Brenda Hill

Author & Editor

First Chapter Analysis



What is the most important chapter in your novel? Some say it's the opening; others argue it's the ending. I think they're of equal value, but no matter which is more important, each chapter has a unique job to perform.

A prospective client complained that the agent he queried didn't read more than a few paragraphs of his manuscript before sending it back with a rejection notice.

"The first couple of chapters might have been a little slow," he said, "but it really gets good in Chapter Three." Well, in today's competitive market, the new writer can't afford to wait that long to make his/her novel interesting. You must hook your agent or editor by the first few pages, certainly by the end of the first chapter.

Some agents say they can tell in the first paragraph if the piece is worth reading. They may read another few paragraphs, perhaps the entire page, but if the writer hasn't presented at least the first of the essential elements by then, off the manuscript goes with a reject stamp.
Do you know what they're looking for?

Have you introduced the 5 essential elements in your opening chapter?

If you're not sure what is needed, or if you feel 'something is missing,' I'd be happy to analyze and edit your chapter. I love to help writers with their openings; for me it's the most exciting part of the editing process. I'll read your chapter and, based on years of experience working with writers, I'll talk to you about trouble spots that should be corrected as well as let you know when you have it right. Perhaps you know the elements and have incorporated them, but still, the first chapter drags, and you have no idea why.

Don't worry; I'll help you.

For a complete analysis and edit of your critical opening chapter, fiction only  ......... $49.00 for up to 2500 words.




If your first chapter has more than 2500 words, please contact me by email for the fee.


Please send your chapter in Microsoft Word format, double-spaced, as an attachment.