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The Very Dreadful Synopsis
2
Feb
12
Allison Brennan Icon

On Tuesday, I got an email that many writer’s dread.

The copy department wants a synopsis.

This is particularly dire when you, the author, DID actually send in a (very) brief synopsis weeks ago. They want more.

This doesn’t surprise me because I only sent them one long paragraph that I wrote as if it were back cover copy, with a few more details. I know there are formulas that people use, and I can write a log line, and I can put together the premise and backstory very easily, but I have no idea until I’m in my character’s shoes what they are actually going to do.

From this synopsis the copy department will be writing the back cover copy. And while the author (usually) gets to review and edit the cover copy, if there are errors of story they sometimes end up being released. Sure, they’ll be fixed for print, but it can take weeks to have the correct cover copy replicate to all the online sites. Sometimes they never do. Some on-line e-tailers have the never approved, mistakening released cover for KILLING FEAR … or the original cover for THE PREY that was pulled six months before release date because booksellers wanted more movement on the cover.

THE PREY - original cover

THE PREY - Released

KILLING FEAR - Rejected

KILLING FEAR - Released

While the cover issues weren’t really anyone’s fault–the covers needed to be changed for a variety of reasons–back cover copy seems to stay longer in cyberspace and is harder to change. Don’t ask me why!

So I REALLY need to get my synopsis in order because I only have a few dozen very rough pages for STALKED that I know aren’t going to make it past the next two weeks. The deeper I get into the story, the more I realize the opening is all wrong.

I put that aside to work on the synopsis and thinking about where the story was going, or rather, where I THINK the story is going.

To be honest, my rough drafts and my final drafts have little to no resemblance.

In the first draft of THE PREY–the one that Ballantine bought and my editor gave me notes on–FBI Agent Quinn Peterson dies in an explosion near the end of the book. After reading the notes, I resurrected him. Good thing, because he ended up being the hero of THE HUNT. And while the first 300 pages didn’t drastically change in that first book, the last 150 pages were totally rewritten. The ending was completely different.

SILENCED 4.24.12

SILENCED will be my 18th book. Instead of the ending changing–that, more or less, stayed the same–the first half of the book was drastically rewritten. The premise changed (somewhat.) In my editorial letter, my editor wisely pointed out that the story started in the wrong place. I kept referring back to a pivotal event that had happened one week before. Why not write that scene?

I did. It’s now chapter two.

That’s why I was terrified about writing the synopsis for STALKED. I know my first 100 pages are going to be rewritten. They may even be completely deleted. I’ve rewritten the openings of all my books multiple times, both in my drafts and after editorial notes. (I’m sure there’s some deep psychological reason for this, but for me, the first act is just damn hard to write. It takes me twice as long to write the first 150 pages as it does to write the last 300.)

STALKED 10.30.12

But I wrote the expanded synopsis. It went from roughly 250 words to 1300. And when I got to the end, I realized that I had a little problem. While I didn’t know how the story unfolded, I THOUGHT I knew who the killer was.

I don’t. As I thought about the killer as I envisioned him, I “tracked” him down as Lucy would. And I realized … he’s innocent. Yes, the murder has everything–and nothing–to do with him, but he’s not a killer.

In the synopsis, I wrote:

Lucy pulls the files of the people she thinks are most likely to have a connection to this case, and the answer is immediately clear.

I really, really hope that when (if) this scene actually happens, that the answer is clear to Lucy, because I have no effing idea.

The synopsis for STALKED is truly dreadful. But one good thing came out of writing it: excitement. I’m truly excited to find out what happens after Lucy finds the dead body of her favorite instructor at Quantico.

I just ordered a case of LOVE ME TO DEATH to give away at an event. But I’m going to give away FIVE copies here. BETTER, I’m going to let YOU give the copies away. If you comment and win, you get to choose any book from my backlist for YOU, and I’ll also send a friend a copy of Lucy’s first book, LOVE ME TO DEATH–signed, giving you credit for the gift. AND if more than 100 people comment, I’ll give away TEN packages. (Yes, you can see that I’m being very competitive with Rocki and Lori who always get over 100 comments, so just once I’d love to beat them. Hahahaha.)

