Most writers find writing a 500-word synopsis almost as daunting as producing an 80,000-word manuscript. But there’s 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.

Drawing on examples of synopses of various lengths from published authors, this full-day workshop looks at the necessary ingredients of a synopsis and considers how best to cook up a great result. By the end of the day, participants will each have a strong draft synopsis.

‘Laurel’s synopsis writing course played a huge part in getting a publisher for my book. She helped me to hone my theme and the focus of the book, and that was when I came up with the title.’

– Therese Spruhan, author of The Memory Pool.

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Expected Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1. Understand the difference between a pitch and a synopsis, and the relationship between them;
2. Understand what is required in a synopsis; and
3. Have completed a strong draft of a synopsis by the end of the workshop.

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Participant Requirements

Please bring the latest draft synopsis of your current work-in-progress, if you have one.