An opening chapter is a book’s shop window – get it right!

Joe McCoubrey · Post by **Joe McCoubrey** » 20 Jun 2012, 12:55

It’s probably self-evident why it’s important to have a strong opening chapter to a story. It’s more than just the scene-setter, it’s the hook to grab the attention of readers – the one big opportunity for an author to convince his paying guests that it’s worth their while to stick around.

It’s all well and good having fancy cover blurbs and trailers to entice readers into your parlour but when they get tucked into the first course you had better be at your writing best. Killer opening chapters are what ‘sells’ you as a writer, so make sure you bring your A-game to the table.

It doesn’t matter what your book is about, or how you intend to unfold the story, you MUST ensure there’s enough going on in those opening pages to convince the customer that this is a journey he wants to undertake with you.

Often what is required is little more than attention to detail. The first chapter should be written, rewritten, edited, re-edited, tweaked and re-tweaked. For goodness sake don’t fall flat on your face with typos, grammos, weak dialogue, or action that wouldn’t get the attention of a nervous fly. SEE MORE AT: http://BLACKLISTED/2012/06/20/an-o ... -it-right/

sandraalvarez · Post by **sandraalvarez** » 21 Jun 2012, 08:28

i agree..."first impression lasts" also works when it comes to writing.

louisgeorge · Post by **louisgeorge** » 07 Jul 2012, 06:15

So true, So true..

Play Overruled · Post by **Play Overruled** » 08 Jul 2012, 21:32

Yes it's true but getting it right means making me curious to read more, not giving away the story. Unfortunately we live in the world of people who try to read the end of the book before they buy it.

Maud Fitch · Post by **Maud Fitch** » 09 Jul 2012, 00:00

By all means get the opening chapter right but don't underestimate the power of publicity. Many times I've heard the words "It was slow to start but when I got into it I enjoyed it" because they perservered, mainly due to positive reviews, a bit of spin. Which begs the question; what is more important for an author? Book sales or book quality?

Fran · Post by **Fran** » 09 Jul 2012, 08:47

Maud Fitch wrote:By all means get the opening chapter right but don't underestimate the power of publicity. Many times I've heard the words "It was slow to start but when I got into it I enjoyed it" because they perservered, mainly due to positive reviews, a bit of spin. Which begs the question; what is more important for an author? Book sales or book quality?

I see your point Maud but if the opening chapter doesn't pull in some readers it won't get the reviews ... bit of a catch 22

tbughi1 · Post by **tbughi1** » 17 Jul 2012, 16:12

Fran wrote:I see your point Maud but if the opening chapter doesn't pull in some readers it won't get the reviews ... bit of a catch 22

You mean won't get reviews ... right away. But honestly, the entire book needs to be spot on, and if the best ride an author can give starts out slow, I'm in. And, given time, so is everyone else.
I've bought a book at a bookstore because the first couple pages were good. I then went home, got past those pages, and got lost and annoyed. I then returned the book, got my money back, never recommended that book to anyone else, and haven't heard of it sense.
Sure the opening chapater should be awesome. So should the middle, end, begining-middle, middle-end, etc. There's no need to place special enthusiasim on the beginning of a book. Which book would you buy from the reviews below?
1) "It was kinda slow to start, but man it got great! I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a killer ending!"
2) "It started out great, but it just got boring at the end. If you like a book that starts out well, this is the one for you!"

AmandaRose · Post by **AmandaRose** » 18 Jul 2012, 12:40

Sometimes you have to get past the first chapter until it gets interesting. I am not necessarily a fan of doing that, but it can be very rewarding in the end when you find out how great of a book it was. I hate when books start out slow; I need an attention grabber in the first few paragraphs in order to make me really want to read. Until then, it's just page turning.