I couple months ago, I blogged over at Murder She Writes about “hooking” and posted the first lines of some books and asked based on the first line alone, what book would they pick up first? (The number one pick was James Patterson’s MAXIMUM RIDE, a YA novel.)
The first couple pages . . . in fact, the first paragraph or even the first line . . . are crucial for an unpublished author or a debut author. I am admittedly shocked at how many people read the first page or two at the bookstore, or on-line, before deciding to buy the book. And when you consider editors and agents who will pass only on your first 5-10 pages, you know that how you start the story is vital in making that sale in the first place.
I used to buy books by unknown-to-me authors primarily on recommendations from my mom or best friend, both avid readers who know what I like, or because the cover and blurb intrigued me. I never used to read the first pages of a book.
Now? I’ve joined the masses of readers who judge the book based on the first page. It seems so unfair, but there you have it. I don’t have a lot of time, I don’t like to waste money, so I start reading the book and if it doesn’t grab me right away, it’s back on the shelf.
After reading Diana Peterfreund’s article last week (Post Medias Res), about starting a book after the action, I wondered how the author got away with it. Diana admits the book was otherwise very good and enjoyable, it was just the beginning that faltered.
Then you have the other extreme, starting with backstory. Or, rather, before the beginning. Unless it’s done well, it’s just plain boring. But I am one of those readers who does like a good backstory . . . I just don’t want to be told it.
Some people have complained about books starting in the middle of action and not being able to figure out the characters or what’s happening, making the first pages confusing and not an enjoyable read. They want to see a bit of the “ordinary world” before diving into the action.
But at the same time, authors know that if they spend too much time on set-up, they lose the reader before they even buy the book.
I’ll admit, I added a sentence to the beginning of THE KILL during the copyedit stage because I felt it just started too dang slow. I showed my heroine in her “ordinary world” as an FBI scientist, which was crucial to establish her character prior to the bad news she is about to receive, but at the same time it was ho-hum.
The day Olivia St. Martin’s life turned upside down for the second time began like any other.
That sentence was designed to pique the reader’s interest so they would not only wonder what was about to happen (which happened a couple pages later), but also transitioned from the brief prologue which showed the first life-altering event.
Gimmick? Perhaps. Fair? Absolutely. When an author is judged on the first page of her book, we use everything we can to hook the reader.
With the number of agents and editors blogging, writers today have more resources than ever before. Most that I have read give unpublished authors 5-10 pages. Sometimes a full chapter. But if they aren’t hooked by the end of those pages, they pass.
Then I started thinking about my favorite authors. The auto-buys. There’s only one auto-buy author where I got a third of the way through the book and said, “This is ridiculous, I can’t read anymore.” I think readers give their favorite authors more time to get into the story, because we love their voice and they’ve consistently delivered a good story. But that’s just me . . . what about you? Do you give your favorite authors more or less leeway than new-to-you authors?
Or maybe you’re not like the majority of readers. Maybe you don’t read the first page and buy or pass.
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After reading Diana Peterfreund’s article last week (Post Medias Res), about starting a book after the action, I wondered how the author got away with it. Diana admits the book was otherwise very good and enjoyable, it was just the beginning that faltered.
Well, it also passed the page test. You’re reading what looks like a very exciting bit of dialogue until you realize, a page or so in, that they are discussing something much MORE exciting that happened directly before the book’s opening.
I thank Amazon everyday for their ‘take a peek’ and ’surprise me’ excerpts. I actually don’t read the first page, what I do is open the book up somewhere in the middle and glance at what’s happening there, decide in that instant whether the writing style is something I could handle, if the dialogue is realistic, if the woman or man seem silly or unreal, if it’s in 1st of 3rd person etc etc etc.
This I do when it’s a new author. If I’m still undecided, I’ll read the backcover again – because I only just glance at the back cover at first for catchwords like ‘architect’ ’single’ ‘hot’ etc etc – I don’t even take in the character’s names or anything.
So then I’d read the back cover properly, maybe the blurbs but not always. And then I go to the first page, read a couple of lines and make my decision to purchase or not.
Because of this, I don’t particularly need a ‘wow’ first line hook – or even a ‘wow’ first paragraph. I give the author a first chapter leeway where I decide, hmm, am I enjoying this? But if it’s just a matter of pacing and not an unforgivable sin for me of crappy dialogue for example, I continue reading until the book gets no better and I find something else to do.
What I don’t like – well, I wouldn’t say don’t like because I lose no sleep over it really and just think ‘hmm, would have preferred if…’ – is when the author – both new or established – write a totally ‘wow’ opening – be it first line, first page or whatever, I get hooked, the story runs along taking me with it, I reach the last page, close the book content, then think – hey, wait a min, what was the relevance of that first line again? It doesn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book but I appreciate continuity.
I don’t have the book in front of me but SEP’s Match Me If You Can had an opening with a writing style I found to be different to the rest of the book. It was a great opening, but for me, it was like its own little novella, put there just for hook value.