So let me ask you a question: which is more important, the cover or cover copy? Can you see why I begged to have the KILLING FEAR cover tweaked?

SILENCED is now up for pre-order! Visit my website for all the links, cover copy, and an excerpt.

© 2012, Allison Brennan. All rights reserved.

Allison Brennan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award winning author of seventeen romantic thrillers and several short stories. She lives near Sacramento, California with her husband and five children. Recently, RT Book Reviews called Allison "A master of suspense." And Lee Child said of her Kincaid series launch, "A world-class nail-biter ... Brennan is in the groove with this one." For fun Allison enjoys wine tasting, swimming, kids sports, playing video games, and "of course" reading. Her most recent release is IF I SHOULD DIE, book three in the Lucy Kincaid series. Watch for SILENCED coming on 4.24.12.

68 comments to “The Very Dreadful Synopsis”

  1. 1

    Allison, you are an incredibly talented author and a favorite of mine. I can hardly wait for a new book to be released. I am always one of the first in line. I am also a writer, or trying to be, and I have to say that I feel a little relief to know that I’m not the only one who struggles with the “dreaded synopsis”. I’ve written several books and I think the synopsis was the most difficult of all. At least now I don’t feel like a total idiot. There is camaraderie in misery. Love what you do….always a faithful fan. Emile Horne


    • 1.1

      Hi Emile, thank you so much! And the synopsis is the single worst part of the process. I’m lucky that I don’t have to write one early in the process, but when they need it for writing copy and the sales sheet, I need to buckle down and do it. Sometimes, that coincides when I’m far enough into the book that I can give a summary of what’s already happened, but sometimes, like now, I’m still in the first act, and that is the death knell for me!

      If you’re writing a synopsis to sell, I do have a formula:

      Write your synopsis like the expanded back cover copy of a book, plus add a log-line, essential backstory, and the ending (climax.) It should be 1-2 pages double spaced. Most agents and editors don’t want a long synopsis, 3 pages max. It should SELL your book.

      The meat of the synopsis (cover copy) should essentially be the protagonist(s) and antagonist’s GMC — what they want, why they want it, and why they can’t have it. If you’re writing romantic suspense, the antagonist is the villain. In contemporary romance, it’s often the h/h (they may act both as protagonist and antagonist depending on viewpoint.)

      I write a very good brief synopsis … as long as I don’t have to include an ending!


      • 1.1.1

        Great advice, Allison. Thanks so much for taking the time. Hope to see one of my books next to yours one day.


  2. 2

    I can see why you wanted Killing Fear Tweaked. I also think the change to The Pray cover made a huge difference. Allison I think the Cover and the Cover copy are both important. One more for you as the writer and the other for the reader. I am not a writer so I hope that I am understanding correctly exactly what each one is. (probably not, but I will go on with what I think anyway) lol As a reader what draws me to a book initially is the title and the cover but ultimately the description makes my mind up to read or not to read. If for you as the writer, you can see what changes you want or need to make by making a cover copy, I see them both as important. Love your books and being able to follow you on Facebook. Thanks Allison!


    • 2.1

      Amber, you got it down right! Cover is the overall package, cover copy is the storyline.

      My main problem with KILLING FEAR was that 1) the story took place in February and except for a dead girl on the beach, there was no beach in the book. and 2) the woman looked orgasmic, and this wasn’t a super sexy book–it was rather scary about an escaped death row inmate targeting those who put him in jail.

      I made one suggestion–change the background with an alley. Now the woman could be orgasmic, but she could also be dead. And the alley is far more sinister.

      KILLING FEAR is my #1 selling title. Part of that is the cover. Part of that is that they had a great promotional campaign. And part of it is that they reissued it a year later as a special at Walmart.


  3. 3

    You’re too funny with your competitive streak, Allison! Life is not a track meet, sweetie — and if it is, you’ve already won so many dang events!

