What is a Synopsis? 2 Detailed Examples + Writing Your Own

Terminology in the writing world can get confusing when certain words mean almost the same thing. It’s likely why you’re asking, what is a synopsis?

If you want to market your book or even get it traditionally published (among other needs), you’ll need to know what a synopsis is specifically. Because it’s different from a summary. And it’s also not the same as a book description or back-of-the-book blurb.

Let’s get into it, with a few examples to help solidify the knowledge.

What is a synopsis?

A synopsis is a concise summary of a story’s key elements, including the main plot, characters, and themes but with a specific structure and function. Its purpose is to give readers, agents, or publishers a quick but complete understanding of your story’s structure and core appeal.

Specifically, a synopsis will contain information and lingo about the overall elements, including phrasing the lay-person wouldn’t necessarily understand.

Key characteristics of a synopsis include:

• Length: Typically a few hundred words (500 is a standard amount).
• Focus: Highlights the main plot points and character arcs without unnecessary details.
• Tone: Written in third-person, present tense, even if your story is written in a different tense or perspective.

A synopsis isn’t just about summarizing events; it’s about showcasing the emotional journey of your characters and the stakes driving the story forward. Plus, yes, your synopsis can and will have spoilers, plot twists, and the outcome of the story.

Example of a synopsis

A synopsis isn’t always needed, but you do want to understand what a full-scope one looks like.

Make sure to take note of how many details are included in each, down to the very theme of the story as well as spoilers you would never want to have in a book blurb or book description (more on this later).

1. Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone

Harry Potter is a seemingly ordinary boy who lives with his cruel Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and bullying cousin Dudley. Resigned to a life of neglect, Harry is shocked to discover, on his eleventh birthday, that he is actually a wizard. Hagrid, a towering figure and Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, delivers the news along with an invitation to attend the prestigious magical school. Hagrid also reveals that Harry’s parents were killed by the dark wizard Voldemort, who mysteriously vanished when his attempt to kill baby Harry backfired, leaving Harry with his signature lightning-bolt scar.

Harry enters the wizarding world and quickly learns that he is famous for his survival and Voldemort’s defeat. At Hogwarts, he befriends Ron Weasley, a kind but impoverished boy, and Hermione Granger, a brilliant and studious girl from a non-magical family. The trio encounters Draco Malfoy, a snobbish bully, and becomes wary of Severus Snape, the stern Potions Master who appears to harbor a grudge against Harry.

The school year is filled with wonder and challenges as Harry adjusts to his new life. He excels in Quidditch, a magical sport, earning a place on Gryffindor’s team as a Seeker. However, Harry and his friends uncover a mystery involving a three-headed dog guarding a trapdoor in a restricted area of the castle. They learn that the creature is protecting the Sorcerer’s Stone, a magical object capable of granting immortality, created by the alchemist Nicolas Flamel.

The trio discovers that someone is attempting to steal the Stone, and their suspicions fall on Snape. Determined to stop the theft, they research clues and prepare to confront the danger. Their investigation reveals the Stone is tied to Voldemort, who may be attempting to return to power.

When Hagrid inadvertently reveals how to bypass the dog, Harry, Ron, and Hermione realize they must act. They sneak past the creature and navigate a series of magical challenges guarding the Stone, using their unique skills: Hermione solves a logic puzzle, Ron sacrifices himself in a giant chess game, and Harry advances alone.

In the final chamber, Harry is shocked to find not Snape but Professor Quirrell, the seemingly timid Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Quirrell is serving Voldemort, whose weakened form resides on the back of Quirrell’s head. Voldemort tries to use Harry to retrieve the Stone, but Harry’s touch burns Quirrell, forcing him to release the artifact. The Stone is ultimately destroyed by Professor Dumbledore, preventing Voldemort from gaining immortality.

The school year ends with Gryffindor winning the House Cup, thanks to Harry and his friends’ bravery. Harry returns to the Dursleys for the summer, armed with the knowledge that he belongs to a magical world where he is valued and loved, but aware that Voldemort’s threat is far from over.

