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donasbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Instagram Review: http://www.instagram.com/p/CDXnBYCgcxQ/
What I find so valuable about this text is that all the suggestions Lukeman makes for the first five pages of your manuscript apply to the entirety of the manuscript. That is, if you expect or hope the editor or agent to eventually look past the first five pages. And if you're not, what's the point, exactly?
I've read several books on rewriting, editing, or polishing manuscripts, and each of them have yielded up pieces that I have adopted into my own life-long practices. Only the first book I ever read on editing ever ended up as an editing system in the form of notecards. (I admit it; I'm a nerd.) I still maintain the value of those cards. But now, I've added to those cards from Lukeman's First Five Pages -- a little notebook with his steps, condensed down into a treatment for an entire manuscript. I even made one for my dedicated beta reader so they could do the same thing to their manuscripts (and mine, hopefully). Then I gave my copy of Lukeman's book to another writer friend.
That's how useful I think this book is for writers who mean to publish through the traditional markets.
Keep in mind, Lukeman wrote this book twenty years ago and you will feel the anachronism at times, such as when he discusses formatting your paper manuscripts. When it comes to formatting, just know to check the websites of your target agents and editors and know what they expect from you. (But it's still pretty hilarious to read Lukeman sweating bullets over your butterfly-cornered, previously-read manuscripts.)
Despite its age, this book will still help you get your pages in shape for a close inspection, and that's what you need if you want to compete in the markets. Some books on writing don't hold up after twenty years, but this one definitely did.
All my best to you all as you readjust to the world, writers! Stay resilient!
What I find so valuable about this text is that all the suggestions Lukeman makes for the first five pages of your manuscript apply to the entirety of the manuscript. That is, if you expect or hope the editor or agent to eventually look past the first five pages. And if you're not, what's the point, exactly?
I've read several books on rewriting, editing, or polishing manuscripts, and each of them have yielded up pieces that I have adopted into my own life-long practices. Only the first book I ever read on editing ever ended up as an editing system in the form of notecards. (I admit it; I'm a nerd.) I still maintain the value of those cards. But now, I've added to those cards from Lukeman's First Five Pages -- a little notebook with his steps, condensed down into a treatment for an entire manuscript. I even made one for my dedicated beta reader so they could do the same thing to their manuscripts (and mine, hopefully). Then I gave my copy of Lukeman's book to another writer friend.
That's how useful I think this book is for writers who mean to publish through the traditional markets.
Keep in mind, Lukeman wrote this book twenty years ago and you will feel the anachronism at times, such as when he discusses formatting your paper manuscripts. When it comes to formatting, just know to check the websites of your target agents and editors and know what they expect from you. (But it's still pretty hilarious to read Lukeman sweating bullets over your butterfly-cornered, previously-read manuscripts.)
Despite its age, this book will still help you get your pages in shape for a close inspection, and that's what you need if you want to compete in the markets. Some books on writing don't hold up after twenty years, but this one definitely did.
All my best to you all as you readjust to the world, writers! Stay resilient!
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.
elihinze's review against another edition
4.0
Good for people getting into editing their work. Perhaps more of a beginner book, but a valuable review nonetheless. If you're starting out editing (not writing, but EDITING), this is the book for you.
gorybmovie's review against another edition
3.0
Lukeman gives great insights on the publishing industry and offers useful writing advice.; however, the examples the produces at the end of each chapter are so over the top that they fail to be of use. Also, for me, this book was very discouraging. Lukeman frequently contradicts himself: going back and forth from telling the writer to be self indulgent and write for the love of it to manipulating it to please agents and editors. He provides numerous examples of people who devoted their lives to writing and never saw publication and one example of a man who submitted a previously published work and was repeatedly rejected, proving that no publication company is interested in work from new authors. Maybe this is supposed to make those of us who are seeking publication feel like we're not the only ones but my impression was if writers at the top of their game can't get published what chance do I have? A great resource for those who have been rejected repeatedly and want to understand why but I would not recommend this book to those still in the process of writing their novels.
writehollydavis's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so helpful to hear about how to improve your manuscript and make agents and editors want it from an actual agent! It was so comprehensive and goes beyond 'the first five pages' to helping you with your whole manuscript. I love how he covers a certain topic, gives examples, and then has writing exercises at the end of each chapter (essentially implementing editing strategies into your current WIP). Highly recommended!