Let me guess--the synopsis is your least favorite part of the process, right? Often--even for agents!--it's a daunting document that, in some ways, is even more challenging than the creation of your query letter. How much do you give away? How much do you hide? What about the ending? Are spoilers good--or bad? How do acquisitions boards use them? And--perhaps most of all--how does a synopsis make people WANT to keep reading?

From the agent slush pile to the editorial board to the acquisitions process at a publishing house, the synopsis is a vital, yet often-dreaded, part of the process. With wit, humor, and a lot of illustrative examples, agent Megan Barnard will help you sum up your work--and keep an agent reading.

This class is focused on fiction writing (MG and above), but all genres are welcome. Can't make it live? The (nearly instant) replay will be available at the same link.

Megan Barnard joined The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency as an Associate Literary Agent in 2020, after interning for nearly three years at several top literary agencies, including P.S. Literary Agency and Folio Literary Management.

She has worked as an editor and copywriter and has a BA in English (with a concentration in Creative Writing) from Hollins University.

She represents a wide variety of adult fiction with a focus on historical, upmarket, bookclub, literary, women’s fiction, thriller, and historical fantasy. She also represents narrative nonfiction including memoir, nature writing, and food writing. She loves anything lyrical and character-driven.

The Dreaded Synopsis with Agent Megan Barnard