This first installment sets the stage for Harry’s journey, introducing themes of friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil.

2. Pride and Prejudice

In Regency-era England, the Bennet family faces an uncertain future. With five daughters and no male heir, Mr. Bennet’s modest estate will pass to a distant relative upon his death, leaving Mrs. Bennet determined to marry her daughters to wealthy gentlemen. The arrival of Charles Bingley, a rich and charming bachelor, at the nearby estate of Netherfield sparks excitement. Bingley immediately takes a liking to Jane Bennet, the eldest and most beautiful daughter, while his aloof and proud friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, makes a less favorable impression.

Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest daughter, quickly perceives Darcy’s haughty demeanor and forms a negative opinion of him, especially after overhearing him dismiss her as “tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt” him. Meanwhile, Jane and Bingley grow close, but their budding romance faces obstacles, including the interference of Bingley’s sisters and Darcy, who views the Bennet family as socially inferior.

Adding to the tension, Mr. Collins, the Bennets’ pompous cousin and heir to the family estate, visits Longbourn with the intent to marry one of the Bennet daughters. After Jane declines, Collins proposes to Elizabeth, who also refuses, shocking her family. Insulted, Collins quickly marries Elizabeth’s friend Charlotte Lucas instead, leaving Elizabeth both dismayed and relieved.

Around this time, Elizabeth meets Mr. Wickham, a charming militia officer who shares a troubled history with Darcy. Wickham claims Darcy wronged him by denying him an inheritance, further solidifying Elizabeth’s low opinion of Darcy.

Elizabeth’s prejudices are challenged when she visits Charlotte and encounters Darcy again at the grand estate of Rosings Park, owned by Darcy’s formidable aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Unexpectedly, Darcy confesses his love for Elizabeth and proposes marriage. However, his proposal is marred by his condescending remarks about her family’s lack of status. Outraged, Elizabeth rejects him, accusing him of sabotaging Jane and Bingley’s relationship and wronging Wickham.

Darcy responds with a heartfelt letter explaining his actions. He reveals that Wickham is a scoundrel who attempted to elope with Darcy’s young sister, Georgiana, for her fortune. Darcy also admits his role in separating Bingley and Jane but explains he believed Jane was indifferent to Bingley. Elizabeth begins to reassess her feelings and realize her judgments may have been unfair.

Back home, scandal strikes when Elizabeth’s youngest sister, Lydia, elopes with Wickham. Darcy discreetly intervenes, paying Wickham to marry Lydia and preserving the Bennet family’s reputation. His actions reveal his true character and deepen Elizabeth’s growing admiration.

Bingley returns to Netherfield, and with Darcy’s encouragement, he resumes his courtship of Jane, leading to their engagement. Soon after, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth again, this time humbly and sincerely. Elizabeth, now fully in love with Darcy, accepts.

The novel concludes with the double wedding of Jane and Elizabeth, symbolizing the triumph of love over pride and prejudice. Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship, rooted in mutual respect and understanding, exemplifies personal growth and the breaking of societal barriers.

What’s the difference between a summary and a synopsis?

Although they seem similar, a summary and a synopsis serve different purposes:

• Summary:
  • Often shorter than a synopsis.
  • Provides an overview of the story without delving into specific details.
  • Used for marketing purposes, like back cover blurbs or descriptions.
  • What you might give to a friend when describing the book as a recommendation.
• Synopsis:
  • More detailed and focused on the plot, character development, and themes.
  • Includes the story’s conclusion, revealing all major twists and resolutions.
  • Primarily used for querying agents or publishers or in other formal scenarios like school.

Think of a summary as a teaser, while a synopsis is a blueprint of your story.

What’s the difference between a book description (& blurb) and a synopsis?

The terms book description, blurb, and synopsis are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different tools in the world of publishing, each serving a unique purpose. It can make it hard to decipher the answer to the questino of what is a synopsis? Especially when compared to the others.

Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

Feature	Blurb/Book Description	Synopsis
Purpose	Attract readers and sell the book	Provide a complete overview of the story
Audience	Readers	Agents, publishers, industry professionals, educators
Content	Teases the story, focusing on appeal and intrigue	Explains the entire plot, including ending and any plot twists
Tone	Exciting, engaging, genre-appropriate	Professional and factual
Length	150-200 words	500 words

Let’s take an example from above, Harry Potter, and I’ll give you the original blurb from the back of the book:

Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He’s never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry’s room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn’t had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that’s been waiting for him…if Harry can survive the encounters.

Now, this is the older, original blurb. What you’d find online, like on Amazon, looks like this:

Turning the envelope over, his hand trembling, Harry saw a purple wax seal bearing a coat of arms; a lion, an eagle, a badger and a snake surrounding a large letter ‘H’.

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry’s eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

You can also see the difference from Pride & Prejudice here:

Few have failed to be charmed by the witty and independent spirit of Elizabeth Bennet in Austen’s beloved classic Pride and Prejudice. When Elizabeth Bennet first meets eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited; he is indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows, Jane Austen shows us the folly of judging by first impressions and superbly evokes the friendships, gossip and snobberies of provincial middle-class life.

Obviously, these versions are ones you can safely share online and even encourage people to buy with. The full synopsis of each above would spoil the story for anyone who hasn’t yet read them.

How to write a synopsis in 7 steps

Writing a synopsis can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into steps makes the process more manageable. Because really, it’s just a structure. And if you know the book (whether it’s yours or one you’ve read), you have all the information you need to write a good one.

Most of the time, you’ll start with a longer draft of a synopsis, and end up cutting it down to a reasonable size.

I do highly recommend writing a synopsis for each book you write, just for yourself! It can provide clarity and direction as you edit.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to write a book synopsis:

1. Understand Your Audience: Determine whether the synopsis is for an agent, publisher, or your own reference. Tailor the tone and content accordingly. If you’re querying, for example, that would require a different structure and format.
2. Draft a Hook: Start with a strong opening sentence that captures the essence of your story. Mention the protagonist, their goal, and the stakes.
   • Example: “In a world where magical creatures coexist with humans, a young orphan must uncover her hidden powers to stop an ancient evil.”
   • Example: “Harry Potter is a seemingly ordinary boy who lives with his cruel Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and bullying cousin Dudley.“
3. Outline the Main Plot Points: Focus on the beginning, middle, and end of your story. Include major turning points and conflicts as well as some detail about the other main characters. Avoid subplots unless they’re crucial to the main story. Note that in the example from Harry Potter above, there is a section that focuses on his achievements in school, as doing so provides context to the impact of later events.
4. Showcase Character Arcs: Highlight how your protagonist grows or changes throughout the story. Mention their motivations, challenges, and ultimate resolution.
   • Example: “…he belongs to a magical world where he is valued and loved, but aware that Voldemort’s threat is far from over.” This specifically speaks to the difference from how he must feel in the opening of the synopsis.
5. Keep It Concise: Use clear and straightforward language. Avoid excessive details or descriptions. Aim for brevity without sacrificing clarity. Using strong verbs and other language can help you achieve this.
6. Include the Ending: Unlike a blurb, a synopsis should reveal how the story concludes. Agents and publishers need to know the full trajectory of your story.
7. Edit and Refine: Review your synopsis for clarity, grammar, and flow. Have others read it to ensure it effectively conveys your story. You don’t have to pinpoint every little detail, but you do want to make sure the essence of the story is fully captured. Preferably, people who have read your book will beta read the synopsis as well.

It might be confusing at first, but by now you’ve got the answer to the question of what is a synopsis. Rarely would an author actually need to write a full synopsis unless they were querying or helping to get an editor on board. Usually, you’ll opt for a book description or blurb.