I don't know a single writer who enjoys writing a synopsis.  Some say it's more difficult than writing the book.  But, I really don't believe that to be true.  I think some writers make it harder than it has to be.  Case in point - I recently critiqued a synopsis for a writer friend.  It was long, confusing, and if I were an editor, I would have returned the proposal without ever looking at the first chapter.  And, that would have been a shame, because my friend's first chapter is fabulous.  She worked on her synopsis and shortened it considerably.  The end product was very good. 

Lately, I've been reading synopsis' for friends and also having to submit synopsis' for future books to my editor.  I only have one thing to go by - and, that is what works for me.  Short and sweet, to the point.

Books on the craft of writing tell you one way to do it, varying slightly.  Different agents and editors have their own preferences as to how they would like to see a synopsis.  But I've found, despite the rules - if it's short and proposes a good story, it'll get read. 

I first broke the rules when I was targeting the secular market years ago.  The publisher stated the usual - query letter and 3-4 page synopsis.  I packed the whole thing into one single-spaced page: a little about me and my publishing history, then a brief synopsis about the book, etc.  I got a request to see the manuscript, even though I didn't follow the 'rules'. 

The synopsis' I write these days go straight to my editor.  They are less than two double-spaced pages.  Since I write romance, I introduce each of my characters in the first two paragraphs, hit on the conflict, theme, and then the resolve.  And this seems to work.

I'm not telling anyone that this will work for them, too, nor am I advocating to do it this way.  This is strictly my opinion and what works for me.  Short and sweet.  It doesn't have to be a grueling process that drags out for 7-8 pages, citing every little detail of the story.  

To my writer friends - hope this helps!