[Conseils d'écrivain] Comment proposer ton roman aux éditeurs ?

Updated: November 19, 2024

Lucie Castel - LICARES


Summary

The video provides in-depth guidance on crafting compelling synopses for manuscript submissions, emphasizing the importance of capturing essential plot elements and transformations concisely. It explores techniques for creating engaging narratives without revealing too much, maintaining a balance of intrigue and information to captivate readers and editors. Additionally, the speaker shares insights on character development, plot alignment with genres, and the significance of presenting polished manuscripts to engage editors effectively. The discussion extends to cover design, product descriptions, and manuscript submission strategies, offering a comprehensive overview of the editorial and publication processes in the literary industry. The speaker also delves into genre preferences, elements of space opera, and the dynamics of author groups, encapsulating a diverse range of topics related to writing, publishing, and engaging with readers and industry professionals.


Introduction and Welcoming

The speaker greets the viewers and checks if the live stream is functioning well. They welcome the audience and share their routine of waiting for viewers to join while discussing various topics informally.

Viewer Interaction and Questions

The speaker interacts with viewers, mentioning some of their names and engaging in casual conversation. They address technical issues with the live stream and maintain a casual and friendly atmosphere.

Importance of Submission Packet

Discussion on the submission packet for authors, emphasizing dos and don'ts while submitting a manuscript for publication. The speaker highlights the significance of carefully preparing the submission documents for editors.

Submission Packet Content

Exploration of the essential components of a submission packet, including the synopsis and product description. The speaker provides insights on the key elements required to capture an editor's attention effectively.

Synopsis Development

Detailed discussion on crafting a compelling synopsis, emphasizing the importance of presenting the story's crucial aspects effectively. The speaker explains common pitfalls to avoid in synopsis writing.

Synopsis Structure

Examination of the structure of a synopsis, stressing the need for an engaging narrative that highlights the plot's key elements. The speaker provides guidance on creating a synopsis that captivates readers and editors.

Qualities of a Synopsis

Explains that a synopsis is not just a mechanical summary but a synthesis of the essence of the novel, focusing on the key elements of the story to create a compelling summary.

Key Insights for a Synopsis

Emphasizes the importance of identifying the key events and transformations in the novel to create a meaningful synopsis that captures the essence of the literary intention.

Techniques for Crafting a Synopsis

Suggests a technique of starting with a brief summary of the three to four major events that transform the protagonist, avoiding a detailed chapter-by-chapter approach to ensure a compelling and concise synopsis.

Stylistic Approach to Synopsis

Discusses how refining the synopsis stylistically by summarizing the core literary intentions with fewer words can enhance the overall appeal and readability, transforming a dry synopsis into an engaging preview of the novel.

Synopsis Length and Content

Addresses the optimal length of a synopsis, recommending around 1200 words or two pages to provide sufficient detail without overwhelming the reader, ensuring a balance between intrigue and information.

Revealing Essential Plot Elements

Stresses the importance of revealing essential plot elements in the synopsis while maintaining intrigue, highlighting that key revelations and transformations should be included to captivate the reader without revealing every detail.

Balancing Information in Synopsis

Discusses the balance between revealing enough information in the synopsis to engage the reader while withholding certain details to maintain suspense and interest, emphasizing the art of hinting at key plot developments without giving everything away.

Handling Plot Tension in Synopsis

Explores the challenge of managing plot tension in the synopsis, advising on providing enough information to convey the story's depth and originality while leaving room for discovery and engagement, ultimately creating a balanced and captivating synopsis.

Synopsis Structure and Presentation

Offers insights into structuring a synopsis effectively by focusing on the hero's actions, character development, and key revelations, emphasizing the need for a cohesive and engaging presentation to intrigue potential readers and industry professionals.

Character Presentation in Synopsis

Provides guidance on presenting characters in the synopsis, recommending a brief overview of the main and secondary characters' qualities, flaws, and character arcs to offer a comprehensive yet concise portrayal in the synopsis.

Discussion on Filmmaking Industry

The speaker talks about the film industry, sharing experiences from the past related to certain films and the overall quality of productions.

Creating Descriptions for Products

The speaker discusses the process of creating descriptions for products in the context of filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of capturing the essence of the story to attract interest.

Summary of Storyline

The speaker explains the process of summarizing the storyline in a concise and engaging manner to captivate potential readers or viewers.

Genre and Writing Style

The speaker delves into different genres and writing styles, highlighting the importance of identifying the genre and writing in a style that resonates with the target audience.

Character Development

The speaker shares insights on character development and the significance of creating compelling and relatable characters to engage readers or viewers.

Plot Development and Genre Selection

The speaker provides guidance on plot development and genre selection, emphasizing the need to align the plot with the chosen genre to enhance the overall storytelling.

Editorial Review Process

The speaker discusses the editorial review process and the importance of engaging the editor through effective communication and clear presentation of the manuscript.

Chapter Planning and Analysis

The speaker emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning and analysis when structuring chapters to maintain coherence and interest throughout the story.

Submission Preparation

The speaker offers insights into preparing submissions, including the significance of presenting a polished manuscript and engaging the editor with a comprehensive submission package.

Critique and Feedback Incorporation

The speaker discusses the incorporation of critiques and feedback into the manuscript, highlighting the value of constructive criticism in refining the story.

Cover Design and Inspirations

The speaker explores cover design and inspirations, emphasizing the collaborative process with the editor to align the design with the essence of the story.

