I am glad to see the word synopsis becoming familiar in the Korean publishing industry. A synopsis is now commonly requested when a Korean title is submitted abroad for consideration or offered for sale. But what exactly is a synopsis?

When a Korean book is introduced overseas, its domestic 책 소개 (About the Book) is often translated into English and labeled a synopsis. This may be convenient, but the two documents serve different purposes.

A translated About the Book may praise the book rather than fully explain it. It may withhold the ending, omit important turns in the story, assume familiarity with Korean culture, and use promotional language originally written for Korean readers.

A synopsis—or, more precisely, a publisher-facing synopsis—is a complete and accurate account of a book. It is prepared to help a prospective publisher evaluate the work for acquisition and publication. It presents the central premise, structure, principal characters or arguments, major developments, and conclusion—including the ending. Its purpose is not simply to make readers interested in the book, but to help a publisher understand and assess the whole work.

How different they are! and How are they different?

This is the kind of synopsis Abba Communication provides: one prepared with care for the author and the Korean publisher, as well as for the international publisher who may one day bring the book to new readers.

Please contact us to discuss how we can prepare your title for international presentation.

Jungsook Kim
Abba Communication