I’m not the fastest thinker in the world. I need time to cook my thoughts, even if sometimes it takes weeks, or months, or years to find my answers. There is no hurrying the process.
Writing my pitch for my query letter has been like this. I chip away, a little at a time, gradually creating a more coherent, enticing product. Now and then, I impatiently check the oven to see if it is done. Still not there, but a little closer, maybe edible even. Small victories and trust that if I continue to follow the steps in the recipe, it will be ready soon enough.
For you seasoned query writers, a question: Do you write the synopsis before sending out your queries or wait to receive a request for one? Yes, that’s the impatient part of me asking. I fully expect the answer I don’t want to hear, but that’s okay, maybe I need it for motivation.
This week’s extracurricular activity: Query writing, oh the fun!
oliviaobryon 
I waited on the synopsis and have been fortunate (or maybe it’s unfortunate) no one has asked me for one. Recommendation? Write the synopsis. Better to do it now than to do it under pressure of an agent’s request. And, as big a pain as it is, I think it’s a good process to go through. It may help you find out if there are any holes, etc., in your story.
All very true. I definitely think it might help me see my story better– thanks for the input! 🙂
Write the synopsis. But you knew I was going to say that. If it makes you feel any better, I’m writing mine too. I’d like to share a link that has really helped me focus on what to include, and how. Hope it can help you as well. Good luck.
http://www.bethanderson-hotclue.com/workshops/writing-the-tight-synopsis/
Thanks for the link! Glad I’m not the only one pushing myself to write one!
PS. What lengths are you writing? I am working on my long synopsis, which looks to be about 8 pages. Are you writing more than one length or waiting to hear what requests you receive to adjust accordingly?
Most agents usually want to see a one to two page synopsis. Most specify which length in their submission requirements. If not, assume they want two pages. I’m tweaking a one page synopsis and finding it easier than I thought. I suppose that has something to do with my need to outline. Thank goodness. Out of everything I’ve come across about synopses, that link I shared above makes the most sense to me. You can find some sample synopses over at the Writer’s Digest website too. Chuck Sambuchino tackles popular movies to show how he would construct a two page synopsis. Hope this helps.
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/open-ready-synopsis-example-the-ides-of-march-political-thriller
Very helpful, thanks for sharing! I liked the other link too, although I think I have an easier time putting down everything I want to include and then cutting down from there. Funny how all our brains work differently. She really inspired me to stay away from too much description though, which is a major help.
I have to agree with the opinions above. At least have a workable synopsis ready to go—you’ll be prepared and, as Jeffo said, it might help you understand your story better. Good luck!
Much agreed, I think I just needed to hear it wasn’t some sort of relic of publishing no longer requested. I hope it does help me understand my story better, too. Thanks for the reinforcement! 🙂