What this is

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This is a written reading of a novel synopsis (up to 3000 words), focused on how the project is likely to register with a cold industry reader.

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The emphasis is not on whether the synopsis is “good” or “bad”, but on what it actually communicates: how the story is shaped and positioned, what kind of novel it appears to promise, and where clarity, emphasis, or logic breaks down.

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The aim is to make visible any gap between what you intend the synopsis to convey and what it is likely to convey in practice.

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The focus is on how the synopsis functions as a piece of communication, not on judging the quality or viability of the novel itself.

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What I look at

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I read the synopsis as an external reader would, paying attention to:

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• the clarity of the core premise and narrative arc

• how effectively character, stakes, and momentum are communicated

• the signals it sends about genre, tone, and audience

• where emphasis feels misplaced, inflated, or unclear

• where the synopsis promises a different novel from the one it appears to describe

 

The response focuses on reader perception, not author intention.

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What you receive

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You’ll receive a written response that:

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• describes how the synopsis reads from the outside

• identifies points of confusion, distortion, or narrative thinning

• highlights structural or conceptual issues affecting how the story is framed

• indicates what would need to change for the synopsis to communicate the novel more clearly

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This is a diagnostic reading. It does not include rewriting or optimisation.

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What this does not include

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To avoid misunderstanding, this reading does not include:

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• line-by-line editing, drafting, or rewriting

• reading of sample chapters or manuscripts

• advice on submission strategy or agent targeting

• follow-up correspondence or discussion

• Judgements about the quality, viability, or marketability of the novel itself.

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If you’re looking for ongoing support, or for feedback that involves reading the manuscript itself, this isn’t the right option.

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Practical details

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• Material: one novel synopsis

• Length: up to 3000 words

• Format: written response

• Delivery: within 5 working days

• Fee: £180

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Availability is limited and may be paused periodically.

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Proceed

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If this option isn’t appropriate, you can return to The Practice.

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