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Your First Chapter Checklist
The list of elements required for the first chapter of a novel is long. Whether readers know it or not, they’ve come to expect certain road markers as they journey through a novel. If you miss one or two of those markers – those essential elements – you risk losing your reader. A lost reader doesn’t finish reading the book. A lost reader doesn’t leave a favorable review.
Your First Chapter Checklist ensures the first chapter of your novel hooks readers and keeps them reading!
A Map for the First Chapter of Your Novel
Your First Chapter Checklist works as a map for your opening chapter, giving you all the essential markers to include in the opening of your story.
You’ll begin by crafting an irresistible hook: an intriguing story problem, questions or conflict the reader needs to see resolved, unique characters, or voice.
In this age of digital previews, hooking readers in the first paragraphs of the novel ensures both sales and readers who are invested in the story you’ve written.
After you’ve crafted your hook, the checklist will guide you through all the other necessary elements for a compelling first chapter.
These days, almost anyone can write and publish a novel, but if you’re going to take the time to do so, do it well. Carefully craft that first chapter, making certain it is tightly and well written, while also including all the information readers need to take the rest of the journey with you. Make your first chapter irresistible to readers!
When you check-off each element on the list,
you’ll expertly craft your first chapter, and…
.
- Grab the attention of literary agents and acquisitions editors.
- Entice book buyers
- Hook Readers.
- Setup your story for success.
A Note from Ginny
After writing seven award-winning, bestselling novels, including my Christy Award winning novel, Words, critiquing hundreds of manuscripts, and editing dozens more manuscripts, I can confidently say the elements included in this checklist, when applied to your well written first chapter, will ensure you’ve crafted a chapter that will draw readers into your story and keep them reading.