: Re: Ensemble cast novel - pitch and synopsis My mystery novel features an ensemble cast of seven characters. Since I can't talk about all of them in the short span of the query letter, I've decided

1) Would seven mentioned characters in a synopsis be too much/too difficult to track? Is there another way to avoid this confusion other than simply labeling some of them as "the group"?

The length of a synopsis can be one full single-spaced page to four full pages depending on the agent and genre. 600 words is on the short end. On the other hand, seven named characters may be bumping up against the upper end. (mine has five.)

The agent reads the synopsis to make sure the structure of your story is present--a good narrative arc with proper pacing. Each plot point, each twist, and so on. There should be a point of no return, a moment of doom, a twist, a climax. Don't focus on the characters, focus on the action/plot/pivots and twists. Bring in the characters as you need them to illuminate the story. You can structure your synopsis roughly like your story, too: a little setup, but much more of the thick of it--getting into the messy details, and the climax and resolution.

(incidentally, I'd say if your first chapter is tight, leave it at 450 words. If it hooks, agents will want more, and some will definitely appreciate a shorter chapter one. The numbers are something like ten queries per day for most agents. Assuming an average chapter length of 3,000 words, that's a lot of words. I'd hate to read 30,000 words each and every day. I'd be relieved to have a 450 word sample that hooks me.)

2) Since in my (much shorter) query letter I focus on the antagonist (and lump the other six characters as "the group", for space constraints), and I do mention it's an ensemble cast, would an agent automatically expect the first chapter to be from the antagonist's POV?

Yes, I believe this is true.

2B) And since it isn't, would that be an instant rejection?

I don't know, because it will depend on the writing. Agents repeatedly say they want voice above all else. But I suggest writing the query from the PoV of the opening character.

Caveat: I am not an agent. These thoughts are my best understanding.

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