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Participants in face to face courses must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must comply with any other precautionary measures Writing NSW puts in place.

Most writers find writing a 500 word synopsis almost as daunting as producing an 80,000 word manuscript. But there is no way around it. If you want your work considered by a publisher, agent, commissioning editor, mentoring program or grants body, you need a synopsis. And if you are planning on self-publishing, you still need to be able to encapsulate your story in a way that entices readers. Writing a synopsis is also a valuable developmental tool to help you understand what your story is about and what you are wanting to say.

Drawing on examples of various length synopses from writers whose work has been published, this full-day workshop looks at the necessary ingredients of a synopsis, and works through ways to put the ingredients together to cook up a great result so that participants are well on their way to a strong draft synopsis by the end of the day.

You will have the opportunity to workshop your own synopsis ideas during the day.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ >

Expected learning outcomes

1. Understanding the difference between a pitch and a synopsis and the relationship between them.
2. Understanding what is required in a synopsis.
3. Specific tools and strategies to write a synopsis.
4. A well-worked draft synopsis.

This workshop takes place at Writing NSW in Sydney.

Participant requirements

Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

Please bring pen and paper, or fully charged device. Please bring the latest draft synopsis of your current work-in-progress.

If you have questions about this course and/or COVID-safe guidelines, please contact us.

More from Writing NSW

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