Erin asked what makes a good story a while back, and there was a good exchange of thoughts on that. I thought we might benefit from a similar discussion on the synopsis. Are you concerned because your stories aren't getting the read counts you think they deserve? Maybe you should take a look at your synopsis.

The synopsis is the hook that is going to draw your reader in, and it is especially vital for those of us who are new to the online writing community. Established authors can afford to skimp on the synopsis, as their name alone will draw readers, but even they will benefit from a good synopsis because new people join this community all the time.

So, what makes a good synopsis? Here are some basics I think are very important when writing your synopsis:

- Take the time to write a synopsis in the first place. I see a lot of stories appear here that have only the ‘Another Big Closet Top Shelf Story’ default for the synopsis. To me, this displays a lack of interest in attracting me as a potential reader. Almost as bad in my mind are those stories that just include a few lines from the story itself, usually the first few lines, or sometimes an excerpt from within. This can be an effective in certain types of stories, but more often than not it simply does not convey anything to the reader, because we have no context to judge the excerpt against.

- Spelling and grammar count in the synopsis as well as the story. In fact, proper spelling and grammar may well be more important in the synopsis. This is the first hint of your writing that the reader will have. Numerous spelling and grammatical errors in a little old synopsis do not inspire much confidence in the reader.

- Don’t cut it too short. I saw the following as a synopsis on a story recently:

This is a story about a man forced to be a woman.

Really? So are ninety percent of the stories on a TG fiction site. What makes this story special? Why should I devote my time to reading it? You need to give readers enough information about the plot to convince them the story is worth reading. Of course here you must be careful so you ….

- Don’t give away too much of the story. Have you ever seen a synopsis like this?

Steve and Michael find an old ring. While studying the ring, Michael is transformed into the beautiful Michelle, who finds her new female body is made for sexual pleasure and dominance. She soon seduces the reluctant Steve and then Steve’s girlfriend Cindy. She sets her sights next on Michael’s former girlfriend Angie. With each new person she seduces and dominates she grows more powerful, and hungers for more. Her friends are torn between their insatiable desire for her and their fear that she will become too powerful. Steve sets out to find a way to undo what the ring has done, and finds himself being pursued by Michelle's lovers, driven mad by her sexual power. He finally finds a ring that allows him to counteract her power.

Hmmm, interesting, now I don’t really have to read the story. Giving away too much destroys the sense of anticipation. Remember the synopsis is a tease, not a book report. The synopsis is the author’s chance to flirt with the reader, offering a promise of what is to come.

Okay, there you have my basic thoughts on the art and science of writing a synopsis. I’m not claiming to be an expert; I just thought we all might benefit from a little discussion on this subject.