There’s a good reason Creative Byline requires writers to include an outline as part of the submission package. While we were in the development stage of Creative Byline, editors told us they would prefer to know the manuscript is completed, but because a chapter-by-chapter outline shows the writer has thought through the entire story, an outline would be acceptable. So the outline is actually a compromise of sorts.
Not all writers write from an outline. But if your novel is done—which is what the editor is really hoping for—then it’s just a matter of summarizing what happens in each chapter. Even better: In the process of writing the outline, you might spot a few weaknesses in your manuscript that you can then fix before submitting it. There’s information on how to write an outline on our “resources” page, but you must be logged in to access it. (Signing up doesn’t cost anything.)
12 Comments
So, basically what you are saying, is that you are asking for something the editors do NOT want. Something that is neither fun to write, nor to read. I have never had an editor or an agent request anything but a synopsis. How about just asking us to swear that our manuscript is completed? Or let us upload the entire manuscript? Not to mention that an outline gives no evidence that the manuscript is completed. Many people write outlines before they write the book.
First of all, thanks for posting your comment to our blog, where we can respond in a timely fashion. Just to be clear, a chapter outline can be as simple as a few sentences that summarize what happens (or, if the book isn’t done, what will happen) in each chapter. We’ll try to incorporate a better example on our resources page.
Now to your point: We wanted to allow writers to begin looking for an editor before the manuscript was done, so we ask for the first three chapters and outline rather than a complete manuscript. We’re on your side–honest!
Creative Byline is a big improvement over the traditional manuscript submission process (so far, editor response times are at 10 business days, on average) but there’s always room for improvement. We’ll keep listening to feedback like yours and make changes to our process if it makes sense for most writers and editors.
From the way you describe it you are giving an unfair advantage to writers who have not finished their novels (and have no business submitting) and an unfair burden on writers who have finished (and should not need to write anything more than a synopsis.)
No publisher is going to want unfinished manuscripts, unless the writer has already published. In which case they probably wouldn’t need Creativebyline anyhow.
Wouldn’t it be a better option to let writers upload the rest of their manuscript if finished (which would be useful for editors, as well) or just click on a button swearing the manuscript is complete? (and if not, let them post an outline instead)?
Having been asked by agents/publishers for only a chapter-by-chapter synopsis for fictional works, generally very short and concise, I’m wrestling a little with structuring what is usually only a couple of sentences into a meaningful set of headings/subheadings per chapter. I see from earlier comments that I’m not alone in this. Could you please post a couple examples somewhere in the section so we can get a better sense of the structure and level of detail you’re looking for?
By the way, I love the site! I’m all about creating online efficiencies and knocking down roadblocks, which a lot of agents seem to have become these days. Connecting authors directly with editors is a great idea.
First read feedback from your team was quick, articulate, and included some thoughtful suggestions. I would recommend, however, that readers also drill into more actionable comments, ie: if greater character development is warranted, would the first reader suggest development through dialogue/action rather than description, that sort of thing. If engagement with charcters doesn’t come to the reader quickly, where might character development best be placed so as not to disrupt the flow? You get the idea.
I’m not talking about writing the book for anyone, but broad editorial comments tend to steer younger, more insecure authors into the weeds, and can result in a ton of unnecessary work as well as undesirable edits that detract from aspects of the work that were fine to begin with.
Keep up the good work. This site is a great idea whose time has come. . .
Great idea! We’ll post an example of a chapter-by-chapter outline shortly. As you’ll see from the example, a few concise sentences for each chapter is exactly what we’re expecting for a work of fiction.
Thanks, too, for your suggestion about first reader feedback and your comments on our service. Apparently there are a lot of writers who feel the same way. In the past two weeks, our number of writer members has doubled!
Still waiting for your example of an outline. It’s the outline that is currently causing my package to be marked as “needs improvement”. Personally, I have never encountered an agent or publisher who requires a chapter-by-chapter synopsis–until now. I’ve been told mine is “too long” and reads like “Cliff Notes”. I personally feel it is an unnatural way to create a synopsis of a novel; the chapter breaks interrupt the flow.
I think your service has great potential, and was interested to note that Writer Beware is reserving judgment–for now. (I’ve seen your comments there too.) But, I’m reluctant to invest another $19 (which is a very reasonable fee–if your service does indeed prove worthwhile) until I have a better idea of exactly what you’re looking for.
Thanks
Thanks for checking back! There is one sample outline posted (we are getting more examples). You have to be logged in to see it. Click on “Support” and then the sample is under “What to submit.”
Saw your sample outline. Thanks! Now I understand. The confusion seems to be more a matter of terminology: I’ve typically heard this referred to as a simple chapter synopsis, and your example fits exactly what agents/editors seem to want in a submission package
• One short paragraph per chapter
• No subheadings, bullets, lists
• Main plot and character involvement only, no rationale, explanation of method, etc.
Keep it brief! . .
Thanks again
John
I am mostly interested in why a synopsis is required for children’s picture books. These are very short stories. I understand writing a brief summary of what happens, which is exactly what a synopsis is supposed to be, but I would like to see an example of what the first readers are expecting from a picture book synopsis.
Great idea! We’ll get an example of a children’s picture book synopsis included on our site.
I don’t understand the requirement for an outline for Children’s novels.
Also, there is no “Young Adult” (12-18) catagory. This is very different from picture books or middle-grade novels.
Thanks! This is a wonderful idea.
The outline we require for a children’s novel is the same as the outline we require for an adult novel. There is a sample outline posted on creativebyline.com, but you have to be logged in to see it (registration is still free). Click on “Support”; the sample is under “What to submit.” We do include young adult as a category. When you are creating a new query package, click on “children’s fiction novels” and then, below that, click on “click here to select genres.” Not only can you select young adult, but you can also select what kind of young adult the manuscript is—action and adventure, coming of age, fantasy, historical fiction, romance, and a whole lot more. Hope this helps. If not, let us know.