Like I said, I don’t lose sleep over it, but if a writer can pull off a ‘hook’ and I don’t even realise it was a hook – well, ’nuff respect.
I have to admit I’ve always been a first sentencer. I’ll read more if the first sentence hooks me, and buy the book if I get through the first page or two.
I have to like the author’s voice. The story is almost secondary to me, as strange as that sounds! It’s probably because in the hands of a gifted writer (or at least one who speaks to me) any story will be enjoyable.
I’ve found this to be true with movies too.
Hmmm. Never really thought about it this way. Wow. Found out something new about myself! Thanks, Allison! LOL.
I have to admit I read the LAST page as well.
I like happy endings and resolution.
No bitter Pyrrhic “victories.”
I don’t always do that. Mostly because I’ve not yet reached the point where I no longer have enough time to read.
But I have to say, it works very well–I do this online, never at the bookstore though.
I always read the first page after I’ve read the blurb. If I’m not sure about the story I’ll take a quick peek at the ending too. I know from emails that visitors to my website appreciate being able to read a full first chapter before deciding if they’d like to read the reat of the book.
Diana and Dalia, you both bring up a point I hadn’t considered (when writing this article late at night . . . ) having a good opening page, then the “wait, what’s going on” syndrome . . . the story doesn’t seem to “match” or live up to that beginning. Sometimes the book comes back around, but sometimes it’s a head scratcher. Fortunately, a lot of my auto-buy authors tell great stories with complex characters, so I can forgive minor problems.
Ann, that’s another good point — the author’s voice. Maybe it’s not so much I give my favorite authors more leeway because I trust them, but because their voice is comfortable, like an old friend. Hmmm . . .
Bernita! The last page? I’ve never done that. I remember seeing a movie, can’t remember the title (I think Alex & Emma, but I can’t remember for sure) where the writer hires a woman (Kate Hudson) to type his book as he dictates and she reads the last page of his previous novel before agreeing to work with him to make sure it was “good.” He was flabbergasted. I think I would be too … I don’t know if I could read a book where I know what happens . . .
Hi May! I miss not having enough time to read. Most of the books I used to read weren’t wallbangers or anything, but now they have to really wow me for me to justify spending the time reading. Sigh.
Nell, excellent point about opening chapters. I’ve had several emails as well about people reading the first chapter and liking my story. I think it’s an important component of an author’s webpage.
I don’t even read the back cover blurb – I am a weird one – I go for the cover pic and recommendations soley – that’s all – (I am weird!
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I am so weird. I start most of my books from Chapter Three and if it holds my interest, I read to the end. Then I read the first three chapters. I am so, so weird.
I’m not a first page peruser. I’m a back blurb reader. If the author is an auto-buy, the blurb is a delicious introduction that builds my anticipation. For new authors, or new-to-me authors that I’ve seen recommended on blogs, message boards or magazines, the back blurb is sort of a confirmation of decision. If I picked up an unfamiliar book because of the cover, then I read the back blurb and that one page “action-excerpt” that most books have in the front.
I definitely read the excerpt, if one is available; the back blurb; and the ending if I am unsure whether this is a romance. All those things can be a deal breaker. I would say that the excerpt trumps any blurb because the author doesn’t write the blurb and the blurb can be better or worse than the author’s voice.
I think it depends on the individual story. If it’s an author I’ve enjoyed before, a good premise and I’m really interested, then I’ll go ahead and buy.
if it’s an unknown, sometimes I’ll ask for friends’ opinions before I buy. A few have sounded REALLY good only to fall flat after the first chapter or so. Or if it’s that interesting, I might go ahead and buy it, see what I think.
Personal faves, I just need to know what the book is about. I don’t auto buy too many authors, but my fave authors, I look at all their new stuff. Then I make up my mind if it’s one I want.
Dennie, you’re not weird! The first thing to draw me is the cover art. If it doesn’t “look” like something I’d like, I don’t even pick it up. I’ve missed some good books this way, but then I have my back up system when someone recommends something to me
But Gennita? You are weird!
:lol: Okay, know what I did? I turned to chapter four on each of my books to see if they started with a book. Two did, one started with backstory for about a page. (See, now I’m the weird one! I’m going to forever be paranoid about chapter four.)
Mary, if the cover intrigues me I always read the back blurb.
Jane, another one who looks at the ending first! Very interesting . . . so, since I had my books out to look at chapter four, I read the last page of each one . . . yep, there’s the HEA.
Shiloh, you’ve proved that it’s so much harder for a debut or unknown author. Word of mouth is soooo important to generate that desired buzz. Fave authors are automatically considered, even if not on auto-buy.
Hmm. I have never flipped to the opening page(s) of a book before deciding whether or not to buy. I’m strictly a cover/blurb buyer for those authors who aren’t auto-buys.
I read based on recommendations, mostly. Or, since I work as a bookseller, I’ll get curious and check out anything that seems especially popular.
