Support for Indie Authors discussion

Like every other aspect of writing, this is a personal choice. While I appreciate that you've written out a detailed list of what you do, understand that saying everyone "should" do this is to assume we are all writing robots who follow an exact formula.

A.A. wrote: "* an outline of your manuscript. Look, if you didn't prepare an outline before writing your book, now isn't the time to start. Good job, by the way, for writing a manuscript without an outline. If it ever becomes a bestseller, your brain belongs in the Smithsonian...."

Are you saying that any book written without an outline isn't a good book? Sounds to me like you just did. You'd be surprised how many authors don't use outlines. Just saying. Sure your argument will be that they're not best sellers. I'd have to ask best sellers one day.

Still...I have to admit that I find this a bit insulting for those who actually don't outline. The way you write a book isn't as important as the finished product.

Thanks for the insightful post. I've always struggled with writing synopses for my books and some of the points you make really nailed what may help make my presentation more dynamic.

Love the humor! Thanks.

Hi, A.A. Thanks for taking the time to share. I agree with most of the points you make and do believe/know through years of experience and working in the industry that agents do look for a certain format and voice when reading synopses. It is very true that a synopsis should be succinct, dynamic, and address the key points of the plot of the book. But what struck me most as insightful in your post was your suggestion to write dynamically using an active voice. Kudos to that! Now, can authors work outside what is expected or considered to be the industry standard? Sure. But should they? That's the question.

By the way, can you give an example of active voice? I'm curious to see what that means to you. Thank you.

Cheryl wrote: "Now, can authors work outside what is expected or considered to be the industry standard? Sure. But should they? That's the question."

Yes, that's a question. One with a simple answer: Yes, if that is what they choose to do.

Again,this is Support for Indie Authors and part of being an Indie is deciding what works best for us, from the first word written to the last penny spent on marketing. Please remember that while we accept suggestions, opinions,and personal experience, there are no absolutes.

Good post, informative and full of humor, which kept my attention. I've always written my synopses based on my very, very rough outline of the book, and I guess that's why I never liked them. As you said, they are quite mechanical and dry, and definitely not exciting. So I guess what I'm asking is should my synopsis be more like a teaser but also disclose the ending?

Thanks in advance.

I agree with Christina. Hemingway never used an outline, and he did all right.

A.A. wrote: "Lately, it seems like I'm being bombarded by authors and writer friends who want feedback on their synopses. Is there something going on that I'm not aware of? Have the Gods of publishing and agent..."

This hit my funny bone. I was laughing most of the way through it, but you covered it all in a wonderfully sarcastic manner I love. Great post and made my day. Loved all the points which covered everything we need to do.

As to the outline...even if you're a panster, you do have some idea of where this book is headed. Your outline is in your head and is dynamic. I found I needed to limit myself, so I do need an outline on paper, or at least something rudimentary, to keep me from writing five books in one. (which I've done) I've found it also prevents a lot of major issues with plot and tying up lose ends.

A.A. wrote: "Period!"

Exclamation point.

A reply for you, in multi-Haiku!

Tips for what it is
Lifts the spirit up higher
A summer breeze blows

Tips for what isn't
Can make some people upset
Many mud puddles

The good can be bad
When it is tilted like this
Silver linings rust