My publishers have asked me to encapsulate my new trilogy, The Outcast Chronicles, in 100 to 150 words for each book. Gahhhh
They need this for the cover artist, for the book stores, or the back cover blurb etc. But these books are 100,ooo to 150,000 words. I know the characters intimately and all the twists and turns of the plots. Encapsulating the books in 150 words is so hard its painful.
This is an amusing irony, because I teach how to write a synopsis and how to pitch your books. When pitching your book you need to do the ‘elevator pitch’ that means you need to encapsulate the core of your book in 25 words or less.
Here goes:
This is a story about a tribe of mystics who are persecuted in their own land and banished. It’s about how they struggle to find a new home.
Terrible, I know. I have to talk about the people. Because we want to hear about someone we can care about. Another try:
Imoshen didn’t want to lead her people into exile. She didn’t want to battle the brotherhood leaders for this dubious honour but she needed to make sure her children were safe.
Not bad, could do better. Sigh.
Will keep trying.
