EVENTS UV2022 Masterclasses, Part 2

 

Andrew James reports on session two of SCBWI's Undiscovered Voices masterclasses: Writing a Synopsis with author and editor Benjamin Scott.

Benjamin shared his secrets for distilling your novel into a 75-word synopsis. This might feel impossible, but Benjamin makes it look easy.

Firstly, it’s important you don’t try to say too much – it’s only 75-words – try to capture the essence of your story and don’t try to squeeze in all the finer details. Remember, you don’t have to keep it forever – it’s a specific tool to woo the judges.

Hot tip: the writing does matter. Fluidity and intrigue that pulls you in is key, a bit like a movie trailer. Synopses should tell you just enough to give you a picture of the story and where it might go.

Benjamin Scott.

Things to look out for:

• Make sure you are pitching your story to the right age group
• That the tone and style are reflective of your chapters
• Be sure to tell the judges about the bigger picture 
• Read the previous anthologies to see successful examples – they’re all available on the Undiscovered Voices website.

You’ll notice those who’ve previously bagged themselves a spot in the anthology ensured their audience knew who their stories were about, their conflicts or goals, the stakes and what they intended to do about them, and if they had time, they’ve thrown in a small peppering of setting too.

Fluidity and intrigue that pulls you in is key, a bit like a movie trailer. Synopses should tell you just enough to give you a picture of the story and where it might go

 

At the end of the day, Benjamin advises not to let this task consume you – it’s a functional tool just for our judges – if you’re submitting directly to agents, they’ll likely want a longer synopsis.

Get friends and family to check it, or write several different versions to let them choose. Why not also get your friends and family to read a selection of your favourite synopses from the previous anthologies? Make every word count – and trust your gut.

More info on UV2022 can be found here.

* Photo courtesy of Benjamin Scott

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Originally from the Lake District, Andrew James teaches English, Film and Media. He completed his MA in Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths in 2018 and for the past five years he has organised and hosted monthly agent pitch evenings for his local writing group. He has a passionate dislike for anything referred to as an ‘easy peeler’. Satsumas are the only way to go.

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Fran Price is Events Editor for Words & Pictures online magazine. Contact her at events@britishscbwi.org.