New Problem: Prologue Deletion?

Same rule applies as to any chapter of your book. If it doesn't serve the story, delete it.

Impossible to answer categorically. But if it doesn't fit now, the real question is, why do you need it? "Because it's well-written" isn't good enough. What is in it that you absolutely need to have in the story?

caw

I read a lot of books and see my share of prologues, and really don't like them per se. Occasionally, a prologue would simply make a good introductory chapter one, while most could easily be absorbed throughout the text.

Not a prologue, but for second draft of one of my books, I cut a chapter completely because it seemed to be all backstory and unnecessary to the book's progress. Later, when one of my readers thought I should set up the opening scene a little better, I ended up using a really condensed version of that chapter. Consequently, I've gotten positive response to my book's opening.

My point is, even though you may not use it, it serves a purpose if for nothing else helping you understand your story better. If you find a place where you can work the information in then great. If not, don't sweat it.

Bram Stoker cut the original first chapter from Dracula. It was subsequently published as a separate short story.

Does your prologue have enough fruits, nuts, and berries in it to make a short story?

I had a similar problem only it was a 2000 word chapter that my editor deleted. I saved it and lo and behold it fit nicely in the third book in the series. Be patient. If the text is worthy of a read then it's worth saving.
"... think about it tomorrow. Tomorrow is another day." - Scarlet O'Hara, Gone with the Wind

TravisKerr said:

Hm... Seems like it; however, now that I think of it, it would go somewhere during my sequel. Argh, such a hard process.

Click to expand...