SIZZLING SYNOPSIS WORKSHOP
REGISTRATION DATES: NOW - April 18, 2024
WORKSHOP DATES: April 21-28, 2024
You’re working on your first (or next) novel, and you need a synopsis. All those other writers seem to have it all together. Wouldn’t it be great to take a peek at the synopsis for THEIR manuscript? And wouldn’t it be even better if others would give you feedback on YOUR synopsis?
That’s the idea behind the SIZZLING SYNOPSIS WORKSHOP, a free, week-long event for members. You bravely open yourself up to a group of 6 other WFWA writing peers to read your 800-word synopsis and give you feedback, while agreeing to take time to read their synopsis and give them feedback as well.
If you want to sell a book, you need to have a well-crafted, SIZZLING SYNOPSIS. Agents, editors, potential interviewers, and readers (who will become reviewers) all need to want to read your book and a great synopsis can help with that!
The purpose of a synopsis is to provide a clear and engaging summary of your novel, enticing readers and agents to want to explore your story further.
When you register for this workshop, you will be sent a registration confirmation email. Within this email will be a link for you to gain automatic access to the lessons that were created to help you perfect your synopsis so that you are prepared to begin this workshop promptly on April 21, 2024.
The link you will receive will take you to the "Synopsis Toolbox" in our "Learning Library" that we have created for all WFWA members to have access to on our "Programs Community Website" which is a completely separate website from what you are on right now. We hold all workshops within the "Programs Community Website."
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- Please be considerate of your fellow WFWA Members who register and will be participating in this workshop. When you register for this workshop you are expected to come prepared with your synopsis ready for review on April 21, 2024.
- If you have not posted your synopsis by 5 AM ET on April 23, 2024 - you will be removed from this workshop.
- You are expected to read each of your group member's synopsis and provide feedback, comments, encouragement, etc.
- You are encouraged to revise your synopsis using the feedback you receive from your fellow workshop attendees. You may upload your revised synopsis for more feedback during this workshop as many times as you choose to do so.
- If you register for this workshop now and cannot commit to the above requirements when we get closer to the actual start dates of this workshop, please email us at [email protected] and let us know. We will remove you from this workshop. This is only fair to your fellow WFWA Members.
- If you simply want access to the lessons for creating and perfecting your synopsis now, continue reading. Look for the "Begin Preparing Now!" graphic below and you will find the information you need to join the Programs Community Platform where the lessons and materials for this workshop can be found.
OR CONTINUE READING BELOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How many participants are in each group?
- 6 total participants per group, with exceptions when needed.
- For example: Let’s say a total of 7 people sign up under the “Mystery/Thriller Elements Category” on our registration form, we would create one (1) group for these participants.
What can I do now to be prepared to start on April 21?
Join the Programs Community Platform NOW
- Once you join the Programs Community Platform, you have access to the “Learning Library” we have created. Within the “Learning Library,” you will find the “Synopsis Toolbox.” Within this toolbox, you have access to several online articles that are valuable resources to use. You also have access to several informative articles and documents (lessons) that we have created for you to study while preparing for the Sizzling Synopsis workshop.
- Here is the information to join the Programs Community Platform: Use this link to access the Community platform. Once you create your profile and password, check out the Welcome Guide and Community Tour video. If you experience any challenges, email [email protected]
- If you have already joined the Programs Community Platform: Simply visit the website, and follow step one above. (Locate the Learning Library, look for the Synopsis Toolbox, and read and use the resources available to you there.)
- Once you are in the Programs Community Platform, look in the left-hand side menu, scroll down if you need to, and look for the words “Learning Library.” Click on the words: “Learning Library.” In the center of your screen, a short menu appears with 2 options that you can click on. Click on the word “Toolboxes”. Next, the center of your browser window will show an extensive list of all the toolboxes we have within the Learning Library. Click on the "Help Guide for this Extensive List" option (the very top and first option), and read the information. Scroll down the screen and locate the "Synopsis Toolbox".
