When the producer for The Haan Blade asked me to write a “selling treatment”, I couldn’t help but think, “How does that differ from any other treatment?”

I had some idea, probably enough to put me in the ball park, but why not do it right? I called my script consultant to ask her what’s the difference is between a synopsis and a treatment, and what more do I need to know about the various types of synopsis? With the answers fresh in my mind I want to share them with you, my readers.

Here are some of the highlights from the discussion Kathie and I had.

Important to note: the biggest difference between a synopsis and a treatment is the spelling.

One Page Treatment:
This should explain your major plot points and main characters; usually three paragraphs, one for each act. This is also a great pitching tool. You can carry it with you to a meeting or a pitchfest; should you get nervous or loose your train of thought, it’s a fast reference and something to leave behind.

Three Page Treatment:
Here, you mention some of the supporting roles; this is more typically a page for each act rather than a paragraph. It can be used to give investors, crew, talent etc. a little more information.

You can also do a five page treatment to allow you to expound on the story just a smidge more. These are not uncommon and are used for the same purpose as the three page treatment.

A Selling Treatment:
This is what I am working on and is typically between 8-12 pages long. You should expound on the B story and supporting characters with this one.

Full Out Treatment:
This one gets all the nitty gritty details and can be up to 20 pages in length.

Regardless of length, you should remember to write this in narrative style. CAPS character names the first time you mention them, but don’t CAPS sounds or props the way you would in a screenplay. Never forget the idea is to sell your work, whatever the length, your synopsis must be exciting to read!

Make sure you have one of each type of treatment from the list above. This way, when someone asks for more detail about your project, you are prepared. In my humble opinion, this not only makes you look more professional, but also speeds up the process of selling your story.

What advice would you give to someone who is tackling a treatment? If you are the one being handed a treatment, what do you look for?