Does the thought of trying to write a five-page synopsis of your 90,000-word novel paralyze you? Do you even know what a synopsis is supposed to look like?

Editors and agents sincerely are looking for new authors and books. They want to know about you and your work. But if you don’t know the correct format, or don’t know how to put together a book proposal, or don’t even know what very important information to put in your letter, you will be out of the running before the race even starts.

This book explains, in clear and easy-to-understand language, what a synopsis is and isn’t. It takes you through the process of writing a synopsis and details all the elements and information a synopsis must contain in order to grab the editor’s attention and help the editor make the "right decision" about your book!

Once you have a synopsis, it’s easy to create a successful query and cover letter to which any agent or editor will respond. There are complete sample letters and synopses—with a full analysis of why certain letters never get answered and why a synopsis fails or succeeds. This even takes you to the next steps: producing a book proposal package or pitching your book in person. It explains why you shouldn’t send e-mail queries or faxes. It lists all the dos and don’ts that publishing professionals immediately spot.

SHARON JARVIS has been in book publishing since 1969. She was an acquisitions editor for five major publishers, including Ballantine and Doubleday, and worked with authors such as Eric Van Lustbader, Isaac Asimov, and F. Paul Wilson. She has been a literary agent since 1983, representing authors such as Melanie Rawn, Vernor Vinge, Peter David and W. Michael Gear. Ms. Jarvis is also the published author of eight books, both fiction and non-fiction, and has written columns for various magazines. Her independent press specializes in how-to books and booklets for writers.