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Question about the Synopsis

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BobbieJ View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BobbieJ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Question about the Synopsis
    Posted: 12 Jun 2022 at 5:51pm
This is my first time submitting at the Flash length.  For the synopsis on the cover page, should it be a straight synopsis, even if it hints at or includes a story spoiler?  I'm guessing they use this for more practical purposes while they sort and move pieces through the judging process, and it's just a helpful tool in case there are similarly titled stories?  I am guessing the judges do read them, at least initially?

Any experienced insight is appreciated!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JackClames Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Jun 2022 at 6:02pm
Use it to sell your story, introduce the context, hint at the the central conceit and the challenge your character(s) might be facing. 

On a psychological level, I’m assuming the judges read the synopsis and then the story, so a reasonable and intriguing steer can set them (and any forum readers!) down the path you want them to travel when reading your piece.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nod1v1ng Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Jun 2022 at 6:15pm

Technically, we are not judged on our synopsis. But there is one judge out there that likes to regularly critique them. 

Typically, you should just introduce your MC and the main conflict. While it is tempting to use the synopsis to add info that you couldn't shoehorn into the 1k word limit, I have seen judges comment on that as a no-no. Make sure your story stands on its own.

Honestly, I've written some pretty lame synopsises and have placed well. 



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BobbieJ View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BobbieJ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Jun 2022 at 10:35pm
Thank you!  Makes sense.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Suave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Jun 2022 at 12:58am
Originally posted by nod1v1ng nod1v1ng wrote:




Honestly, I've written some pretty lame synopsises and have placed well. 




Sounds like every synopsis I have ever written.

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