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First 10 pages

  • 05-03-2010 10:55am
    #1
    TravelJunkie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭


    I have a problem.

    I have a finished book, and I think it's good enough to publish. (I've edited myself and also had it edited by professional).

    However, I think the start of the book might be putting off publishers.

    The protagonist is having internal dialogue and there is a narrative for the first 10 pages (double line). The diaologue only starts then. I'm very strong in diaologue from there on.

    Does this matter?


Comments

  • #2
    pickarooney
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,731 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Does what matter exactly?

    "The dialogue only starts then" - unless it's a play or a film script there's no requirement to have dialogue in the early part of the book.


  • #3
    dawvee
    Closed Accounts Posts: 122 ✭✭dawvee


    The way you describe it, it sounds like you don't feel the narrative part at the beginning is as engaging as the dialogue that follows.

    While the "Writing a Great Opening" thread below erupted into a bit of discussion over what constitutes a good opening, I think it's fair to say that an opening should be, if not the strongest foot forward, then at least up to the standard as the rest of the book. Leading with a lengthy weaker passage to "set the scene" is bound to put off readers and publishers alike. Also, if the book is mostly dialogue, it might be setting the wrong expectation to lead with an extended narrative.

    Even though I have no idea of the specifics, would it be possible to mesh the narrative bit with the dialogue? Or pare down the opening narrative to bare bones, maybe a few paragraphs, and fill in the rest as you go on? Just a few thoughts, though I'm sure you've thought of these already!

    Good luck! :)


  • #4
    EileenG
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,775 ✭✭✭EileenG


    Maybe even think about starting the book with the second chapter, and just weaving in the information in the first one as you work through?

    While there is a lot of debate about what makes a great opening, I don't think anyone disagrees that your opening has to be great.

    If your book was a film, what would be the opening scene? Perhaps you could start your book there?


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