Follow these simple steps:

1) First, write the title of your work, then your name.

2) Put SYNOPSIS in the middle of the page. For example:

AARDVARK BLUES

By Cassidy Simms

SYNOPSIS

3) Now, this is an exercise in brevity. If you cannot summarize your work, then it means you have no idea what your book is all about. Make sure to skip any unnecessary information.

Let us suppose you have written a book on the ecology and behavior of aardvarks. You can start your synopsis with:

 “This proposed book is aimed at zoologists, animal lovers, and conservationists, as it provides a close view on the . . .”

(State your book’s target market and what it is about.)

4) Then add a new paragraph:

 “This book fills a much-needed gap in the market because most nature publishers . . .”

 (Make a rationale on why your book has an audience. Persuade your publisher, for example, that animal conservation will always find an audience and that your book is worth the investment.)

5) Then talk about your outline. You could write:

 “The book contains 20 chapters on subspecies and habitats . . .”

or

“The introductory chapter would deal with the . . . followed by a chapter on . . .’

“The book begins with the aardvarks’ evolutionary history followed by chapters on . . .”

6) Finally, you can end your synopsis with:

 “Chapters on how aardvarks are portrayed in mythology and popular culture have been considered, as well as . . .”

Note that your synopsis serves as a marketing proposal, especially in nonfiction. This is why it is important that you talk briefly about the contents.

Convince the publisher that your book has a fresh, unique approach on a specific topic even if previous literature on aardvarks has been published.

Make it brief. Make it no less than 1000 words or less depending on the guidelines you are following.

At the end of your synopsis, put your name, address, contact numbers, and e-mail.

In the case of fiction, most publishers require the synopsis of the story written on one page. State the plot and the main protagonists without giving away the spoilers. Publishers only want to know what the story is all about. If your synopsis has whetted their appetite, they will read your full MS.

Finally, prepare to wait for a long period. Most publishers will get back to you after six or twelve months. You do not have to go paranoid while awaiting the fate of your story. After submitting, start working on a new book.