The TGEP Literary Network
Synopsis and Book Proposal Guides
A practical guide to preparing fiction synopses, nonfiction book proposals, sample chapters and comparable-title information for agents, publishers and editorial review.
A synopsis tells the story. A proposal makes the case for the book.
Fiction and nonfiction are usually presented differently. A strong submission package respects that distinction and gives the recipient the information needed to assess the work efficiently.
What belongs in the submission package?
The required elements vary, but most serious submissions draw from the following components.
For Fiction
The Synopsis
A clear account of the complete plot, including the ending. It should identify the principal characters, central conflict, major turning points and resolution without attempting to reproduce the style of the novel.
For Nonfiction
The Book Proposal
A structured argument for the project, explaining the subject, readership, author authority, market position, chapter plan, competing titles and practical route to publication.
For Both
Sample Chapters
Carefully selected chapters that demonstrate voice, structure, quality and consistency. The sample should support the claims made in the query, synopsis or proposal.
How to write a fiction synopsis
A fiction synopsis should be factual, complete and easy to follow. It is not promotional copy and it should not conceal the ending.
Identify the protagonist and setting
Introduce the central character, relevant setting and initial situation without spending too long on background.
State the central conflict
Explain what the protagonist wants, what stands in the way and why the outcome matters.
Follow the main narrative line
Include the major turning points and necessary subplots, but remove minor scenes and secondary detail that do not affect the principal arc.
Show the development of the conflict
Explain how the stakes rise, how the protagonist changes and which decisions move the story towards its climax.
Reveal the ending
State the climax and resolution clearly. The synopsis exists to help the recipient evaluate the entire narrative, not to preserve suspense.
Core elements of a nonfiction proposal
A nonfiction proposal must show both the intellectual strength of the book and the practical case for publishing it.
Overview
Explain what the book is about, why it matters, what problem it addresses and what readers will gain.
Target Readership
Identify the primary audience precisely. Avoid broad claims such as “this book is for everyone.”
Author Authority
Show the experience, expertise, access, research or personal background that qualifies the author to write the book.
Market Position
Explain how the project fits within its subject area and why it offers a meaningful contribution.
Chapter Outline
Provide a clear summary of each chapter, showing progression, structure and the logic of the complete work.
Author Platform and Reach
Include relevant professional networks, readership, media access, speaking experience or community reach without inflating numbers or influence.
Selecting sample chapters
The recipient may specify which chapters to send. Where no instruction is given, choose samples that represent the book honestly and strongly.
For fiction
The opening chapters are usually safest because they show how the book introduces voice, character, setting and conflict.
For nonfiction
Select chapters that demonstrate authority, structure, readability and the practical value of the project.
Do not over-edit one chapter only
The sample should reflect the quality of the whole manuscript or proposal, not a single polished section surrounded by unfinished material.
Follow file instructions
Respect requested page count, file type, font, spacing, naming conventions and whether material should be pasted into an email or attached.
Using comparable titles well
Comparable titles help position the book. They should clarify audience and market, not imitate success or make extravagant predictions.
Choose relevant books
Select recent or still-relevant titles that share audience, subject, tone, structure or market position with your project.
Explain the comparison
State precisely what is comparable and what differentiates your book. Two titles are often enough.
Avoid implausible claims
Do not compare an unpublished manuscript to a global bestseller merely to imply equivalent sales potential.
Use accurate publication details
Check author names, titles, publishers and dates before including them in the proposal.
Submission-package checklist
Match the package to the recipient’s actual guidelines before sending.
Common weaknesses
Avoid withholding the ending from a synopsis, writing promotional copy instead of narrative summary, presenting an unfinished proposal as complete, claiming that the audience is “everyone,” relying on famous bestsellers as the only comparables, submitting random chapters or ignoring the recipient’s stated length and format requirements.
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