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Chances are you aren't walking over to the counter to buy it yet—you're going to sample it first by cracking it open to the first page.
From there, one of two things happen: either the writing grabs you and you bring the book to the counter or make a mental note to buy it later, or you lose interest and return it to the shelf. Two very different results based solely on whether or not you like what you find on that first page.
I don't know about you guys, but when sampling a book, I generally read until I don't want to anymore. If I've made it to the end of the first chapter (or however long the sample is, in the case of e-books) and I'm still interested, I'll buy the book, or at least add it to my TBR list. If I lose interest somewhere before that (even if that "somewhere" is in the first sentence), I put the book back and move on. And as I understand it, I'm not the only one who samples books in a similar manner.
The thing is, when a reader picks up your book, your first page carries the very heavy responsibility of grabbing their interest and not letting go for anything. There's no such thing as a throwaway sentence in your first 250 words—every line must make the reader want to read the next, or it doesn't belong there.
Your first page must:
- Hook the reader. Whether the reader is an agent, editor or someone contemplating whether or not to buy your book, the first page is your only chance to grab their attention.
- Introduce your protagonist. This pretty much goes without saying, but we need to meet your protagonist just about immediately if you hope to grab interest.
- Make your readers care. In most cases your readers aren't going to fall in love with your protagonist in the first 250 words, but by the end of the first page they should have a good sense as to why they should care about your protagonist's plight, which leads me to...
- Hint at conflict. This doesn't mean that there needs to be a gun battle on the first page, but we need to get a sense (even if it's just foreboding) that something isn't quite right, or that something will happen very soon.
It's a lot of work for just 250 words, but it's truly essential to a successful first page, and it's why publishing professionals often advise against starting a novel with a character doing menial, everyday tasks (ergo brushing teeth, getting ready for school, etc.). When revising the beginning of your WIP, I recommend taking a good hard look at that first page to see if it accomplishes those four tasks. It might just be what you need to pique someone's interest in your work.
NOTE: After writing this post I found this very informative post by agent Laurie McLean on the first pages of a WIP including some very helpful dos and don'ts. Definitely check it out.
In your opinion, how important is the first page of a novel? How long do you usually read when sampling work?
In your opinion, how important is the first page of a novel? How long do you usually read when sampling work?
12 comments:
I sample books, posts and practically everything i read the same way you do. Ironically, I had not paid the slightest attention on the way I started my own stories until someone pointed this issue out to me. Now I pay more attention on my starting lines.
It's an easy thing to overlook in our writing, but it is so important, particularly if you ever want your work to sell. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Al.
I, too, read at least the first page in bookstores before I buy. I often hear such great things about books, but if the first page doesn't pull me in, I don't read it. I'm sure I'm missing some great books. Then again, those writers are missing some great readers.
That said, like Al, I haven't spent enough time on my first page of my current ms. So ironic. Thanks for the reminder. I'm off to check out that link and then brainstorm about my first page!
Weirdly, I very rarely open books and read the first few pages in a book shop. I don't really know why that is, it's ridiculous, really.
What I would say, though, is that people shouldn't forget the rest of the book is really important, too. I can't count how many times I've read a manuscript where the first chapter or so is excellent, but there's a noticeable drop in quality after that point, where the writer hasn't put so much effort into the editing.
I've done the same thing we're I've put down books I heard great things about because I didn't like the first page (or pages). If the writing doesn't grab me, it doesn't matter to me how much acclaim it has.
Now the important part is to learn from that experience and apply the same type of discretion to our work. It's a little harder as we're biased, but reading up on what makes a good first page (and getting feedback) helps tremendously. Good luck!
You make two good points. Firstly, I do know people who buy books without sampling them (usually e-books), which I find somewhat astounding, but it happens. I find the only time I buy a book without sampling is if I trust the author (as in, I've read many of their books and haven't been disappointed) or if it's the continuation of a series I like. In both cases, however, I've had previous experience with the writing so I have some idea as to what to expect.
As for your second point, you're entirely right about putting the extra effort in the editing throughout the manuscript. I read an interview with an agent once where the same thing was said--that they'd read samples of fabulous first chapters, then the quality dropped. It's likely that the writers had critiques of their first chapter, but then didn't apply the critique to the rest of the work.
Great post, Ava. I never thought about it, but you're right. Divergent and The Hunger Games both start with the characters doing something menial. And so does every Harry Potter book. Good points. I'm not sure if it's necessarily true for all novels, but it has its application in the right story.
Thanks, Margaret! You know, I actually would say that The Hunger Games, Divergent and the Harry Potter series are exceptions. I wrote a post a while back on great first sentences and included them amongst the examples because of the tension and the way they hinted at conflict. Menial activities or not, they still managed to do everything necessary for an opening, IMO, so I agree that it depends on the novel (like just about everything that has to do with writing).
I agree with both of you. That first sentence lets readers know there is danger or mystery, and it gives meaning and even dread to that menial task. "Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of Number Four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much." That sentence just screams "This story is anything but normal!", which makes the rest of the page, concerning the bland life of the Dursleys, so ironic.
My first page is so good :D This is some reassurance.
Good to hear. :)
Exactly! Which is why I included it in my list of great first lines. :)
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