example of synopsis in research

How to Write a Great Synopsis for Thesis

A synopsis is a structured outline of a research thesis and the steps followed to answer the research question. The goal of writing a synopsis is to clearly and thoroughly explain the need to investigate a certain problem using particular practical methods to conduct the study. One of the main components of this written work is an extensive literature review containing strong evidence that the proposed research is feasible.

Establishing the Background

A supervisor may ask you to write a synopsis for one or more reasons:

• to help you improve your critical thinking and writing skills
• to help you understand how to design a comprehensive synopsis
• to encourage you to write a comprehensive literature review to make sure that the research problem has not been answered yet
• to make you conduct a logical analysis of the steps that should be followed to meet the objectives of the research

A synopsis should be coherent in terms of research design. Thus, you should ensure that the research problem, aims, and research methods are logically linked and well-considered. Note that all synopses should contain answers for several crucial questions:

• Why should research on the proposed problem be undertaken?
• What is expected to be achieved?
• What has been done by other researchers on the proposed topic?
• How will the objectives of the study be achieved?

The Writing Process

Before proceeding, consider answering the following questions:

• Why am I going to study this topic?
• Why do I consider it to be important?
• Have I conducted an extensive literature review on the topic?
• What problem will the research help to solve?
• How do I incorporate previous studies on the topic?

The structure of a synopsis should correspond to the structure of qualifying research work, and the word count should be 2,500–3,000 words (Balu 38). The basic elements of a synopsis include a title page, contents page, an introduction, background, literature review, objectives, methods, experiments and results, conclusions, and references.

Introduction

As this comprises the first part of the main text, the introduction should convince readers that the study addresses a relevant topic and that the expected outcomes will provide important insights. Also, this section should include a brief description of the methods that will be used to answer the research question. Usually, the introduction is written in 1–3 paragraphs and answers the following questions:

• What is the topic of the research?
• What is the research problem that needs to be meaningfully understood or investigated?
• Why is the problem important?
• How will the problem be studied?

In this section, you should set the scene and better introduce the research topic by proving its scientific legitimacy and relevance. It is important to establish a clear focus and avoid broad generalizations and vague statements. If necessary, you may explain key concepts or terms. Consider covering the following points in this section:

• Discuss how the research will contribute to the existing scientific knowledge.
• Provide a detailed description of the research problem and purpose of the research.
• Provide a rationale for the study.
• Explain how the research question will be answered.
• Be sure to discuss the methods chosen and anticipated implications of the research.

Literature Review

A review of existing literature is an important part of a synopsis, as it:

• Gives a more detailed look at scientific information related to the topic
• Familiarizes readers with research conducted by others on a similar subject
• Gives insight into the difficulties faced by other researchers
• Helps identify variables for the research based on similar studies
• Helps double-check the feasibility of the research problem.

When writing the literature review, do not simply present a list of methods researchers have used and conclusions they have drawn. It is important to compare and contrast different opinions and be unafraid to criticize some of them. Pay attention to controversial issues and divergent approaches used to address similar problems. You may discuss which arguments are more persuasive and which methods and techniques seem to be more valid and reliable. In this section, you are expected not to summarize but analyze the previous research while remembering to link it to your own purpose.

Identify the objectives of the research based on the literature review. Provide an overall objective related to the scientific contribution of the study to the subject area. Also include a specific objective that can be measured at the end of the research.

When writing this section, consider that the aim of the research is to produce new knowledge regarding the topic chosen. Therefore, the research methodology forms the core of your project, and your goal is to convince readers that the research design and methods chosen will rationally answer the research questions and provide effective tools to interpret the results correctly. It may be appropriate to incorporate some examples from your literature review into the description of the overall research design.

When describing the research methodology, ensure that you specify the approaches and techniques that will be used to answer the research question. In addition, be specific about applying the chosen methods and what you expect to achieve. Keep in mind that the methods section allows readers to evaluate the validity and feasibility of the study. Therefore, be sure to explain your decision to adopt specific methods and procedures. It is also important to discuss the anticipated barriers and limitations of the study and how they will be addressed. Specify what kind of contribution to the existing knowledge on the topic is expected, and discuss any ethical considerations that are relevant to the research.

Experiments and Results

Logically present and analyze the results of the study using tables or figures.

In this section, you should again state the significance of the research and summarize the study. Be sure to mention the study objectives and methods used to answer the research questions. Also, discuss how the results of the study contribute to the current knowledge on the problem.