When I do decide to explore the shelves and find something new, I don’t go for the first page. I check out the back cover copy, and then if it seems interesting, I’ll open it and read somewhere in the middle. The first page is not always representative of the last page or anything in between the two. If the middle seems exciting or rich and intriguing, I’ll read it.
I’m a cover/blurb person too, but I’ve been doing more reading — quotes, excerpts, first pages, of late.
Gennita, I don’t even know how to cnoisder your process. It’s unusual, definitely. I’m trying to imagine starting most of hte books i’ve read at Chapter three. Is there any particular reason why?
eh… sadly, that’s just kind of how it works, though, Allison. I used to read TONS… like a book or two a day.
Then I got pregnant… wasn’t able to read as much, a few books a week. Then I had baby girl… and maybe a book a week. Then boy came along… lol… maybe a couple a month.
The bizarre thing, after I was able to quit working full time and just write, I read even less. I read maybe a book a month or every other. Becuase of how little time I have to read any more, I’ve just gotten pickier. Although I do still by authors who are new to me, I don’t do it as often.
Man… I MISS reading….
I used to buy solely on cover/back cover blurb. I still do occasionally if something *really* catches my eye, and I’ve found a few new to me authors that way. But more and more, I read at *least* the first paragraph, and usually the first one or two pages before taking it to the register.
I think that helps me in writing, though. I know just how much of a grab I need to draw people in and keep them reading. At least I hope I do.
I think I’ve always picked up a book and checked the first page. Especially if I have a stack to read. I’ll pick the one that pulls me in first.
I’ve been wondering if agents/editors blog hop. Do they really have time, you think? If so, I’m going to have to beef up my blogs so they’re a litle more interesting
My favorite authors seem to use the first sentence device and I’m sucked into it everytime. As far as purchasing a new-to-me author, I rely on the back cover blurb. A side note on back cover blurbs: If you don’t have one, I almost always put the book back on the shelf unopened. I generally don’t have enough time to read through the book to get the storyline and then decide to buy. Bookshopping time is scarce:grin:
Shiloh, we could be cloned
. . . When I was on maternity leave, though, I read tons of books (too tired to do much else!) . . . it wasn’t until I got serious about my writing that my book reading numbers plummeted . . . I’ve actually read 10 books this year, but 7 of them were RITA entries. I’m still counting them, though.
You aren’t weird Gennita! I’ve started to do that since I’ve noticed that the initial three chapters of a lot of books are interesting, but once I hit chapter four, the story begins to fall apart. If I’m not convinced, I’ll even flip through and read different sections to see if the book passes the “eye-roll” test (you know, when things are corny or cliched or there’s a love scene that seems to be too close to the front, etc). I actually hate that first sentence device because it usually slows down the momentum because all the wittiness or action was poured into that first sentence to the point where it felt as though the author perfected the first sentence and then wasn’t sure where to go from there. JMO
I realized, reading this, that I tend to check out back covers to see if the story/premise intrigues me, then read a page or two at random to see if the style suits me. I’ve been burned too often by intriguing first paragraphs that lead to 300+ pages of writing that makes my teeth itch.
Of course, that’s not the way editors work–and I got directed to this particular entry by my crit partner, who feels I need to beef up the opening pages of my new book. She’s probably right, too!
When buying, I rely heavily on recommendations and auto-buys, as well as back cover blurbs. I’ve got to shop quickly!
I usually buy from a back cover blurb. Like a few others, I’ve read some great first pages, bought the book, and have been disappointed. Gennita’s strategy sounds pretty good. I’ll give it a try with the next book I buy.
Blurb, subject matter, author’s voice, and first paragraph…if I get that far, I’m hooked enough to try it. If the first 10 pages don’t live up, I go on to something else, even if it’s a favorite author. – ack – so much for loyalty, huh?:evil:
I’ll read the blurb, first paragraph, and then look at how much dialog is in the story. If it’s blocks and blocks of narrative, I’ll most likely pass.
I’m an eclectic reader, so no matter what the genre, if the “package” looks interesting, I’ll pick it up. Then I’m with Sunny Lyn – back blurb, then first paragraph for voice and a hook.
Once I’ve bought it, if it doesn’t live up by the end of the first chapter, I’m on to the next one. There are too many good books to waste time on a mediocre one, I don’t care who wrote it. (And I finish many fewer these days, either I am getting pickier or the quality of what gets released is slipping!)
hmmm..”many fewer” looks like a mutually exclusive term, maybe I mean “far fewer”.
I read the back blurb, and if I don’t hate the storyline I read the first couple pages. (This is for Blaze; non-category books are all from recommendations or reviews.) I haven’t gotten past the back blurb in ages, though. The line requires “sexy in premise”, which seems to mean “hero and heroine are in a situation that’s all about sex” and feels contrived to me, usually gimmicky. I had better luck with Temptation, alas. Still, I keep reading the blurbs – hope springs eternal.
Oh, and the thing that will make me bounce hard off the first few pages is grammar. I once picked up a book with three comma splices in the first page and a half, and in spite of loving the premise I put it back on the shelf. I just couldn’t stand to read it.