I love having the opportunity to judge Darling Axe contests. When I receive the shortlist, I print out every entry and settle in with a cup of tea to read through them. This year's synopsis contest didn't disappoint.

Three entries rose to the top.

The synopsis for The Gatekeepers hooked me immediately, not only with the excellent voice but also with the unusual premise of the novel. The story feels cohesive, the plot points are causal, there are some important reversals, and the ending makes sense. In other words, the author shows us they have control over their story and they understand structure. That's what you want from a synopsis.

The Prana Project synopsis provided a clear trajectory from start to finish, with a protagonist who has a strong goal and who fights against a ticking clock. The plot is full of adventure, but the story also explores bigger themes and asks important ethical questions. This was another synopsis in which I felt the author had a strong handle on their story.

The voice in the Desolation Seer synopsis was delightful from the first sentence. Again, the novel feels structurally sound, and I liked how the author forces characters who don't like or trust each other to work together. I could sense the potential for sparks to fly, which made me want to read the novel.

Congratulations to the winners!

According to literary agent Sarah Davies, a good query submission can be described in terms of concept and craft. In other words, you want to convey an original idea or fresh take and demonstrate a mastery of narrative structure. These elements are both important in your pitch, but even more so in your synopsis. So lay out your story's chain of consequence, and demonstrate character, context, and conflict—with style but without gimmick. And may the best plot summary win!

Our judge, Michelle Barker, will be asking herself one question:

First place: $700 CAD

Second place: $200 CAD

Third place: $100 CAD

All three finalists will be published on the Chopping Blog and receive

complimentary access to a Darling Axe self-paced course.

• Entry is $5 CAD

• Optional feedback for $30 CAD
• One page: maximum 500 words

• Multiple submissions accepted
• Original, unpublished, unrepresented work only
• Once you've paid, send your docx/pdf to contest@darlingaxe.com
• Submission deadline: May 31 

  

New: Optional Feedback

Would you like to know how your synopsis lands with our contest screeners? For an additional $30 CAD, we will send you brief feedback about your entry's strengths and snags. This will come in the form of an email with a few notes about what our screeners thought, a score out of five, and any relevant resources. Please note: this feedback will not be sent until after the contest closes and winners are announced—sometime in June.