How to Start a Story

[Paul Whybrow]

Given that enormous importance is placed on how a story begins, with literary agents commonly asking for the first three chapters in a submission, there are some useful tips in this article:

How to Start a Story: 9 Tips From Our Editors

It's commonly said that it's the first five pages that determine the saleability of a novel, so anything that helps is useful. Although I can honestly say, that I have never ever chosen a novel by browsing the opening pages. I've certainly been annoyed by some beginnings—not a thing to do to a reader at any stage—from agent to critic to the customer in a bookshop.

 

[Carol Rose]

Forget five pages. I can tell within the first few lines whether I would toss it across the room or keep reading.

 

[David Newrick]

That really is an interesting article Paul and it is great to hear from editors, who quietly beaver away helping to create great books.

One of the examples used is George Orwell. It just occurred to me that Orwell writes, “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” Now when you are considering writing an opening line just bear in mind that as far as I can remember Orwell never ever uses a clock striking thirteen again. I am fairly sure I am correct in saying that. So your opening line is about defying expectations and creating a question as one editors says that the reader has to read on to find the answer to. If it is good enough for George Orwell it's good enough for me!

 

[Jay Aitch]

Forget five pages. I can tell within the first few lines whether I would toss it across the room or keep reading.

Absolutely. Though this is generally with "new" names. A moderately effective first line can be forgiven given a killer first paragraph. But if the author has not grasped my attention by then ... I return it politely to the shelf and abandon all desire to read anything further.

Are we more forgiving of authors we know and have previously appreciated?

 

[AliG]

Do most people start at the beginning when browsing - or just open at random? Might be 2 different decision points: agent catching or sale grabbing. I wonder if they can bind books so they automatically drop open at the best bit.

 

[Matnov]

Lets be honest here, nothing comes close to 'Once upon a time....'

 

[Jay Aitch]

... In a galaxy, far, far away