A synopsis should contain a list of all references used. Make sure the references are formatted according to the chosen citation style and each source presented in this section is mentioned within the body of the synopsis.

The purpose of writing a synopsis is to show a supervisor a clear picture of a proposed project and allow him or her to find any gaps that have not been considered previously. A concisely written synopsis will help you gain approval to proceed with the actual research. While no rigid rules for writing this type of paper have been established, a synopsis should be constructed in a manner to help a supervisor understand the proposed research at first glance.

Balu, R. “Writing a Good Ph.D Research Synopsis.” International Journal of Research in Science and Technology, vol. 5, no. 4, 2015, pp. 38–48.

• How to Write a White Paper Like a Pro
• How to Write a Great Speech
• How to Write a Book Review Like a Pro
• How to Write a Case Brief Like a Pro
• How to Write a Perfect Personal Statement
• How to Write a Memo like a Pro
• How to Write a Response/Reaction Paper Like a Pro
• How to Write a Successful Scholarship Essay

• Current Students
• News & Press
• Exam Technique for In-Person Exams
• Revising for 24 Hour Take Home Exams
• Before the 24 Hour Take Home Exam
• Exam Technique for 24 Hour Take Home Exams
• Structuring a Literature Review
• Writing Coursework under Time Constraints
• Reflective Writing
• Writing a Synopsis
• Structuring a Science Report
• Presentations
• How the University works out your degree award
• Accessing your assignment feedback via Canvas
• Inspera Digital Exams
• Writing Introductions and Conclusions
• Paragraphing
• Reporting Verbs
• Signposting
• Proofreading
• Working with a Proofreader
• Writing Concisely
• The 1-Hour Writing Challenge
• Editing strategies
• Apostrophes
• Semi-colons
• Run-on sentences
• How to Improve your Grammar (native English)
• How to Improve your Grammar (non-native English)
• Independent Learning for Online Study
• Reflective Practice
• Academic Reading
• Strategic Reading Framework
• Note-taking Strategies
• Note-taking in Lectures
• Making Notes from Reading
• Using Evidence to Support your Argument
• Integrating Scholarship
• Managing Time and Motivation
• Dealing with Procrastination
• How to Paraphrase
• Quote or Paraphrase?
• How to Quote
• Referencing
• Responsible and Ethical use of AI
• Acknowledging use of AI
• Numeracy, Maths & Statistics
• Library Search
• Search Techniques
• Keeping up to date
• Evaluating Information
• Managing Information
• Understanding Artificial Intelligence
• Getting started with prompts
• Thinking Critically about AI
• Using Information generated by AI
• SensusAccess
• Develop Your Digital Skills
• Digital Tools to Help You Study

Learn how to prepare and write a synopsis assignment.

• Newcastle University
• Academic Skills Kit
• Assignment Types

A synopsis is a brief summary which gives readers an overview of the main points. In an academic context, this is usually a summary of a text (a journal article, book, report etc) but in some instances you might be writing a synopsis of a talk, film or other form of presentation. A synopsis is a neutral summary, objectively capturing the main points, rather than your own perspective or critique, and it focusses directly on the text you’re summarising rather than being a wider discussion of a topic, as an essay might be.

A synopsis aims to give the reader a full, if brief, account of the whole text so that they can follow its main points without having to read it themselves. It’s not a ‘trailer’ designed to tempt your audience to read the text itself, so you don’t have to worry about ‘hooking’ them in with hints and high points or ‘spoiling the ending’ - give the whole text equal coverage, including the conclusions. You could add some commentary which gives the reader a bit of context about the text, including the authors and circumstances it was written in (for example, if it is part of a debate, particular school of thought or its significance and what impact it’s had).

Writing a good synopsis is a skill, and there are a number of challenges: 

• Separating the main points from the minor detail
• Knowing what to leave out as well as what to include
• Giving a sense of the overall narrative as well as listing the key points
• Covering the whole text within a small word limit
• Knowing how closely to stick to the original, especially in terms of the wording
• Whether to give all key points equal treatment, or cover some more briefly, even combining them
• Rephrasing things concisely without losing the meaning or misrepresenting it
• Not leaving out anything crucial to understanding the whole overall message

A good synopsis will allow the reader to feel as if they’d skimread the whole text themselves, understanding the overall gist and highlighting what they need to know. A poor synopsis will get bogged down in detail, giving a confused account of the whole story by just listing points, miss out major points or give an inaccurate or one-sided account or stick so closely to the original that it becomes plagiarism without demonstrating a real understanding by the person summarising it.  

