Master the art of writing a captivating novel synopsis with these top tips and impress media outlets and readers alike!
Focus on the main plot points and character arc, and don’t try to include every single detail or character in the book.
WHAT IS A SYNOPSIS?
A synopsis is a concise summary of your novel, typically spanning one to four pages. It outlines the plot, main character arc, and resolution of the story. The purpose of a synopsis is to market your book to the publishing industry, including both traditional publishers and self-publishing platforms. It is a critical component of your book proposal and can significantly impact your chances of securing opportunities. A good synopsis is a must for any indie or self-published author.
If you’re writing a novel synopsis, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
The three-paragraph format is a common method to follow.
In the first paragraph, introduce the character, setting, and conflict or inciting incident.
The second paragraph should cover major plot points, conflicts, and characters necessary for the conclusion to make sense.
The third paragraph should detail how the conflict is resolved and how the character changes from the beginning of the book.
Use active voice instead of passive voice to make the synopsis more engaging.
Stick to the standard third-person point of view.
Remember that your synopsis is a reflection of your writing skills. Write it in a way that showcases your style rather than just summarizing the book.
Keep your synopsis clear and concise. Avoid being too long or rambling, or you risk losing the reader’s interest.
Focus on the main plot points and character arc, and don’t try to include every single detail or character in the book.
Don’t worry about trying to create an intriguing or mysterious hook. Simply provide the necessary information. Save the hook for your book blurb, which we’ll talk about later.
As we take a step into a new year, we wanted to take a moment and share with you last year’s author successes.
From Tellwell authors receiving awards and public recognition to hitting bestseller charts to gaining speaking opportunities and their own radio shows, 2022 was an impactful year worth celebrating.
Bestsellers and hot new releases
Dan Russell’s Pleasant Good Evening: A Memoir isa #1 New Release in General Broadcasting on Amazon!
He also hit #1 Bestseller in three categories: #1 in Hockey #1 in Hockey Biographies #1 in Hockey Sport Biographies
Don’t miss this best-selling book! Grab your copy of Pleasant Good Evening: A Memoirhere.
We treat every author success as though it were our own, and we are elated to share some recent recognitions with you!
This December is another incredible month for several of our Tellwell authors. Make sure to read through to see what our authors have been up to, and the acknowledgements, exposures, and reviews they’ve received as published authors!
Reviews
Heather Shtuka’s Missing From Me has garnered extreme praise and publicity since her launch. Her book has been at #1 on the Grief and Bereavement charts, #4 (one spot under Michelle Obama) on the Hot New Releases, and #94 on the overall book charts.
In addition to her chart ranking, she has received publicity from several media outlets, including CTV, and recently received a 5-star review from ReaderViews.
Your son is missing. As a mother myself, this is irrefutably my worst nightmare, but for Heather Shtuka, this was the sobering reality. On February 18, 2018, after being alerted by her son’s roommate that he hadn’t been seen since the night before, she and her husband made the nine-hour trip from Alberta to Sun Peaks, BC, to begin the arduous and heartbreaking task of searching for Ryan. Days turned into weeks, then into months, but the parents’ resolve never wavered. Their supportive community of friends and volunteers tirelessly dedicated their time. But still, there was no solace—no Ryan. Heather would not grieve until her son’s body was recovered.
Reader Views
To get your hands on your next great read, Missing From Me, click here.
The Adventures of Milo Chow from Tellwell author Caroline E. Rayfield received a 5/5 review on IndieReader!
Each chapter of THE ADVENTURES OF MILO CHOW unfolds like a short story, the book laid out in little vignettes of Milo’s life after he’s taken home to his new family. He’s shy and uncertain at first, but it’s not long until he understands that this family—and their endless love and affection for him after a rough start—is his to keep. Milo has tons of personality for such a small dog, from his inquisitive nature, playfulness, and his frequent demands to be carried by his new mom when he gets tired or bored on their walks. His adventures introduce new experiences, like losing a favorite toy, playing—or chewing on!—with fallen leaves, meeting larger dogs in the neighborhood, getting drenched in the rain, and even Milo’s image inspiring those around him and showing off the good work the rescue shelter has done for this lucky little Chow.
IndieReader
To pick up your own copy of The Adventures of Milo Chow, click here.
Peter B. Dunfield received a glowing 5 star review for Jack Through Time from IndieReader!
Despite its status as YA fiction, JACK THROUGH TIME is a novel that will easily appeals to adults too. Fans of detective fiction and mysteries will find all the reassuring tropes of these genres. And the time-travel aspect, which could easily be off-putting for some, does not dominate; conversely, it provides a vehicle for driving the plot forward. The characters, though not immediately fully rounded, gradually get under the skin – as the story progresses, one wills them on and hopes for their safety.
IndieReader
To add Jack Through Time to your literary collection, click here.
Publicity
Al Rosen experiences continued success with his book Avoiding Swindlers as he receives recognition as one of the 10 titles chosen for the annual Publisher’s Newswire “Books to Bookmark” list out of releases from 2022.
“Avoiding Swindlers” by Canadian author Al Rosen, is a book full of warnings based on true events. Investors lose multi-millions of dollars to financial tricksters. Social media and new investing apps have encouraged new investors to buy into “hot tips” – this has created more hazards and swindlers. Al Rosen wrote “Avoiding Swindlers” so individuals can learn to identify red flags.
