That opening line

The opening line of a book can hook or make the reader drop your story.

How to write a good opening line? The first line should hook the readers, and make them ask questions. It needs to capture their attention and drive them to read more.

“I need to know!”

Should that first line shout or jump in your face? No. It can also develop a setting and world-building. Don’t info dump at all costs. Opening a book with a boring description of your complex world will kill the enthusiasm when someone discovers a new story. You want the readers to stay not to make them run away. If someone picks up your book in a bookstore or even on Amazon, it piqued their interest. Now you need to make them stay for the ride. Readers stop for the cover, peek at the blurb on the back cover, then flip to the first page to read the first sentence to buy it… or not.

“Why should I keep reading this book?”

While a perfect opening line isn’t necessary, it does help. However, it needs to have the necessary following hooks to keep the readers engaged. Since their time is important, your audience needs a reason why they should read your story.

Tips:

• Many first lines start with the main character. Often introducing them by name. Or the author might outline the character’s most unusual quality or unique appearance.
• Imagery is another way to catch your reader’s attention. Build an atmosphere to set the tone of the story. ‘Cold gloomy street with footsteps echoing’. It instantly creates the scene where the action will happen.
• Lastly, you can open with a theme, an affirmation or a statement. Try to open with a brilliant truth and avoid cliché.

Side note: it is highly discouraged to start with a dialogue. Since the reader doesn’t know the setting or connect with the one speaking. The words just float in space and the reader doesn’t really care… yet.

Contact us for more info about how to publish in Mauritius.