Purpose of a Synopsis.
Elements of a Good Synopsis.
Fiction and Nonfiction Synopsis.
Fiction
refers to literature created from one’s imagination. Nonfiction refers to
literature based in fact and is the broadest category of literature. Therefore,
to achieve maximum efficiency, we shall look at the different ways to write
both of these types of synopses.
How to write a Fiction Synopsis.
How to write a Nonfiction Synopsis.
Here is a simple guide to writing a Nonfiction Synopsis:
Think about your book objectively: As the writer, you should think about how the book make you feel when you read it, how you felt while you were writing it, what inspired you to write it, if it were written by another person what would you have to say about it? Look at it from different points of view. Take positive criticism from close family and friends who have already read the book and apply that into writing the synopsis. Also, it might help to think about the impact it had in your personal life.
Take a cue from the tone of your book: Your synopsis should reflect the tone used in the book whether sad, angry, nostalgic, happy, and so on. If your book is sad, the synopsis should have a sad tone, make the reader feel your sadness. If it is happy, the synopsis should make the reader smile. If it’s funny, it should make the reader laugh. Generate real emotion to attract your audience.
Start with a one paragraph description: Your introduction should capture the essence of the book. You should explain the question or problem that is addressed by your book and why the book is essential reading for your audience.
Give your summary a beginning, a middle, and an end: A great synopsis should not be mixed up. It should have an introduction, body and conclusion that captures all that is needed to give the reader a clear idea of what is in the book.
Read book reviews for inspiration: Seek inspiration from other books written by other authors in order to understand the assignment at hand.
In conclusion, whether fiction or nonfiction, a synopsis should be clear, brief and not entail the whole book but the idea of it. It should be capturing to attract a larger audience.