Anyhow, back on topic :) I've been working on pulling together the rest of Surrender the Sky (Sary book #3) things ready for handing it off to my editor, which includes attempting to come up with a workable mini synopsis--you know the thing that goes on the back of the book. This is one of those things that I pretty much suck at. I love reading a good one though, and they're probably the biggest selling point for me. For obvious reasons, they're super important. But, holy guacamole, are they hard to write!
So, what makes a good synopsis? Some of the things that I particularly like are:
-Gets across the tone of the book. If the book is funny/sad/thoughtful I like that to shine through.
-Captures my attention from the get-go and makes me beg for more. As in, I have to read this book now!
Now, I know there are a trillion other things that make a synopsis a good one, and I'd love to hear what you think: what makes you go, "hey, that was a really good"?
And, just for jollies, here's my current copy for Surrender the Sky. Thoughts or revisions are always welcome :)
Gabby
lives by two unbreakable rules: don’t expose her kind, the Sary, and don’t fall
in love. Too bad some rules are made to be broken.
When
Gabby’s most difficult charge accidently shoots her in front of a class full of
students, the event exposes her carefully hidden identity. She shifts
from looking like a normal teen to her secret Sary form, revealing her wings
and the existence of her kind—immortals who try to keep people from committing
suicide. Her incident attracts the attention of the next leader of the
Sary, Jassen, who offers her an impossible bargain: she can keep her wings if
she makes amends with those who know the truth. Things get more complicated
when a rebel Sary, intent on exposing the Sary to the world, starts interfering
with Gabby’s work. And there’s no denying her attraction to Jassen, who is torn
between his duties and his heart. With threats at every turn, and her
immortality on the line, Gabby has to find a way to save the Sary or surrender
the sky forever.
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| Because I think this is awesome looking :) http://www.deviantart.com/art/Angel-eye-82846026 |
I'm horrible with synopsis'. It sounds great, and you seem to know what makes up a good one.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I can only say what I like at least :)
DeleteI agree with you about the things that make up a good synopsis. I can't think of anything to add to the list.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any advice for your about the synopsis- but it did make me want to read the next book! I wanted to read it already, but now that I know more about it I can't wait! :) Sounds VERY interesting.
Yay! Thank you! I can't wait for this one to release :)
DeleteSounds like one heck of a synopsis to me, Meradeth! Wow! Powerful stuff.
ReplyDeleteMy only suggestion would be to start with the line, "When Gabby’s most difficult charge accidently shoots her..." That grabbed me right off the bat even if I wasn't familiar with the term Sary, etc.
P.S. I remember that back to school feeling in the pit of my stomach, too.
Thanks for the super helpful input, Faith!! Glad you liked it :)
DeleteLove the synopsis! Can't wait for this to come out so I can read it. Oh, and up this week on my reading list are CoF and CLM :-) Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteoooh! Yay! Hope you enjoy them!!
DeleteOMG!! Ok, I WANT THIS ONE!!! sorry I didn't mean to shout..lol but the third books sounds awesome.
ReplyDeleteAbout Synopsis. I'm so bad at writing them. I've been searching on the web, but somehow when it Comes to writing them, I get lost somewhere along the way . :( I love yours, Mer!
I don't think you're bad at writing synopses at all! I almost used yours from RN as an example of doing it "right"! :)
DeleteI also like a synopsis to tell me what the overall genre and theme of the book is. I like it to be clear and concise, if it confuses me a little bit, I'll instantly put it down. You're not the only one who's fickle!
ReplyDeleteI've got the back to school feeling as well!
Can't comment on the synopsis apart that it did draw me in with the external conflict and the hint at love.
~Tilly @ Hardcore Heroines
I definitely like a synopsis with a clear and concise message--confusion is the kiss of death! :)
DeleteGreat synopsis. It's not easy to write one. I struggled all week with one.
ReplyDeleteI spent the better part of the week on this one--totally not easy!
DeleteGreat work, my friend!!! <3
ReplyDeleteThanks to your help!!!:)
DeleteAlways! <3
DeleteGreat synopsis Mer. And I love the title and how it fits!
ReplyDeleteThanks!! :)
DeleteWriting any kind of synopsis is difficult, I think! I like things are relatively short - just enough to give you a general idea and make you interested.
ReplyDeleteShort, and still detailed enough, is definitely better--and so hard to make perfect!
DeleteSounds great to me. I write back cover blurbs for books I edit and believe me it is hard. I have to make sure it hooks readers in.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could do that for a living :) It's way too much work, lol!
DeleteI have to totally agree with you--a short synposis is a winner. Of course, short isn't always easy ;)
ReplyDeletelol, totally and completely not easy! :)
DeleteGreat synopsis, Meradeth. It conveys the tone and draws in the reader. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteA synopsis can be a royal pain. Yours seems to work.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm glad it does because writing was just what you said :)
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