The difference between a synopsis and an outline.
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The industry jargon used by writing and publishing professionals can become confusing to aspiring authors who are trying to make it in a competitive world. One of the areas where beginning writers often become confused is the difference between an outline and a synopsis.
Unfortunately, many writers use the terms "outline" and "synopsis" interchangeably, which is not correct. The two words are very different and are used to describe two very different documents. But how do you know the difference between the two? And how can you guess which an editor or agent wants?
The Outline
An outline is an exhaustive summary of an entire manuscript, usually taking the organization one chapter at a time. For each chapter, the author writes down everything that happens, using numbered or bulleted list. The outline includes the point of view, the action that takes place and the organization of each chapter.
In the past, many literary agents and editors have requested outlines with query letters and synopses, though this isn't really the case anymore. Most literary professionals do not need to see outlines for fiction books because the synopsis is far easier to read.
Non-fiction markets sometimes request outlines because it gives a step-by-step summary of everything the book will contain. Usually, an outline is submitted with the book proposal for a non-fiction book, but you should make sure that the agent or editor actually wants to see it before you spend time writing it.
The Synopsis
Unlike the outline, a synopsis is a brief encapsulation of a novel or book written in paragraph form. It doesn't have the numbered or bulleted list and it isn't broken down by scenes or chapters. Most synopses are one or two pages long at most and give the reader a basic idea for what the book is about.
These days, most literary agents and editors request a one- or two-page synopsis along with a query letter or book proposal. Not only does the synopsis tell them what the book is about (and whether it's marketable) but it also gives them an idea for your writing style and skill.
Unfortunately, many writers use the terms "outline" and "synopsis" interchangeably, which is not correct. The two words are very different and are used to describe two very different documents. But how do you know the difference between the two? And how can you guess which an editor or agent wants?
The Outline
An outline is an exhaustive summary of an entire manuscript, usually taking the organization one chapter at a time. For each chapter, the author writes down everything that happens, using numbered or bulleted list. The outline includes the point of view, the action that takes place and the organization of each chapter.
In the past, many literary agents and editors have requested outlines with query letters and synopses, though this isn't really the case anymore. Most literary professionals do not need to see outlines for fiction books because the synopsis is far easier to read.
Non-fiction markets sometimes request outlines because it gives a step-by-step summary of everything the book will contain. Usually, an outline is submitted with the book proposal for a non-fiction book, but you should make sure that the agent or editor actually wants to see it before you spend time writing it.
The Synopsis
Unlike the outline, a synopsis is a brief encapsulation of a novel or book written in paragraph form. It doesn't have the numbered or bulleted list and it isn't broken down by scenes or chapters. Most synopses are one or two pages long at most and give the reader a basic idea for what the book is about.
These days, most literary agents and editors request a one- or two-page synopsis along with a query letter or book proposal. Not only does the synopsis tell them what the book is about (and whether it's marketable) but it also gives them an idea for your writing style and skill.
Comments
Thanks for the comment, Robert, and no, they actually want an outline. What they are looking for is a scene-by-scene explanation of what happens in the script. Which characters do what and where? The outline should be written in chronological order with brief phrasing. Each chapter should start a new level of the outline.
robert taylor
(Guest)
(Guest)
12/30/2008
Some publishers or agents request an outline along with the manuscript for consideration. Are they confusing an outline with a synopsis?
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