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Synopsis

• Place contact information and the authors name in the top left corner of the first page, and list the story genre and wordcount, along with the word "synopsis" in the top right corner.
• Use a 1 inch margin on all sides.
• Insert the story title approximately one third of the way down the first page and centre it.
• Start the synopsis summary three to four lines below the title.
• The text throughout the synopsis should be double-spaced, unless otherwise stated by an agent or publisher in the submission guideline.
• Do not number the first page. From the second page onwards, place page numbers in the top right corner on the same line as the header.
• The header on each page after the first, should contain the author's name, the story title and the word synopsis.
• The synopsis text from the second page onwards, should start approximately three lines below the header.
• When a character is mentioned for the first time , capitalize the name.
General Synopsis Rules
There are many different ideas, on how the perfect synopsis of manuscript should be written, following these basic rules should make the process a little easier.
• An ideal synopsis should be approximately 2 - 5 pages long.
• Express it in third person, present tense, regardless of how the story is written.
• The first 3 - 4 paragraphs need to be deliberately engaging, this should compel the reader to read on.
• Try to portray the tone of the story into the text, if the story is dark, then so should the synopsis.
• Introduce the main character first.
• Only include the main character and central characters, leave out any others.
• Include character motivations, and important factors to do with the main and/or central characters.
• Highlight the main plot points, but leave out subplots unless they are directly linked to the main plot.
• Leave out rhetorical questions.
• Use of dialogue should be kept to a minimum, do not inject long sections of dialogue into a synopsis.
• Always reveal the ending.

A book synopsis is simply a very short description of the main theme of a nonfiction work. The synopsis deals with the novel’s central characters, their conflicts and their relationships. However, it does not get into any subplots unless they directly affect the central plot.
The book synopsis is typically used by editors to determine if they want to work with a new (or seasoned) author. Though editors (and agents) will probably read a sample chapter or two of a novel first, they’ll then want to skim the synopsis to get a feel for the whole work.
Note: If you’re having difficulty visualizing this definition of a synopsis, consider that the synopsis is acting in lieu of a book jacket or marketing device. Consequently, your synopsis should be action-oriented, written in the present tense and interesting enough to cause someone to say to him- or herself, “I have to read this book!”