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Semi-urgent last-minute questions

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:11 pm
by DMarie84
Ok I have some semi-urgent last-minute questions--then I'll be done I promise ;)

First, my synopsis now is really only half a page--I kinda wrote it like it was the back cover of a book. It's about 155 words. Is that too short? I can write longer but if so, I'll probably have to scratch it and start over.

Also, is there a specific format that's needed? Does it have to be double-spaced, what kind of font is preferable, etc? I don't think I saw that anywhere, but if it is let me know.

Thanks!

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 6:25 pm
by Writetrack
Dara,

Write and submit your synopsis as you do your challenge entries. There is a place to post your synopsis on the submission page. Single space with double spaces between paragraphs. The file of your chapter needs to be uploaded.

As for the length, I think I read in another thread that you have no idea where the book is going, which makes it difficult to write a synopsis at all. Of course, this doesn't mean your first chapter won't WOW the judges but I would probably take some time to at least get some idea in your mind about where you want the book to go and end up. I wouldn't say it's too short without seeing it but I just wonder how much info. you can give in only 155 words.

Then again, maybe it's plenty for the judges!

Sorry I can't be of more help. If it feels right to you, don't sweat too much over it. It's the chapter that the judges will be ultimately judging.

I say, great job in just biting the bullet and going for it. If nothing else, you've stepped up to the challenge, which already makes you a winner.

:D

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 7:22 pm
by Writetrack
DMarie84 wrote: Anyway, I made my synopsis slightly longer--182, lol.

Now all I have to do is come up with a title...
You make me laugh!

As for a title, why not do what some Challenge entrants do (much to Deb's irritation) and title it, "Page Turner Chapter."

:D

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 8:28 pm
by itsjoanne
Writetrack wrote:
DMarie84 wrote: Anyway, I made my synopsis slightly longer--182, lol.

Now all I have to do is come up with a title...
You make me laugh!

As for a title, why not do what some Challenge entrants do (much to Deb's irritation) and title it, "Page Turner Chapter."

:D
Or - "My Book"

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 2:28 am
by DMarie84
LOL!

Well it's nearly done now--I finally came up with a title after all day thinking about it (and having a bit of help from my sister). All I have to do is go over it and edit some things...and turn it in tomorrow. Talk about waiting til the last minute :P

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:51 am
by Writetrack
Hey...sometimes it's those last minute entries that end up in the winner's circle.

You go, girl!

:D

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 11:25 am
by DMarie84
:D

LOL, one more thing--in your entry, did you put your title and your name? I know it will be on the entry form, but I didn't know if it was needed in the actual chapter too.

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 1:48 pm
by ScarletFury
Oh yikes!

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 4:49 pm
by Writetrack
Actually, I don't think you're supposed to put it on your entry at all - just on the form. On each page of my chapter, I put a header with the name of the book and the page numbers. But no name.

:)

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 4:54 pm
by eireann
Make sure that you do not put the "trailer" version of your book. A synopsis is the summary of your entire story with an overview of the beginning, middle and end. The judges need to be able to see that you have a very specific plot with a main goal for the MC to accomplish.