- Make sure you have your first synopsis prepared and ready to copy and paste into your group space by April 21, 2024.
- Possibly look at your schedule for the week of April 21-28, 2024, and mark off an hour or two a day that you can devote to this workshop every day. This will give you time to read your group members' synopsis, offer suggestions, etc. As we get further into the workshop, you may need more or less time.
- On April 18th or prior to this date, you will be sent the "Welcome Email" and an invitation to join the workshop platform. Follow the instructions and enter the workshop.
Are there any homework assignments or can I revise my synopsis using the suggestions I receive and then post my synopsis again for more critiques and suggestions?
- Currently, there are no “homework” assignments. You can safely “assume” that you will receive feedback and suggestions on your synopsis, and we suggest you take everything into consideration. You can revise your synopsis according to the feedback you receive or choose not to.
- Your group members can agree to read and make suggestions on your revised synopsis if they choose to. In the past, this has almost always been done.
Are there any Live Events or Zoom Sessions?
Are there any pre-recorded videos with this workshop?
Can I read and view things that are posted in other groups within this workshop?
- Absolutely! You can bounce between groups to read other members synopsis and you can make comments and suggestions if you wish to.
- One requirement – PLEASE ONLY POST YOUR SYNOPSIS in the group you are assigned to.
So, this workshop lasts for 7 days, but the workshop itself remains open and available until June 1, 2024, does that mean I can still post or work with other members?
- This workshop “technically” lasts for seven (7) days, from April 21-28, 2024. During this time, we urge you to actively participate as much as possible. Starting April 21, continue to comment, make suggestions, and perfect your synopsis if you wish, but also realize participation may drop off.
- Yes, you as the participant can continue to perfect your synopsis and offer and receive comments and suggestions if your group members choose to do so.
Do I have to do everything in the workshop platform, or can I converse with group members via email or via the chat (private message) function in the workshop platform?
- We prefer all conversations and work be posted on the workshop platform. We ask that you post your synopsis as text in your group and NOT offer a PDF, Word Doc, Google Doc, link, etc. Many people do not want to download or open documents. Most participants prefer to read the materials online and be able to comment and make suggestions directly on the workshop platform.
How will I know when, where, and how to post my synopsis?
- You will receive a “Welcome Email” on or prior to April 18, 2024. This email will have all the information you need to participate, including a “Help” document on how to maneuver around in the workshop platform.
What can I do now to be prepared to start on April 21st?
- Make sure you have your 800-word or less synopsis prepared and ready to copy and paste into your group space by September 3, 2023. Please do your best to keep your synopsis to 800 words.
- Possibly look at your schedule for that week and mark off an hour or two a day that you can devote to this workshop. This will give you time to read your group member's synopsis’, offer suggestions, etc. As we get further into the workshop, you may need more time as participants start commenting more.
- Join the Programs Community Website, and view the "Synopsis Toolbox" that is located within the "Learning Library on this website which is separate from the official WFWA website that you are on right now. As stated previously, the link to join will be in your registration confirmation email which you will receive immediately after registering for this workshop.
I work full-time; can I still participate in this workshop?
- Absolutely! There is no set schedule for this workshop. There are no scheduled times for meetings, etc. You visit the workshop and post your synopsis, post or read suggestions and critiques on your time schedule.
After this workshop is over, what do I do next?
- Continue to improve your synopsis for your WIP until it sizzles!
- Consider participating in the WFWA Back Cover Blurbs Workshop June 2-9, 2024.
I’m not computer savvy, will there be anyone to help me if I get stuck or need assistance?
- Yes! There will be an assigned WFWA Workshop Volunteer who can help you! Please note: the volunteer assigned to this workshop lives within the EDT time zone and she will respond to questions and assist everyone between the hours of 6 AM and 9 PM. She will respond within 12 hours, more than likely a lot quicker than that!
I have another question, who can I email? [email protected]
