We will state straight off the top, this is not a guaranteed method but it doesn't hurt either. Unless your publisher specifically tells you NOT to do it. But really, anything that gives them insight into your work is not likely to be refused.
What are we talking about? Well, much like when you send out your resume you need to have a cover letter. This cover letter gives a general and slightly less formal overview of what your resume has in it as well as letting you expand on your goals for the short and long term.
In the world of writing it's called a Synopsis. A synopsis is, according to Merriam-Webster: a short description of the most important information about something; a summary or outline. In other words, it's basically a condensed version of your book. And no more than one page unless they specifically ask for more. But, like a cover letter, you do not want to be long winded. You wrote the book, you should be able to summarize it onto one page without too much stress and pain.
Our best advice is to think of your book, start to finish and remember all the high points and key details that make it amazing. Which, if you've been doing up your lists and such, you should have all that info right at your fingertips. Next start to write. Don't panic if you are suddenly on page two, you will be going back to whittle it down more. Write out the start, who your characters are very briefly, your pivotal moment and any conflicts. Write about the push and pull of the characters and what they must overcome and always end with a hint as to what the book tells. In other words, is it a HEA (Happy Ever After).
Now you have it down on paper, all two to who knows how many pages. You need to get it down to one. That is 1, uno, singular. Yes, scary, daunting, you're freaking out - take a deep breath. Read through it. Did you go off on a tangent about a section of the book that you're excited about? Why? You don't need to. You just want to point out this exciting point not tell them it in detail. Thin it the hell out. Did you put in descriptions of places and people? Why? Get rid of that stuff - they'll be reading it when they go through the manuscript. Did you get wordy because you were fighting to remember a single term? Not good, sit back and try to remember the word or, if you're stuck, ask a friend. It's not just for game shows you know, you can call up a friend who knows you're an author and say... "I'm trying to think of a word that describes this and this and oh! this too." And there's no time limit. Talk to them, bat the idea around, maybe you don't really need to have it in there in the first place.
Now that you've weeded this down you should be closer to a single page. If you still don't know what else to cut and are over the limit, send it to your friend and have them read it. Nothing else, just that synopsis. We will bet you good money that friend will a) come back with questions or; b) have some serious suggestions to thin it out for you.
There you go folks, our two cents of the evening. Hope you're having a good night and we'll chat again soon.
The Moderator
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