    To answer your question: for me, as a reader, the back cover copy is more important than the cover. But it’s been a long time since I was “just” a reader — now I’m a cranky, critical writer and I pick every cover apart.

    PS. Forgot to tell you I saw ORIGINAL SIN (3 copies) in a Walgreens last weekend!! They only carried about 7 titles and that was one of them!


    • 3.1

      Rocki, I thought people might feel sorry for me and just say hi! LOL.

      Funny about OS. CVS never had any of my Lucy books–they’re still stocking CARNAL SIN. Very, very odd.

      I, too, tend to be critical, but I love cover design and I’ve bought books just for the cover. I’m starting a board at Pinterest with covers I love (I only have one now.) I often don’t even pick up a book by a new-to-me author if I don’t like the cover, even if it was recommended to me.


  4. 4

    Terrific post, Allison. I think I would prefer the cover to be “perfect” first and foremost….but then if the back cover copy is bad…BOTH are so important!


  5. 5

    Now that you pointed it out, yeah, I can see why you got the Killing Fear cover tweaked. But I really don’t look that deeply at covers – especially if it’s an author I already know I love (like you). Sorry. It’s like wrapping paper on a Christmas present. Tear that stuff off and get to the goodies inside!

    Just the thought of trying to write a synopsis makes me squirmy, and that’s after I’ve written the book. I can’t imagine trying to write the synopsis for a book I haven’t written yet. :shudder: Good luck with it, Allison.


  6. 6

    If it’s a favorite author, I don’t even read the cover copy. I know I’m going to read their book and too often the cover copy contains the story first twist or revelation and I love surprises!

    With new authors, I’m much more likely to read the cover copy before I decide to buy. Covers don’t sway me too much unless it looks like it’s completely NOT up my alley (i.e. a genre I don’t enjoy).

    Love your new covers Allison!


    • 6.1

      I agree — I don’t care what they put on a JD Robb book, or Nora Roberts big summer romantic suspense, or Tess Gerritsen, or Michael Connelly (I’m not particularly inspired by his covers, but I love, love, love his books. I do love Tess Gerritsen’s covers.)

      I’m very, very happy with my new SMP covers. I think they are very strong and very indicative of content and tone.


  7. 7

    The cover is what gets my attention first so I would say that’s the post important.

    I prefer the final cover for The Prey, but I like both for Killing Fear. I think I prefer “Her last breath…” though.


    • 7.1

      I don’t know why they changed the tag line, Anne — Hmm, I even forgot about it until you mentioned it!

      THE PREY was an interesting thing. The one odd thing is that the book takes place in Malibu, and the Malibu pier is actually on the cover of FEAR NO EVIL! You wouldn’t see that dock in the Pacific Ocean … LOL.


  8. 8

    Ha ha, Allison, you are so competitive but that’s why me loves you :)

    You have great covers, and you never back down until you get what you want.

    The jacket copy is what always pulls me in — or in some cases, makes me shake my head and move on.


    • 8.1

      Well, except for one awful cover that will remain nameless … and I never liked my FBI Trilogy covers, but I lost that battle. I LOVED the No Evil covers, KILLING FEAR & PLAYING DEAD, and the Lucy covers. They were all very strong. But I really LOVE the new Lucy covers.


  9. 9

    Honestly, if it’s a favorite author, I’ll buy the book without paying that much attention to the cover or back copy.

    With an unknown , to me, author, I’ll pay attention to reviews and back copy mostly. However, I bought “The Witches’ Daughter” because of the cover and thank goodness I did. It was great. I bought “A Discovery of Witches” because of the title, and loved it. So it all can work together.

    My first book, “Privy to Murder” had a cover that looked like a romance, not mystery, but the re-release will have a much more mysterious look, can’t wait.


    • 9.1

      The whole package IS important. Congrats on getting a better cover for your re-release! Sometimes publishers put a cover on that thinks will sell–because they do want to sell books–but they don’t quite hit the intended audience.


  10. 10

    Hi Allison,

    I do not want you to feel stalked (no pun intended on the new book, hehehe) by me, as I follow you everywhere on cyber space, but I first and foremost I have to say that you are an unbelievably talented writer. The amount of details and imagination that you put into your work is astonishing, and your back cover of “The Prey” WAS the reason why I picked up the book, and couldn’t put it down until I finished it!

    And from that, to answer your question… For me as a reader, the back cover is more important that the cover. Reason being is, even though the first thing that I see when I browse the shelves of a book store or a library is the cover, that might captivate my attention with an intriguing title, at the end of it all, when I turn into the back cover to read the synopsis/summery/description of the story line, THAT would be the deciding point for me to whether purchase/pick up the book, or skip it all together.

    Good luck with your synopsis and I can not wait to read the new book soon!


    • 10.1

      Thank you so much Ella for your kind words!

      Cover copy is usually written by the copy department, reviewed by the editor and author, and often tweaked. I didn’t have a lot of input on the PREY cover, but I had much more input on subsequent books. There’s a rhythm to the copy, and the key is making it not only accurate, but enticing and leaving a question in the reader’s mind that can only be answered if they read the book. The more compelling the question to that reader, the more likely they’ll be to buy the book.

      Thanks again!


  11. 11

    To start the cover is always important. It’s the first thing a reader sees. From there it has to be the story, because it’s what brings back the reader. I guess it’s both.


  12. 12

    The cover is so important to catch the reader’s eye and to get them to stop, pick up the book, and read the back cover. I know some people will read a few pages but I can’t do that. I’m a writer’s dream reader. If I read a few pages I have to get the book, I can’t not know what happens.


  13. 13

    Yes, I can see why you wanted the cover “tweaked”. I think that this cover adds to the title and overall “feeling” of the book. While I am attracted initially by covers, I then read to see what the story is.
    I am so very much looking forward to reading your books!


  14. 14

    I love books covers! The covers is what draws me to the book but the blurp on the back is what makes me buy the books. So I think they are both very important. I can see why you want to make changes to the cover, they need to fit the book and be as close to perfect as they can be.


  15. 15

    Both are important but for me cover back copy is more important. That is where I’m going to decide if I want to read a book or not. I do that with all authors, new or old and sometimes if a story doesn’t sound appealing to me, even if it’s from a favorite author, I won’t likely read it or I might but it won’t be on the top of my reading pile. The cover though is the main thing that captures my initial attention.

    One thing I’ve noticed with ebooks – I wish they would make it standard like physical books, to have the blurb in the file near the beginning perhaps after the cover. With physical books before I read it I ALWAYS read the back cover to refresh my memory and I find with most ebook they don’t have this so I have to go online and find the blurb.


  16. 16

    The cover may get me to pick up the book. The cover copy and word of mouth gets me to crack the book open to read an excerpt to decide on whether to purchase.


  17. 17

    Allison, I admit that I’m not much of a cover person. (Frequently, I am turned off by covers that don’t match books.) I definitely pay more attention to cover copy than graphics. The story synopsis and recommendations of fellow authors are more likely to draw me in. Hope all turns out well for your latest synopsis and novel.


  18. 18

    For the most part I pay more attention to the cover copy. I want to know what the story is about and even if the actual cover does not seem all that great, if the story sounds interesting then I’ll buy it. Also it might depend on the type of book. Like for instance I’ll buy cozy mysteries, because the covers are just so dang cute! Of the covers you posted on the site here today, the one I most like is the one for Stalked because of the barren trees and the isolated house….this makes me know that something bad is going happen and it makes me want to read it.


    • 18.1

      Thanks so much Linda! I like the cover for STALKED, but I don’t know that it fits the book well. The book takes place at Quantico for the most part. I’m just wondering if maybe I can go and find a cabin on the grounds … the FBI academy IS surrounded by the Quantico military base and lots of trees …


  19. 19

    The cover might make me pick a book up, but the cover copy makes me buy it. I hate it when I read the cover copy and the book doesn’t end up resembling it.

    Sympathies on rewriting the beginning. I always throw out my first few chapters and move my opening, but it is a process I must muddle through.


    • 19.1

      Confession: The original cover copy had a major error in it — not my error (thank God) but it was a plot point that wasn’t in the book and never had been. That copy got released on Amazon, etc. all. Fortunately, it was changed after a couple weeks and they hadn’t run the covers! BUT that’s why there are so many checks and balances.


  20. 20

    I. Hate. Writing. Synopses. Just sayin’… I especially hate them when I’m doing a proposal for a series and I have to come up with something for a book where I’m not even sure of the entire cast of characters–much less the action and plots twists! I do feel your pain, woman.

    Now…which comes first, the cover or the copy? Egg. Chicken. I prefer reading the first page. That tells me a lot more about whether I’ll enjoy the book than either the cover or copy, both of which are designed and written by marketing types. I’m not buying a book based on the marketing departments maneuvers. I’m buying a book to read based upon the writer’s skill at storytelling. (I just wish some of your magic would rub off on me! ;) )


  21. 21

    I do check the cover but more importantly is the summary at the back. Whether or not it is compelling.


  22. 22

    I think they’re both important. I like your version of the Killing Fear cover.


  23. 23

    The cover copy is more important to me. I want to have an idea what the book’s about, not just see a picture of what may be a scene in the book.


  24. 24

    If I’m not familiar with the author, the cover attracts my attention, but the back cover is the deciding factor in purchasing the book.


  25. 25

    Hi Allison,

    I read the back blurb first and if that interests me I check out a page in the middle of the book to see how the dialogue reads.

    I’m oblivious to cover art, but I do pay attention to the quote on the cover from other authors.

    I’m still loving your books — they’re getting better and better. It’s amazing how you keep your standards so high.

    Best,

    Susanne


  26. 26

    The cover of “See No Evil” caught my eye a couple years backs, the cover copy is what had me taking it to the register, and your writing is what has kept me going back for more!


  27. 27

    I’m no help because I need them both. The cover is my first point of contact though.


  28. 28

    Most of the books I buy are authors I have already read. (You are definitely an auto-buy for me.) For the authors I haven’t read if the cover looks interesting, I then read the back of the book.


  29. 29

    I think they’re both important. I admit to being a cover whore. If the cover is ugly, I don’t move on to the OBC, if it’s not an autobuy author. If I like a cover, I’ll read the OBC. I’ve been known to buy a book simply because I loved the cover (if it’s in a genre I like), and I’ve been known to throw a book against the wall without even looking to see who wrote it because the cover made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.

    How shallow does that make me? Nodding. I know. Very.


  30. 30

    The cover is not very important to me. So often the cover has nothing to do with the actual story. I’m in agreement with several other commenters regarding favorite authors-I just buy the book. I don’t pay any attention to the cover or the cover copy. When shopping for new books/authors, however, the cover copy and reviews are the most important to me. The worst is when the cover copy bears no resemblance to the actual story. I have had that experience several times, though not recently.


  31. 31

    i just dont understand, it not ALOT of differnce in the release or rejected

    i like the first cover of the prey , the rejected one, it getting darker instead of more daylight


    • 31.1

      There wasn’t a lot of difference. The colors were very close. But booksellers told the sales team they wanted more movement in the cover, that they didn’t like the original woman.


  32. 32

    You know what I have noticed since I started reading books on my kindle? I don’t even know what the covers of the books look like… That’s kind of sad because obviously so much work goes into them…


    • 32.1

      e-books have a different issue — the thumbnail of the cover needs to entice (because who’s going to buy a book by someone they don’t know/haven’t read if the cover looks like their 8 year old did it?) But once you have it on the device, there’s no real issue.


  33. 33

    Hi Allison,

    Your a very talented author and i love reading your work. I think both are important to a book. I prefer the back cover page because this is what draws me to a story. I enjoy the cover pages and i won’t lie, usually if it looks good i will buy it without reading the snyopsis on the back cover. However on Kindle books, we don’t have covers, we just have summaries of what the book is.

    Can’t wait to read the new release. :)


  34. 34

    The copy. While the cover may initially make me pick up the book. If I don’t like the copy I won’t buy or read it.