Your Novel's First Pages: Learn How Make an Excellent Initial Impression

You only get one chance to make a first impression. Does your novel start with a bang? Does it force your readers to keep reading? If you get your manuscript in front of an agent or editor, there's a good chance a decision will be made in the first ten pages. If it doesn't start strong, these busy professionals will have to move on to the next submission,and so will your wider audience.

This tutorial is taught by veteran editor and author Philip Athans. Philip is the New York Times best-selling author of Annihilation and a dozen other books including The Guide to Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction, and the recently-released Devils of the Endless Deep. His blog, Fantasy Author's Handbook, (fantasyhandbook.wordpress.com) is updated every Tuesday, and you can follow him on Twitter @PhilAthans.

Writers of any genre will benefit from this insightful tutorial. You'll gain a deep understanding of what must (and must not!) happen in your first ten pages. Enjoy detailed advice on keeping your readers intrigued and feverishly turning pages from the get-go. Philip Athans is an established expert in Science Fiction & Fantasy and cites many great examples from this genre throughout his tutorial.

In this 30-minute tutorial video, you'll discover how to:

• Start in the middle of the action (in media res)
• Avoid the temptation to describe
• Show, not tell
• Establish mood
• Lead with characters in conflict

Your first ten pages can be the difference between a quick rejection and a sale…learn how to make an excellent initial impression.