The Most Important Part

Note:  I am in the process of moving. While the best laid plans are for only a couple days without Internet service -- well you know what Murphy's Law says. This eFile is short, but to the point because of packing and trying to keep up with other commitments.

 

A clip from Amazon's book collection

 

With the hundreds of thousands of books published each year, how is a buyer to know if this book is something of interest or written worthy of being read? In a block and mortar bookstore one simply looks at the first page or two, more if the writing draws them deeper. Amazon and eBook distributor, Smashwords, gives this same opportunity in their online store by presenting the first 10% of the work. This is the author's most important writing.

The first paragraph or first page at most is the hook. If it does not draw the reader into the novel, the writer better have a reputation of spinning a great tale. I personally try to hammer out the best first paragraph possible, sometimes writing up to twenty, yes twenty, versions. There are a number of good books on creative writing that address this issue as well as other eFiles. Take the time to look over the suggestions and take the time to massage the best intro.

Don't stop there. Next is that 10%. Your story must continue strong to keep the reader going, and that's where a lot of what has already been presented in this series of eFiles comes into play.