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4. If you absolutely have to start without dialogue,
make sure the scene feels like there could be dia-
logue, and get readers into a character’s POV
immediately.
5. Don’t open with a long description of weather
or setting, or with a dream.
6. End each chapter in a way that forces them to
read on.
7. If your fi rst three chapters don’t add up to at
least 3,000 words, add another chapter or two
until you get there.
Remember that your opening chapters are selling
documents. You’re trying to sell a busy agent or editor on
the idea of requesting your entire manuscript. They need
to feel confi dent, immediately, that your story is one they
can take to market.
Make the sale. Get the request for the full manu-
script. Then, after you sign a book contract, you can take
up the opening with your editor. But I’m going to bet by
this time you’ll love the one in your proposal, the one
that helped you get published.
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