How to prepare a synopsis

Boiling down the key points and overall narrative of the original means good reading and note-taking skills which aim to identify and boil down key points to their essence. You could try some of the following approaches: 

• Read the whole text, and afterwards, without re-reading, jot down your first initial summary in 50 words to capture its overall point. You can check it back for accuracy or anything you left out, but stick within ca 50 words
• Read the introduction and first line of each paragraph to get a sense of the overall structure and key points within it
• Highlight one sentence in each paragraph that you think is essential detail to understanding that section
• Alternatively, with a marker pen, cross out anything that isn’t essential to an understanding of the whole section or text 
• Jot down only key words as a summary of each point rather than whole sentences
• Read each paragraph and summarise it without looking, in one sentence of your own 
• Consider how many points you can make within your word count, and reduce or combine your list of summarised points down to this number

You could start small, identifying just keywords or sentences at first and then work them up into phrases, bullet points and sentences as a rough plan or draft, or you could start big with the original text and reduce each section, paragraph and sentence summary again and again until you have boiled it down to its essence.  

When you start to prepare your first plan or draft, try to use your notes or memory and step away from the original as much as you can. You can go back and check it afterwards, but you need to create some distance to be able to create your own account and have confidence in the points you have identified as essential.

Writing a synopsis

The main decisions facing you as you write up your summary are about how closely to stick to the original in terms of structure and style, and how much attention to give to each point. 

• You could begin your synopsis with a brief context, explaining who the authors are, the context and significance of their work, as well as anything you think might help the reader to understand the following summary
• The most common structure is to follow that of the original text, to give a sense of its narrative flow as well as the key points within it. You could choose to depart from it a little though, perhaps glossing over some points faster than others, combining two sections which go together or aren’t enough in their own right, possibly even changing the order a little where it helps to combine two similar points. Careful use of signposting language will help the reader clearly follow the structure (and note anywhere you’ve changed it from the original) so they can identify the bit you’re talking about in the original if they want to
• The style will naturally be strongly influenced by the original wording, but you should phrase it in your own words wherever possible. It’s harder to nibble away words from a much longer original than it is to start again and use your own concise phrasing, and you want to demonstrate your own understanding to the reader. You could use the odd original phrase or quotation here or there, but the synopsis needs to be more than a collage of quotations; it’s a thing in its own right rather than a cut-down version of the original
• You can also show your own response to the text in the way you use language to guide the reader to what you feel are the key points and (briefly) why. Your own voice doesn’t need to be very obvious in the synopsis, as it’s about the text rather than your reaction to it, but you have made analytical decisions about what is important, and might want to explain to the reader why these points are significant in understanding the whole
• What is the main purpose of this text? What did it aim to discover, explain or prove?
• Why was this research done? How significant is it?
• How was the research conducted? What kind of research is it?
• What were the three (or four, five) main things I should be aware of from this paper?
• What is their line of argument?
• What is their overall conclusion, recommendation, finding? Why is that important?

Managing word count

The trick to writing a concise synopsis which keeps within your word limit is not to start from the much bigger original text, but from your own boiled down notes. If you’re over the word count, you could start cutting out words that don’t seem essential, but if you go too far, you end up with a text which does not read well and doesn’t hang together. It might be better to remove whole sentences and perhaps whole points, than nibble away at words here and there.

Download this guide as a PDF

Learn how to prepare and write a synopsis assignment. **PDF Download**

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

Download Free PDF

Research synopsis writing

Related papers

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Science Archive, 2019

An abstract is like a movie trailer. People will only consider reading the rest of the manuscript if they find your abstract interesting. It is an outline/brief summary of your paper and your whole project. Keywords: , research, descriptive and informative research.

Langley, BC: Trinity Western University. …, 2002

The abstract serves two major purposes: it helps a person decide whether to read the paper, and it provides the reader with a framework for understanding the paper if they decide to read it. Thus, your abstract should describe the most important aspects of the study within the word-limit provided by the journal. As appropriate for your research, try to include a statement of the problem, the people you studied, the dependent and independent variables, the instruments, the design, major findings, and conclusions. If pressed for space, concentrate on the problem and,

Proceso, prueba y decisión. Un homenaje a Michele Taruffo, 2024

En este trabajo estudio algunos problemas específicos de acceso a la justicia en América Latina, el modo como se ha intentado afrontarlos para luego justificar el por qué la flexibilidad de las reglas procesales es el modo de asegurar el acceso efectivo a la justicia.