Publisher’s Newswire
To purchase Avoiding Swindlers for your collection, click here.
IndieReader previously reviewed Scott Benjamin Gracie’s book, and now they have interviewed him as an Indie Approved Author!
What’s the book’s first line? “Light has teased and enveloped the dust, ice and debris that made up the early Earth, ever since the first ignition of radiation sparked from the Sun”
– I chose these words specifically to evoke a realisation that light is ancient, has always been, and always will be.
Scott Benjamin Gracie for IndieReader
To pick up your copy of Light, Dark and the Electromagnetic Spectrum, click here.
Awards
Murgatroyd Monaghan was a finalist for the Joy Kogawa Award for Fiction in November 2022. Check out For Soldiers and Sailors Alike: Poems on the Familiar Wars of Womanhood.
To add this acclaimed piece to your personal library, click here.
Deliveries from Tellwell author Paul Smyth was selected as a finalist in the Independent Author Network 2022 Book of the Year Awards for Action/Adventure. Congratulations Paul!
We’re always excited to celebrate our incredible authors and highlight their glorious achievements.
This November is another incredible month for quite a few Tellwell authors. Make sure to read through and experience recent author celebrations including award wins, media mentions, events, and incredible reviews!
Reviews
Starting strong is Author Al Rosen. We are proud to share that his book, Avoiding Swindlers, received an excellent review from Reader Views.
Taking a complex topic and simplifying it for the average reader is no easy task, but the author has used his decades of experience as an investigative accountant to boil down a series of examples, wording it in a way that captures the urgency in layman’s terms.
Detailing how companies are getting away with misleading financials and, at times venturing beyond audited statements to real estate “get rich quick” scams, this book educates investors on what they need to look for in each to avoid getting swindled.
Reader Views
If you’re looking for your next go-to read, make sure to grab your copy of Avoiding Swindlershere.
We’re always proud to celebrate with our authors, and share how amazing they are!
August has been an incredible month for Tellwell authors. Keep reading to find out our most recent author celebrations, including awards, media mentions, reviews, and events!
With so many talented Tellwell authors, it can be tricky to highlight the continuous successes and accomplishments of all of them! Their success stories grow in number with each passing month, and we couldn’t be more proud of all of our authors and their hard work.
It’s been another exciting month for Tellwell authors, from award wins to interviews with major media outlets to incredible reviews!
Media Mentions
Dan Russell
Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir: My 30 Wild and Turbulent Years of Sportstalk
Pleasant Good Evening, a Memoir is the #1 new release in General Broadcasting on Amazon! It’s also . . .
With its blend of guests, callers, opinion and entertainment, Sportstalk kept growing and growing until it had become appointment radio. And it seemed most of British Columbia was buckled in as we travelled home and away in 1994 — on game nights and off nights, weekdays and weekends, often extending well past midnight — during the Canucks’ most memorable playoff ever.
Rishma continues to spread the word about her children’s book, Sushi & Samosas, far and wide, with media mentions and social media features. Get the full scoop on Rishma and her book on The Star, York Region, 365 Days 365 Women, @ainarasbookshelf & @RKaderdina
The book advocates diversity, tolerance and cross-cultural understanding, and believes that breaking down barriers by the spoon is an essential introductory step for kids to learn more about the world around them.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I feel that others on the spectrum, their families and those in their lives like teachers, might find comfort in many familiar issues autistic people face. Some may be inspired from reading what I’ve gone through, survived and thrived. Readers who have little or no experience about autism (besides Rain Man or the Good Doctor), will gain compassion for folks that are ‘different’.
Book marketing is a crucial aspect of a book’s success. It takes a lot of hard work and effort, but the payoff can be worth it. We are celebrating a number of authors this month who have done a wonderful job promoting their book in the media, speaking at events such as TEDx and even starting their own podcast. One of our authors even invested in a huge ad campaign with her local transit line.
Lisa Bournelis’ TEDx Talk is now live. Watch here!
From book signings to rave reviews and exclusive interviews, our authors had a busy end to 2021! Congratulations on your terrific accomplishments, everyone! We’re thrilled to highlight your successes.
“A clear, thoughtful memoir with an upbeat tone, GOOD MORNING, BLAKE is both a delightful read and a valuable perspective on growing up autistic in a neurotypical world.” – Catherine Langrehr for IndieReader.
Now that the world is opening up to a new normal, our authors are diving back into the world of author events. This past month, we’ve seen some fantastic meet-and-greets, readings, and even a cross-country launch! We’re so happy and proud to see our Tellwell authors getting themselves out there to promote their books!
Paula Gregory – Dream High As The Sky
Mississippi-based children’s author Paula McClellan Gregory finished off the month with an adorable book launch at the Gumtree Bookstore to promote her inspiring children’s book Dream High As the Sky. Paula’s book launch included a fun read-along, a discussion about the children’s dreams, colouring time, snacks, exclusive bookmarks to go with signed copies of the picture book, and even a giveaway for a Dream High As They Sky t-shirt!
Dream High As They Sky follows little Zach (based on Paula’s grandson) as he discovers life’s possibilities and ways of achieving his dream of flying like the birds high in the sky. This high-flying children’s book encourages your little ones to follow their dreams. After all, Zach can tell you, “I dreamed as high as the sky, and my dreams came true.”
