Writing a novel synopsis doesn’t have to be a miserable chore.

I have yet to meet a writer who enjoys writing a novel synopsis. Unfortunately, we all need to write them.

Yes, even self-publishers.

I sometimes see people in writing groups and forums who gloat when there’s a discussion of how to write a synopsis. They say “Haha! I don’t have to learn to write a novel synopsis because I plan to self-publish!”

Think again, indies. It’s not just agents and publishers who will ask for a synopsis of your novel. Reviewers, bloggers, and bookstore owners usually want to see a short synopsis, too.

And that “product description” you need to write for online retailers? That one that will make or break your book sales?

That’s essentially a novel synopsis without the ending.

Yeah, I know you didn’t want to hear that.

I’ve been writing synopses for decades and still dread them. But not as much as I used to, since I learned a couple of keys to simplifying the process.