A lot is written regarding the first sentences, paragraphs, etc., but I question whether it is of paramount importance.
I believe the cover is the first thing that catches the reader’s eye. The next is the title, then blurb (product description), and finally the first lines in the book. If you sell on Amazon, customers usually download the first 10% (for free), then decide to buy.
Once they are attracted by the cover, intrigued by the blurb, then what sets the hook are those first pages. So, only at that last step is the early lines important. Don’t get me wrong, they are key to getting a prospective reader excited enough to continue reading, but I wouldn’t put it at the top of the list.
Opinions?
I believe the cover is the first thing that catches the reader’s eye. The next is the title, then blurb (product description), and finally the first lines in the book. If you sell on Amazon, customers usually download the first 10% (for free), then decide to buy.
Once they are attracted by the cover, intrigued by the blurb, then what sets the hook are those first pages. So, only at that last step is the early lines important. Don’t get me wrong, they are key to getting a prospective reader excited enough to continue reading, but I wouldn’t put it at the top of the list.
Opinions?