Dear Editor…
What tense should be used when writing a synopsis? Does it matter what tense is used in the manuscript?
Sincerely,
Mary
Dear Mary…
No matter which tense you use in your story, apply literary present tense to your synopsis. Literary present describes your story as if it were happening right now: “When Khalel’s secret is revealed, he assumes his night daemon shape and escapes into the darkness.” Feel free to inject a hint of your story’s narrative voice into your synopsis, but don’t get wonky with the tense. Sticking with this standard lets your prospective agent or editor focus the content instead of the form.
Happy writing!
The Editor