Welcome to our new 'How To Write' series, where each month we will be sharing handy tips and tricks on all aspects of writing! This month we take a look at writing a synopsis.

You’ve written your manuscript – now what? All too often overlooked, your synopsis is perhaps the most vital tool you have at your disposal when trying to get your work published. Here are our top tips to ensure yours stands out!

1) Start with a hook. The aim is to grab your reader’s attention from the first sentence. It is important to set the mood and tone of your story – make use of adjectives.

2) Keep it concise. Not only do editors have limited time, attempting to condense your story into a single page (or two, max) will highlight any gaping holes in your plot. In the same vein, make every word count. Go through what you’ve written and ask yourself ‘is this necessary?’ – omit everything that is not pertinent to your story.

3) Write the synopsis in the present tense, even if your book is not. Doing so conveys a sense of immediacy and relevance to your story, and is far more engaging for your reader.

4) The narrative arc is important here – you must include the major conflict, and resolution, of your story. Don’t fret about ‘spoilers’ – the editors need to know how your book ends! Your synopsis is not the place for cliff-hangers.

5) Get inspired! Read through the blurbs of your favourite books to get a feel for how it’s done. You can even consider movies. How does the synopsis grab your attention? Remember, despite its short length, your synopsis is just as important as your novel.

First time authors can often be surprised by how much they struggle when it comes to writing theirs. The most important thing is not to rush. Give your synopsis the care and attention it deserves! For more information about submitting your work to Austin Macauley, please see our submission guidelines.