Friday, February 11, 2011

The First Chapter

The first chapter is the most important chapter of a manuscript.

Editors will reject most books after reading just two pages. You’ve got to make the first few pages count and hook your reader.

Some ways you can dazzle you editor/reader is to have:

A dramatic opening scene.

A powerful setting that draws your reader in.

An chapter that is well written and shows off your talent.

Compelling characters.

A story that moves along at a decent pace.

Incorporates universal themes such weak vs. strong, good vs. evil, finding hope, survival, finding love, acceptance, etc.


2 comments:

  1. I couldn't agree more. A reader will forgive a slow second chapter, but not a slow first chapter. It really has to hit the spot. I think the first line is a really big deal too.

    ReplyDelete

Share |