Product Description and Synopsis

The speaker elaborates on crafting product descriptions and synopses, focusing on capturing the essence of the story and enticing readers through engaging descriptions.

Chapter Composition and Literary Intention

The speaker discusses the composition of chapters and literary intention, emphasizing the importance of aligning intentions with the narrative structure to convey the story effectively.

Character Description and Manuscript Submission

The speaker provides insights on character description and manuscript submission, highlighting the significance of detailed character profiles and effective submission strategies.

Series Development and Submission Planning

The speaker shares tips on series development and submission planning, emphasizing the strategic approach to presenting a series to publishers for successful submission.

Continuation Announcement and Companion Series

The speaker discusses the announcement of series continuation and companion series, underscoring the importance of informing publishers about future installments and related works.

Protection of Manuscripts

The speaker discusses the importance of protecting manuscripts and addresses concerns about plagiarism, highlighting that it is common to plagiarize foreign novels that have gained popularity. The chapter emphasizes the need to relax and not overly protect manuscripts.

Plagiarism and Publishing

The chapter delves into the topic of plagiarism in the publishing industry, mentioning that plagiarizing for success is a prevalent practice. It also touches on the process of publishing and the uncertainties authors face regarding the reception of their work by editors.

Beta Readers and Manuscript Protection

The speaker discusses the role of beta readers in protecting manuscripts and the fear some authors have of sending their work for feedback. The chapter emphasizes the need to relax about manuscript protection and references instances of plagiarism in literature.

Literary Deposition and Publishing

The chapter covers topics related to literary deposition and publication processes. It mentions the legal aspects of publishing in different formats and addresses the importance of deposition at institutions like the Bibliothèque du Patrimoine Littéraire Français.

Electronic Signatures and Legal Considerations

The speaker explains the significance of electronic signatures in legal contexts, such as copyright protection. The chapter also touches on the legality of digital signatures and their acceptance in judicial proceedings.

Genres and Author Insights

The chapter explores different genres favored by authors, including romance, fantasy, and thrillers. It also discusses the impact of genre preferences on the formation of author groups and the distribution of resources.

Love for Godzilla and Alien Queen

Expressing love for Godzilla and the Alien Queen as the two favorite characters, along with illustrations.

Debate Between Star Wars and Science Fiction

Discussing the ongoing debate between Star Wars and science fiction as it blurs the lines between futuristic science and fantasy.

Fantasy in Space Opera

Explaining the concept of space opera as a blend of fantasy and futuristic elements, distinguishing it from traditional science fiction.

Critique on Costume Design in Sci-Fi

Critiquing the bizarre costumes in sci-fi movies and highlighting the importance of aesthetic appeal.

Upcoming Content Teaser

Teasing upcoming content on the YouTube channel and hinting at exciting episodes for the audience to enjoy.

Final Remarks and Well Wishes

Concluding the discussion with messages of gratitude, excitement for upcoming projects, and encouraging the audience to take care of themselves during challenging times.


FAQ

Q: What are some dos and don'ts when submitting a manuscript for publication?

A: Dos include carefully preparing submission documents for editors, submitting a well-structured synopsis, and aligning plot development with the chosen genre. Don'ts involve avoiding detailed chapter-by-chapter approaches, over-revealing plot elements, and failing to captivate with a compelling synopsis.

Q: Why is it important to carefully craft a synopsis when submitting a manuscript?

A: Crafting a compelling synopsis is crucial to capturing an editor's attention effectively, as it serves as a synthesis of the novel's essence by focusing on key events, transformations, and literary intentions to create a meaningful and engaging summary.

Q: What is the suggested length for a synopsis in a manuscript submission?

A: A synopsis of around 1200 words or two pages is recommended to provide sufficient detail without overwhelming the reader, ensuring a balance between intrigue and information.

Q: How can authors balance revealing plot elements in a synopsis while maintaining suspense and interest?

A: Authors can achieve this balance by hinting at key plot developments without revealing everything, engaging readers with essential revelations and transformations while leaving room for discovery and maintaining intrigue throughout the synopsis.

Q: What elements should be focused on when structuring a synopsis effectively?

A: It is important to focus on the hero's actions, character development, and key revelations in a synopsis to present a cohesive and engaging narrative that intrigues potential readers and industry professionals.

Q: Why is it essential to align plot development with the chosen genre in writing?

A: Aligning plot development with the chosen genre enhances the overall storytelling by ensuring coherence and resonance with the target audience, creating a more compelling and relatable narrative.

Q: What is the significance of incorporating critiques and feedback into a manuscript?

A: Incorporating critiques and feedback into a manuscript helps refine the story by providing valuable insights for improvement, enhancing the overall quality and appeal of the work to potential readers and editors.

Q: How can authors protect their manuscripts from plagiarism?

A: Authors can protect their manuscripts by relaxing about manuscript protection, engaging beta readers for feedback, and being aware of instances of plagiarism in literature to safeguard their work and creative integrity.

Q: What are some legal aspects related to publishing, especially concerning electronic signatures and copyright protection?

A: In the context of publishing, electronic signatures hold legal weight for copyright protection. The legality of digital signatures is recognized in judicial proceedings, emphasizing the importance of electronic authentication in protecting intellectual property.

Q: Can you explain the concept of space opera in literature and its distinction from traditional science fiction?

A: Space opera combines fantasy and futuristic elements in storytelling, distinguishing itself from traditional science fiction by integrating elements of fantasy to create a unique blend that blurs the lines between futuristic science and fantasy genres.

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