Today I’m blogging about “The Inside Scoop: Analyzing Openings as an Agent, Bookseller, and Reader, Then Solving the Problems as a Writer” Workshop presented during RWA’s 2010 Conference by author Robin Perini and author/freelance editor Claire Cavanaugh.

The speakers started with a survey of agents, booksellers and readers. Most agents knew by the end of page 1 if they didn’t want to read on, though they might read up to 10 pages. (Such a scary thought!) They want to be given enough of a hook within the first two or three paragraphs that they are interested in reading on.

What sorts of things do agents and/or readers want to see on the first few pages?

  • Characters in conflict
  • High concept
  • Voice
  • Who to root for
  • Setting up of reader expectations such as tone and genre

Some tips for creating compelling openings that will make people read on:

  • You generally need to make clear by the end of the first page what the setting for your story is.
  • Set your tone and maintain it. If you are writing drama, don’t start out with humor.
  • State your theme early and sprinkle in references to it throughout.
  • Create one or more questions for the reader.
  • Make it short. Only include what the reader really needs to know right now.
  • You need a character your reader will fall in love with or want to be like.
  • Answer what, where, when and how as soon as you can. It’s the why that will keep readers reading on.
  • Make sure you are showing vs. telling. Bring your reader as far into the character’s viewpoint as possible.

    Do you have a favorite opening for a book? What is it that makes this opening so compelling for you?

    For me, it’s the opening to Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost. We know by page 2 that the heroine is not a typical woman. Far from it. She’s got a dead body in the back of her truck. Who wouldn’t be compelled to read on and find out why?

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