The Routledge Companion to Sounding Art, 2016

Burma: The Challenge of Change in a Divided Society, 1997

Venezia e i Mongoli Commercio e diplomazia sulle vie della seta nel medioevo (secoli XIII-XV), 2022

South Asian History and Culture, 2016

International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy

University of Ibadan Press , 2024

N. Almiron, Animal Suffering and Public Relations, Routledge, 2023

Το Αρχαιολογικό Έργο των Εφορειών Αρχαιοτήτων κατά τη χρονική περίοδο 2011-2019, 2022

Antalya Müzesi 100 Yaşında Antalya’nın Arkeolojik Mirası , 2022

Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 2011

Inorganic Chemistry, 2019

International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology, 2012

Case reports in radiology, 2011

Mexican Journal of Biotechnology, 2018

IJSR, Vol (3), No (5), May 2024, 2024

Archives of Public Health, 2021

Suffragium, 2018

Related topics

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

• Privacy Policy

Home » Research Summary – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Research Summary – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

A research summary is a concise overview of a study’s purpose, methods, findings, and conclusions. Writing an effective research summary allows you to distill key insights for an audience, enabling them to quickly understand the core message and significance of the study. This guide provides an in-depth look at the structure of a research summary, examples, and tips for writing one that is clear, informative, and engaging.

Research Summary

A research summary condenses the essential parts of a research paper or study into a brief format, usually ranging from a single paragraph to a page. The goal is to give readers a clear understanding of the study’s objectives, methodology, major findings, and implications. Research summaries are often used in academic papers, grant proposals, and professional reports.

Key Characteristics of a Research Summary :

• Conciseness : Communicates the main points without unnecessary detail.
• Clarity : Presents information in a straightforward and easily understandable manner.
• Structure : Follows a logical flow, typically mirroring the structure of the full research report.

Structure of a Research Summary

A well-structured research summary generally includes the following sections:

The title should reflect the main topic or research question, helping readers quickly understand what the study is about. If applicable, the title should also hint at the methodology or scope of the study.

2. Introduction

The introduction provides context for the research question and explains why the study is important. Briefly summarize the problem or gap in knowledge that the study addresses and state the research objectives or hypotheses.

Example : “This study investigates the impact of social media on adolescent mental health, specifically focusing on self-esteem and anxiety. The research aims to understand how social media usage patterns relate to these psychological outcomes.”

3. Methodology

This section briefly outlines the research design, sample size, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. The goal is to give readers an idea of how the study was conducted.

Example : “The study employed a mixed-methods approach, using an online survey of 500 adolescents and in-depth interviews with 20 participants to gather quantitative and qualitative data on social media habits and mental health.”

The results section summarizes the major findings of the study without going into detailed statistics or data. Focus on the key insights that answer the research question or support the hypotheses.

Example : “The analysis revealed a positive correlation between increased social media use and higher levels of anxiety. Participants who spent more than three hours per day on social media reported lower self-esteem scores compared to those with limited usage.”

5. Conclusion

The conclusion provides a brief interpretation of the results, discussing their implications and potential applications. This section may also suggest areas for further research.

Example : “The findings suggest that prolonged social media exposure may negatively impact adolescent mental health. Future research could explore intervention strategies to promote healthier social media habits.”

6. Keywords (Optional)

Some research summaries include keywords to help readers find relevant studies quickly. Keywords should relate to the study’s main concepts or topics, such as “social media,” “mental health,” “adolescents,” and “self-esteem.”

Example of a Research Summary

Title : Effects of Physical Activity on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Introduction : This study examines the impact of regular physical activity on cognitive function in adults aged 65 and older. With age-related cognitive decline being a major public health concern, understanding the benefits of exercise on brain health could inform preventive strategies.

Methodology : A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 200 participants divided into an exercise group and a control group. The exercise group participated in supervised workouts three times per week, while the control group maintained their usual activities. Cognitive assessments were administered at baseline and after six months.

Results : Participants in the exercise group showed significant improvements in memory and executive function compared to the control group, who exhibited no cognitive gains.

Conclusion : Regular physical activity appears to benefit cognitive function in older adults, potentially delaying age-related cognitive decline. Further research is needed to explore optimal exercise regimens for brain health.

Writing Guide for a Research Summary

Step 1: read the full research report.

To write an accurate summary, read the complete research report or study. Take notes on the main points, including the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions.

Step 2: Identify the Core Message

Distill the study’s core message by identifying the research objectives, key findings, and implications. This will form the foundation of your summary, ensuring that it remains focused and relevant.

