Scan barcode
samangl's review against another edition
3.0
some really bloody good writing advice in here, but the writer's need insistence on only using male pronouns for 'simplicity' is infuriating. Even the Mighty Steven Pressfield alternates between 'he' and 'she', keep up you BOOMERs
noranne's review against another edition
2.0
Okay. Some good exercises, but also a lot of useless ones. The made-up examples used are so facile that it makes it difficult to take much away from them. A good overall refresher though and a chance to really think about things from an agent's perspective.
kluidens's review against another edition
2.0
This is a quick, easy read that's worth a writer's time if he or she is looking to attract a literary agent's interest. The opening section in particular focuses on making a good first impression when querying, in which someone must judge your work based on the titular "first five pages" (or less).
The rest of the book is essentially generic advice on writing, some of which seemed obvious to me but all of which was legitimate. I hope that every writer is aware of these principles long before they start looking for an agent, but we all know that's not necessarily the case. At any rate, it never hurts to be reminded of some basic elements of wordsmithing and storytelling, right?
As Lukeman notes in the introduction, "There are no rules to assure great writing, but there are ways to avoid bad writing." I'd say this book won't assure you an agent's interest, but it does offer ways to avoid getting immediately tossed from the slush pile. Again, being such a quick read, it's at least worth skimming.
The rest of the book is essentially generic advice on writing, some of which seemed obvious to me but all of which was legitimate. I hope that every writer is aware of these principles long before they start looking for an agent, but we all know that's not necessarily the case. At any rate, it never hurts to be reminded of some basic elements of wordsmithing and storytelling, right?
As Lukeman notes in the introduction, "There are no rules to assure great writing, but there are ways to avoid bad writing." I'd say this book won't assure you an agent's interest, but it does offer ways to avoid getting immediately tossed from the slush pile. Again, being such a quick read, it's at least worth skimming.
bookjerm's review against another edition
5.0
This is the greatest book I've read on writing and the craft, and I've read a lot. Very tight writing, with examples, soultions and exercises at the end of each chapter. It covers everything, as far as I can tell. A must read for anyone intrested in writing
perilous1's review against another edition
4.0
If they ever compile a Writer's Bible, this ought to be one of the very first books found in it. I could have spared myself a great deal of rewriting, rejection, and insult if I'd used something like this as a guide. I began reading this while awaiting the judge scores of a contest I'd entered several months prior. To my amazement, two of my four judges made reference to this book on my score sheet as a resource that would most improve my work.
It is a mercifully quick read--and to the point--categorizing errors that will get your manuscript thrown out in order of priority and stigma. The author claims to cover 99% of rejection reasons in the first half of the book alone, and I am inclined to believe him. The second half has more to do with refining your work in terms of tone, characterization, subtly, focus, and pacing.
While it is filled with hyperbolic examples of the issues being addressed, I felt it would have been even more effective if there had been more simplified tips included. (i.e., in structuring your hook, pick up a number of books you own and read the first line, then the first paragraph.) I may be abnormally dense about things like this, however. Though it's less instructional and more encouraging, I suggest reading the epilogue first. It may help you to decide if you are -truly- a writer.
It is a mercifully quick read--and to the point--categorizing errors that will get your manuscript thrown out in order of priority and stigma. The author claims to cover 99% of rejection reasons in the first half of the book alone, and I am inclined to believe him. The second half has more to do with refining your work in terms of tone, characterization, subtly, focus, and pacing.
While it is filled with hyperbolic examples of the issues being addressed, I felt it would have been even more effective if there had been more simplified tips included. (i.e., in structuring your hook, pick up a number of books you own and read the first line, then the first paragraph.) I may be abnormally dense about things like this, however. Though it's less instructional and more encouraging, I suggest reading the epilogue first. It may help you to decide if you are -truly- a writer.
sarina_langer's review against another edition
5.0
The First Five Pages is one of the first theory books on writing I've ever read. Because I learnt so much from it I bought my own copy, and since I'm editing my second book now I figured it was the perfect time to read it again!
The blurb isn't kidding when it hails The First Five Pages as the one book every writer needs to own, or at least read. It goes over every problem your draft could possibly have, shows you why each is a problem through examples, and shows you how you can fix it. It gives you the chance to apply what you learned right away with end of chapter exercises. On top of that, it offers small insights into how agents and publishers work, and why they might reject your manuscript. And, more importantly, it shows you how to fix it.
And on top of all that, it's encouraging:
I have never had a book, story or poem rejected that was not later published. If you know what you are doing, eventually you will run into an editor who knows what he/she is doing. It may take years, but never give up.
It's an invaluable resource and I urge you to read it, maybe even buy your own copy. It's not a dry thing you'll struggle through. It's easy to read and quite humorous throughout! (the latter is a quality my theory books must have if they want to end up on my shelf)
The blurb isn't kidding when it hails The First Five Pages as the one book every writer needs to own, or at least read. It goes over every problem your draft could possibly have, shows you why each is a problem through examples, and shows you how you can fix it. It gives you the chance to apply what you learned right away with end of chapter exercises. On top of that, it offers small insights into how agents and publishers work, and why they might reject your manuscript. And, more importantly, it shows you how to fix it.
And on top of all that, it's encouraging:
I have never had a book, story or poem rejected that was not later published. If you know what you are doing, eventually you will run into an editor who knows what he/she is doing. It may take years, but never give up.
It's an invaluable resource and I urge you to read it, maybe even buy your own copy. It's not a dry thing you'll struggle through. It's easy to read and quite humorous throughout! (the latter is a quality my theory books must have if they want to end up on my shelf)
ericbuscemi's review against another edition
4.0
A great resource for writers looking to tighten and edit what they are working on.
bookrescuer's review against another edition
4.0
The title “The First Five Pages” is a bit misleading, but the subtitle, “A Writer’s Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile,” is a more accurate description. I like the fact that the book division is based on level of importance. I disliked the fact that the negative examples were simplistically blatant. They were cheesy enough that I ended up skimming more often than not. Still, the advice and information in the book was solidly helpful.