'Spoiling' the plot?

by J Burns
5th May 2014

I've read some conflicting advice online about what to include in a novel synopsis for a literary agent. Some say you should concisely give all plot points, and place importance on telling the agent the ending of the novel. Others say it should have the general 'feel' of what happens in the novel but not give away the ending. Any thoughts? Many thanks!

Replies

That's really helped clear things up for me, thanks everyone!

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J
Burns
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J Burns
08/05/2014

I agree with all of the other comments saying to include the ending detail.

I've heard that if you don't - hoping to arouse interest from an agent, for them to ask you what happens - it will only make them think you don't know the ending or haven't finished writing it yet.

And Mark Braybrook - the synopsis is by far the hardest part of novel writing.

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Andrew
Goodman
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Andrew Goodman
05/05/2014

You must include all or as many plot twists you can fit into the synopsis, including the final outcome of your novel.

Some would-be authors are afraid to include everything for fear of having their ideas stolen or recycled.

Please remember that reputable agents have thousands of submissions each year. They have no reason to risk their reputations by acting unscrupulously.

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Adrian
Sroka
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Adrian Sroka
05/05/2014