Step 3: Use Clear and Concise Language

A research summary should be concise and free from unnecessary jargon. Use simple language to make the study accessible to a broad audience, especially if the summary is intended for readers outside the research field.

Step 4: Follow the Structure

Adopt a clear structure to organize information logically. Begin with an introduction to the research question, briefly describe the methodology, highlight the main findings, and conclude with the study’s implications.

Step 5: Revise for Brevity and Clarity

Revise your draft to remove redundant information and ensure that each sentence adds value. Aim to keep the summary short, ideally within one or two paragraphs for a single-page summary or slightly longer for comprehensive reviews.

Step 6: Include Keywords if Needed

If the summary will be published in an academic or searchable format, add relevant keywords to help readers find the study easily. Select terms that represent the study’s main themes or topics.

Tips for Writing an Effective Research Summary

• Focus on Key Points : Avoid including minor details and focus on summarizing the main findings.
• Avoid Technical Jargon : Use plain language, especially if the summary is for a general audience.
• Use Active Voice : Active voice makes sentences clearer and more direct.
• Keep it Objective : Avoid adding personal opinions or interpretations beyond what is presented in the study.
• Proofread : Check for clarity, grammar, and adherence to the structure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including Too Much Detail : A research summary should only cover the essential points without overwhelming readers.
• Overuse of Technical Terms : Unless intended for a specialist audience, limit technical language to ensure accessibility.
• Neglecting the Structure : Follow the structure to maintain a logical flow of information.
• Personal Interpretations : Stick to summarizing the study’s findings and implications without inserting your own analysis.
• Ignoring the Objective : Keep in mind the purpose of the summary, whether for an academic journal, project proposal, or professional report.

A research summary provides a snapshot of a study’s essential points, helping readers quickly understand the objectives, methods, findings, and implications of the research. By following a structured approach, using clear language, and focusing on the core message, you can write an effective research summary that communicates the study’s contributions. Whether for academic or professional purposes, a well-crafted summary makes research accessible, engaging, and valuable for a wide audience.

• Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The Craft of Research . University of Chicago Press.
• Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills . University of Michigan Press.
• Babbie, E. (2020). The Practice of Social Research . Cengage Learning.
• Neuman, W. L. (2014). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches . Pearson.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

Scope of the Research – Writing Guide and...

Delimitations in Research – Types, Examples and...

Research Process – Steps, Examples and Tips

References in Research – Types, Examples and...

Research Project – Definition, Writing Guide and...

Dissertation vs Thesis – Key Differences

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Forums Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Writing Techniques
• Planning Your Writing

How to Write a Synopsis

Last Updated: July 9, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Richard Perkins . Richard Perkins is a Writing Coach, Academic English Coordinator, and the Founder of PLC Learning Center. With over 24 years of education experience, he gives teachers tools to teach writing to students and works with elementary to university level students to become proficient, confident writers. Richard is a fellow at the National Writing Project. As a teacher leader and consultant at California State University Long Beach's Global Education Project, Mr. Perkins creates and presents teacher workshops that integrate the U.N.'s 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the K-12 curriculum. He holds a BA in Communications and TV from The University of Southern California and an MEd from California State University Dominguez Hills. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 13 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 370,335 times.

A synopsis is an in-depth summary of a written work that describes the content of that work from beginning to end. Unlike a summary, which just gives a general overview of a story, a synopsis contains all of the plot details, including the end. Typically, synopses are submitted to publishers or agents after you have written a novel, screenplay, or other long work. A good synopsis will cover the main conflict and the resolution of the story while describing the emotional development of the main character. It is important to edit your synopsis carefully, as it will usually be included as part of a larger proposal.

Outlining Your Synopsis

• Established authors who have published before may be able to get away with submitting an incomplete book proposal, but most new authors will need a full manuscript.
• You will need to know how the story ends to write the synopsis, as a synopsis will include the resolution of the story.

• Make sure each of your characters is dynamic, rather than flat. They all need to be well-rounded and capable of change. Additionally, each character should impact the story in a significant way.

• If you wrote a screenplay or play, make a list of what happens in each act. You can write, "Rory enters the warehouse, and a shootout ensues."
• If you have a collection of short stories or poetry, identify the main themes of each work. For example, you might state, "This collection explores memory, childhood, and innocence."

• Does your story have an interesting point of view? If so, be sure to mention it. You can say, “This story centers around the last dwarf in the underground kingdom.”
• Does your story have a unique twist? You can mention the twist while still leaving some mystery. For example, you might say, “Jean Paul soon realizes that the murderer may be closer to him than he thinks.”
• Does your story fulfill a certain niche in the market? You might want to demonstrate who might be interested in this story. For example, you can write, “This memoir explores what it means to be a member of the lost generation.”

