Should a one page novel synopsis be double-spaced?
December 30th, 2009
Should a one page novel synopsis be double-spaced? It’s already extremely difficult for me, as a novice, to squeeze so much information into one page.
I’ve ready conflicting reports on this during my Internet search for more information!
Thanks in advance!
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My mother is a writer and though I have no direct experience as far as I know every synopsis shes ever sent out has been double spaced. If you’ve read conflicting opinions then probably either one will be okay. I don’t think that its spacing will be that big of a deal except for maybe first impression, in which case i think double space is more attractive anyway. Anyways my mother’s are double spaced!
Also remember that the shorter the synopsis the more likely the reader is to accept the challenge of looking into the book. Its just natural that people are more willing with shorter things, so if you can manage to fit it on one page, I would!
yes!! I found that on how to write a synopsis…
If you are struggling to squeeze a synopsis onto one page then there is too much detail in it. Take a red pen to your synopsis and simply cut out everything which isn’t essential. It doesn’t have to detail every plot twist – it just needs to outline the plot.
Erica, I never double-space synopses. The reason behind double spacing is to allow room for editorial revision. The synopsis will never be edited, only read.
For the same reason, its font should be readable but need not be monospaced. Although of course I submit manuscripts in whatever font and size the potential buyer requests, my query, cover letter, synopsis, bio, or whatever else I send is in a standard business font, usually Times New Roman.