Defining a Synopsis v. Blurb
- By: Jessica Faust | Date: Apr 28 2017
The question of how a blurb differs from a synopsis comes up quite a bit and I’m sure I’ve blogged on it before, but if I’ve learned anything, it never hurts to repeat good information.
Think of the blurb (used in the query letter) as the back cover copy for your book. In fact, if you write a really good blurb it could easily become the back cover copy the publisher actually uses. The blurb will focus on the highlights and, most importantly, the hook or the selling points of your book. It shows the reader what makes your book stand out from all others and excites them into wanting to read more. Only a few primary characters and plot points will be given attention in the blurb.
A synopsis (usually requested with more materials) is a much more detailed description of the book. If you’re writing a mystery, a synopsis will highlight the process of solving the mystery, if you’re writing romance it will focus on the details and foibles of the romance. In other words, a synopsis will show the details of the story, the character’s growth, and always give the outcome.
A synopsis will run anywhere from two to ten pages while a blurb should never be more than three paragraphs, but probably two.
This is going to sound crazy, but how I always reminded myself the difference was by the following description. (Please don’t think my nuts. I mean, I kinda am… but)
Blurb:
Gorgeous red silk dress, slimming and chest enhancing. Created to make you queen for a day! On sale now.
Synopsis:
Gently used red silk dress which accentuates the curves, when sucking in your stomach. Plunging neckline so must wear push up bra but years of life and love left for this stunning number. Dry clean only.
The blurb is your snap, crackle and pop, where as the synopsis is actually what your editor/agent is buying from start to finish, no hidden details.
No idea why, but when explained to me, that popped in my head and stuck.
Thanks for all the great posts. Have a great weekend.
🙂
I knew the difference between a synopsis and a query, but I’d never connected the dots between the blurb and the query. Great tip!
There are lots of resources for how to write a synopsis and I think most are for educational purposes, ie. English Lit assignments. I would like to know if a synopsis for an agent should be in that format or are we to be more creative and catchy and less academic?