• Novel synopses are usually between two and twelve pages long.
• Screenplay synopses are usually one page long. Most are no more than 400 words long.

Drafting the Synopsis

• Most film production companies and some book publishers may ask you to capitalize every letter of a character's name. For example, you would write "JENNA" instead of "Jenna."

• For example, you might start the paragraph by saying, “When her plane crashes in the isolated reaches of the Amazon rainforest, Laura realizes that to survive, she must first overcome her inner demons.”
• As you introduce other characters, you should introduce them in relation to the main character. For example, you might write, “Laura is joined by the only other survivor, a mysterious archaeologist named Terry.”

• Don't go into too much detail about subplots and minor actions. You don't want your synopsis to be confusing, so focus on the main story line.
• For example, you might write, "After James beats the river monster, he continues on to find the magic crystal. When he locates the cave, he finds it blocked. He agrees to trade his sword to a goblin in exchange for help."

• You might say, "Jun discovers that Ginny had stolen the diamond. The movie concludes with the police arresting Ginny."

• Don’t include dialogue in your synopsis. Instead, just summarize what the characters said.
• Refer to minor characters by their role, not by their name. Instead of saying, “Lewis, a saxophonist who Joe encounters one night” you might write, “Joe meets a saxophonist.”

• For example, you might write, “Invigorated by her new discovery, Cecilia rushes to contact Horatio, only to be shocked when she learns that he is already dead.”

• Do not use phrases like “in one tear jerking scene” or “in a stunning flashback.” Simply describe the scenes as they happen. If you want to describe emotions you're hoping to convey in your work, focus on how your characters react to certain events, not how you expect the reader to react. For example, "When Claire realizes the truth, she becomes disillusioned."
• Don’t assume what readers will feel. For example, don't say “Readers will gasp as they discover what Lord Melvin has in store for Lady Betty.” Instead, you might write, “As Lady Betty travels through the castle, she slowly realizes Lord Melvin’s intentions.”

Editing Your Synopsis

• If you don't have guidelines, you should include your name and the title of your work at the top of every page.
• Always use one-inch margins when submitting work for publication.

• Try reading your entire synopsis out loud to catch any mistakes.
• You can hire a copyeditor to proofread it for you.

• For example, one publishing house may require you to cut down your synopsis to one page. In this case, focus on just the main conflict. Another may ask for four pages. In this one, you can go into more detail.
• If you do not tailor your synopsis to a publisher, they may not read your submission.

• A query letter should contain a short summary of your work, a brief paragraph explaining your credentials, and a reason why the agent should accept your submission.
• A sample may include one or two chapters, one act of a screenplay, or one short story out of a collection. In most cases, it will be the first scene or chapter.

Put time and effort into pitch materials. "Above all, a query letter is a sales pitch and it is the single most important page an unpublished writer will ever write. It's the first impression and will either open the door or close it. It's that important, so don't mess it up. Mine took 17 drafts and two weeks to write."

Sample Synopses

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.spreadtheword.org.uk/a-pocket-guide-to-writing-a-synopsis/
• ↑ Richard Perkins. Writing Coach. Expert Interview. 1 September 2021.
• ↑ https://www.ncl.ac.uk/academic-skills-kit/assessment/assignment-types/writing-a-synopsis/
• ↑ https://examples.yourdictionary.com/synopsis-examples.html
• ↑ https://careertrend.com/how-2079740-format-synopsis.html
• ↑ https://research.ewu.edu/writers_center_revising_paper
• ↑ https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-less-obvious-elements-of-an-effective-book-proposal/
• ↑ https://mitpress.mit.edu/submitting-book-proposal/

About This Article

To write a synopsis, start by creating an outline that includes main characters and plot points so that you can cover the narrative arc of the story. Then, in the first paragraph of your synopsis, introduce your main characters and a general summary of the entire plot, like the conflict the main character must overcome. Next, summarize the main events, like obstacles the character faced and how they overcame them, and be sure to write your synopsis in the third person. Finally, leave the reader with a resolution of the story so they know how it ends. To learn how to edit your synopsis using general guidelines, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Alicia Williamson

Apr 20, 2017

Did this article help you?

Nancy Visco

Dec 13, 2017

Elena Starr

Feb 6, 2020

Jun 8, 2023

Aug 4, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter