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Seeking writing success? Start at the beginning...
Whether you’re looking to get published or just hoping to hook your reader, first impressions are vital. Compelling opening scenes are the key to catching an agent or editor’s attention, and are crucial for keeping your reader engaged.
As a writer, what you do in your opening pages, and how you do it, is a matter that cannot be left to chance. The First 50 Pages is here to help you craft a strong beginning right from the start. You’ll learn how to:
This helpful guide walks you through the tasks your first 50 pages must accomplish in order to avoid leaving readers disoriented, frustrated, or bored. Don’t let your reader put your book down before ever seeing its beauty. Let The First 50 Pages show you how to begin your novel with the skill and intentionality that will land you a book deal, and keep readers’ eyes glued to the page.
About the Author
Jeff Gerke is an editor and author of fiction and nonfiction including such books as the Operation: Firebrand novels and Plot Versus Character: A Balanced Approach to Writing Great Fiction. He is the founder of Marcher Lord Press, an indie publishing company dedicated to producing Christian science fiction and fantasy.
foreword viii
introduction i
part 1 : The Submission Process
chapter 1 Tin (And Out Of) The Beginning 14
chapter 2 Proposal Killers 23
chapter 3 Three Bombs 36
part 2 What Your First Fifty Pages Must Accomplish
chapter 4 Engage Your Reader 64
chapter 5 Introduce Your Main Character 79
chapter 6 Establish Your Hero's Normal 95
chapter 7 Establish Your Story World's Normal 107
chapter 8 Start The Inner Journey 123
chapter 9 How To Begin 140
chapter 10 Another Fine Mess 157
chapter 11 A One-Act Play 173
chapter 13 The First Page 191
chapter 13 Pages 2 To 50 209
chapter 14 Conclusion 223
Index 227
Lortizword
Posted May 13, 2012
I bought this book on an impulse because I made a pitch to an agent at a writers' workshop. The agent asked for the first 3 chapters of my novel. It 's no coincidence that the first 3 chapters of a novel are usually the first 50 pages. The book made my editing less daunting and I actually had fun doing it. The author helps you sort out what is crucial to have in those first 3 chapters in order to captivate your reader but more important the editor or agent who will read it first.
Every aspiring author should have this book in their reference library.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.EKatherineHinkson
Posted June 25, 2012
Enjoyed the book tremendously. It helped kick start my writing and guided my words to help make the pages stronger.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 31, 2013
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Posted February 15, 2012
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Overview
Seeking writing success? Start at the beginning...
Whether you’re looking to get published or just hoping to hook your reader, first impressions are vital. Compelling opening scenes are the key to catching an agent or editor’s attention, and are crucial for keeping your reader engaged.
As a writer, what you do in your opening pages, and how you do it, is a matter that cannot ...