Welcome to another blog hop. Today’s topic is:
“The first sentence has to have a solid punch.” —Steve Berry from “Twisty Business” Let’s talk about it.
That’s what I read time and time again from various agents and writers in the know. It’s obviously true that a good first impression has a chance of elevating your book out of the slush pile and into an agent’s radar more easily than if they read ‘it was a dark and stormy night‘.
However, if they read that solid punch and then the rest of the book sucks, then they are still going to throw your baby back on the slush pile. The rest of the book has to send an agent into raptures for them to take event the slightest interest in it.
So… to the best of your knowledge you’ve packed a solid punch all throughout the book, but here’s the snag… if an agent doesn’t think it will sell and that one of the big five publishers will not be interested in that particular genre, then they will wish you well with your writing career.
In a nutshell, the first sentence and in fact the whole book must pack a punch and appeal to the masses. If it doesn’t, then I’m afraid you’re on a hiding to nothing as regards submitting to agents. However, when you give up trying to be a bestseller and get around to publishing it yourself, you’ll be quite surprised and pleased when some of those masses take the time to buy it and leave a good review.
Let’s see if other blog hoppers think the first sentence has to have a solid punch. Check them out by clicking the blue button below, or just leave a comment.
***
We’re staying at our caravan on the Isle of Wight for the next week, and so maybe I won’t be answering any comments as quickly as I usually do as we’ll be out a lot, but I’ll answer them as soon as I can. Happy Monday!
Rules:
- Link your blog to this hop.
- Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
- Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
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Stevie Turner 
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I have to agree – the first line is important, but no more or less important than the whole. One line alone may not be enough, but the opening passages or pages might. But the rest of the book has to keep up the pace, or the reader will be lost.
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Very true. Thanks Steve.
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I disagree with the first line rule. I’ve read some terrific books that don’t use dramatics. rather causing a curiosity, or a laugh to lure me in within a page or two. And I’ve read some great blurbs that don’t do the story justice enough, and quite the opposite, juicy, dramatic blurbs or first lines that have led to disappointment. Just like I’ve read some great books where I’ve felt the title didn’t do good representation for the story. So, I think if you’re a good writer, you know how to draw in the reader. I personally like a bit of a build up and not intense first lines 🙂 x
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Yes, drawiing in the reader is an art we must work at, and it’s hard work! x
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True dat! 🙂 x
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As you say, all the advice in the world won’t help if the execution isn’t consistent. I’d rather read consistent, decently written semi interesting than possibly interesting poorly written. And as far as that advice on passivity. It was the best advice and it was the worst advice. Apologies, Mr. Dickens.
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Stevie, I definitely agree with you. I have read novels that had great opening sentences and then left much to be desired throughout the rest of the book. Enjoy your time on the Isle of Wight.
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Thanks for your comment, Nikki.
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Enjoy your getaway, Stevie!
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It’s going to be fun. Thanks P.J.
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Nailed all of it on the head!
Tweeted.
Have a wonderful time next week.
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Thanks Daryl.
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We do need to catch the attention of the reader within the first page or two. There are so many choices out there and they can always pick another book. I must admit though that I get quite annoyed if I invest the time to read a book, that sounded promising, and falls flat halfway through.
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Yes indeed, this is why the whole book needs to be good and not just the first page. Thanks for your comment, Darlene.
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If it’s gonna fail, it’ll fail way sooner than halfway. Worse, skip through the first half to discover almost something worth reading in the back half.
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Shared on Twitter for you, Stevie.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks Pete.
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Thanks for this very good advices, Stevie! xx Michael
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Hope it doesn’t happen to you.
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Let’s hope so, Stevie! But i am always looking twice! 😉 xx Michael
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for the re-blog, Michael.
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You are welcome, Stevie! Have a beautiful week! xx Michael
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You too, Michael.
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Amazon’s look inside gives you a real opportunity to make a good first impression. And, with more than a sentence to play with, it’s a great chance to impress.
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Yes, Richard, I can’t seem to leave a comment on your blog. I’m off out now, but will try again later.
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Fixed it, I’m doing this in my phone, need better glasses.
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