A reader just picked up your book.
You’ve got less than fifty pages to get them to stick around and keep reading.
Your first fifty
Craft an opening so compelling your readers won’t be able to put the rest of the book down.
Not even to go to the bathroom.
(And neither will agents.)
Whether you’re a brand new or published writer looking to hook your readers, Your First Fifty will help make sure you’re writing an unputdownable story.
Opening pages are crucial to keeping readers engaged. They are the high octane fuel that drives your story to the end.
Why the first fifty?
The top reason readers put a book down in the first 50 pages is because it’s slow and boring.
The first fifty pages aren’t just the window dressing for your novel — they’re the front door.
They invite your reader into the next 300.
You can’t just throw words at the page and hope your reader sticks with your book to the end.
These first pages tell your reader what they’re in for.
They’re the foundation the rest of your book is built on.
If your first fifty aren’t doing their job, no one’s going to keep reading long enough to find out if the story ever launches.
Craft a first fifty that reflects the passion you feel for your story and that soars off the pages.
THREE REASONS TO BRING THE RAZZLE DAZZLE
The Eject Button
Avoid readers pressing the eject button on your novel.
Give readers what they cravE
No one wants to read another weakly written or ridiculous (non-existent) story.
Be the writer everyone talKS about
Readers share talk about and share books they love.
(More book sales!)
She asks just the right questions.
When presenting her with a problem or concern with my writing, she really has a knack for pointing out what needs work, what might be missing, without ever dictating the "right" way to fix it.
She's wonderful at helping you find the answers you didn't even know you were looking for and pulling out the areas that can really make your story evolve.
— ERIN ANDERSON-SCHULZ
You're ready for Your First Fifty if...
- You’ve written at least the first fifty pages of a book.
- You know you’ve got the start of a great story but you have absolutely no clue of what to do next.
- You feel like you have a million ideas for this story running riot in your head and you need clarity stat!
- You know that you could write a successful novel, but you’re overwhelmed with all the classes, workshops, and conferences bombarding you.
- You're tired of sending out queries to agents only to hear "Thanks but no thanks" or the worst... nothing at all.
- You're spinning your wheels and never getting beyond writing the first fifty pages and you're about ready to give up.
What you walk away with:
Roadmap Q&A. Before we talk, I’ll send you my Roadmap Q&A. This will get your wheels churning on the foundational elements of your book (A lot of writers never think about these things!) and give me a place to start digging into your story.
One hour call. After I read and review your first fifty you’ll have the opportunity to get on a call with me where we’ll spend an hour talking about issues specific to your novel.
Evaluation. A personalized written evaluation of your pages highlighting the big picture mistakes writers make in their first fifty.
Plan. A next step action plan that is unique to your book and gives you a clear path to move forward.
Together, we’ll walk through Your First Fifty so you’re not leaving readers confused, frustrated, bored, or worst of all, putting your book down and walking away.
If you don’t have the first fifty pages of a manuscript, I will also look at up to 50 pages of Other Stuff -- including notes, outlines, summaries, or whatever you have ready and need help with.
(Sorry, this doesn’t include scans of bar napkins.)
SOUNDS GREAT!
How much does it cost?
Your First Fifty is accessible to writers at any stage of their process. Whether your a beginner with a dream or your novel is finished and not getting attention (or even worse, getting rejected).
You can keep hacking away at your novel … writing/revising/beating your head on the keyboard (rinse repeat) and reading every free article by randos online hoping to figure out what’s wrong with your pages and how to fix them yourself.
Or…
You can get personalized, one-on-one attention directly on your pages.
CLAIM YOUR FIRST FIFTY FOR $500.
Ready to get your first fifty the attention they deserve?
Take the next step and fill out a quickie application. If we’re a fit, I’ll reach out to set up a free discovery call with you!
** Important ** All pages must be in standard manuscript format: Word document, double spaced, 12 pt. font, one inch margins, Times New Roman. This does not include a copy edit.
Turnaround time for a full manuscript read is approximately 3-4 weeks.