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Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One & Never Lets Them Go | 
 enlarge | Author: Les Edgerton
Publisher: Writers Digest Books
Category: Book
List Price: $14.99
Buy New: $7.92
You Save: $7.07 (47%)
New (19) Used (8) from $7.69
Avg. Customer Rating:  22 reviews
Sales Rank: 156183
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 256
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 6.9 x 4.9 x 1
ISBN: 1582974578
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9781582974576
ASIN: 1582974578
Publication Date: April 12, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
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Book Description
*The first pages are the #1 key to acceptance or rejection of manuscripts--most agents and editors claim to make their decision on a manuscript after the very first page, which means that no writer can afford to have a weak story beginning *The first and only fiction-writing book that focuses exclusively on beginnings--no other book on the market addresses story beginnings in a comprehensive manner Agents and editors agree: Improper story beginnings are the single biggest barrier to publication. Why? If a novel or short story has a bad beginning, then no one will keep reading. It's just that simple. Hooked provides readers with a detailed understanding of what a beginning must include (setup, backstory, the inciting incident, etc.); instruction on how to successfully develop the story problem; tips on how to correct common beginning mistakes; exclusive insider advice from agents, acquiring book editors, and literary journal editors; and much more.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 17 more reviews...
 A big help July 26, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
It's not only for improving the beginning of ones story but also reveals structure. This is a top notch book.
 Beginnings July 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a great little book. It's a small format and there was less to it than I expected. However, what there is, is great. The simple message, is hammered home - if you don't get the beginning right what chance the rest? The book is written with an easy, almost conversational, style but for me that's a plus. A final section in which editors and publishers give their views on what makes for a good beginning is instructional. If you're serious about your writing and want to be published (don't we all!) I would highly recommend this volume.
Fantastic Writing Resource June 28, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Even though I've only read the first 60 or so pages I really feel that this is one of the best books on writing in the market today. I'm well...hooked!
There are a lot of books out there on the writing craft, but none that explain the crucial difference between surface problems and story worthy problems in as much intricate detail as this one does.
I agree with the author that the writing classes of today are stuck way in the past, putting too much emphasis on description and characterization. Those are good things to learn, of course, but don't help you craft a novel that will occupy modern readers for a few hours of their time-- and compete with the kids crying, the dishes that need to be done, or the meeting you have to be at tomorrow.
This book has a witty style that makes it a joy to read.
Must Have June 1, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I'm a junkie for writing books. From the library, from friends, I borrow, read and return. This one, though, will not leave my shelf. I covet it. Part of me doesn't want to recommend it to my fellow writers for the sole selfish hope that I will have an edge on them. But that's bad karma. The reason I love this book isn't just all the small epiphanies it helped me have as a writer, but also because it is just plain fun to read. Les Edgerton has a knack for making you feel like a confidante, a friend by the fire. You lean in and nod, listening, learning. It's a definite must have for any aspiring bestseller.
Get Hooked! May 30, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Let me start by saying I am a writer.
I completed my first novel early last year and eagerly sent out queries to publishers and agents. Many requested partials, so I mailed the required 50-100 pages, and then waited. All turned me down. After two more rounds of queries, partials, and rejection letters, I decided I needed a little help. So I headed to the local bookstore where I found the wonderful book, Hooked.
I devoured it. Underling, highlighting, folding corners, and re-reading until I could apply everything I learned within it's pages to my manuscript. And it paid off.
My novel, This Time You Lose, was just named a finalist in the Strongest Start Novel Competition. It has also climbed the ranks to number 29 (out of 500) in the Readers Choice Top Ten Novel Competition. In addition, I have now secured an agent in New York, and am putting the finishing touches on my manuscript before re-submitting it to publishers.
All of this within 3 months of purchasing and reading this book.
I've recommended this book to other writers, both online and in person. And I continue to refer back to the pages of Hooked with each new story I write.
Chris
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