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  1. Jun 29, 2016 · I won't DV this because it's not "wrong," but wow, I could not disagree more. The prologue doesn't have to be about the main character. In Susan Elia MacNeal's Maggie Hope mysteries, all the prologues are about minor or one-off characters, and what occurs is part of what kicks off the plot of the book. Maybe you've been reading the wrong prologues.

    • Tom Bromley
    • Include a prologue for the right reasons. Writers often insert a prologue into their book to prop up what they think is a flat or boring first chapter.
    • Center your prologue on character action. Even if your prologue needs to relay information about your book's world, it should always focus on character action.
    • Focus on what you want readers to take away. Prologues are an opportunity to plant key themes or motifs. In our Game of Thrones example, the prologue sets the tone for what is to come and provides readers with a context for the body of the narrative.
    • Keep your foreshadowing subtle. Remember to pique your readers’ interest, not send their eyes rolling to the back of their heads. Heavy-handed foreshadowing runs the risk of spoiling the twists and turns that are to come, so ensure that any hints you do give aren't enough to deflate your readers’ sense of anticipation.
  2. Sep 17, 2024 · My prologue was (I thought) dramatic, action-oriented , and ended with a startling event that is relevant to the main narrative – although it wouldn’t be truly understood until later in the book. I still have the text and could put it back in as a prologue or just use it for exposition and back story as needed throughout the book.

  3. May 30, 2024 · Don’t include a prologue that has nothing to do with the plot. This could mean a random POV that really doesn’t play into the rest of your story. Or information that’s not important to your plot. Don’t make it long. Much like writing an exciting book blurb or a hook, a prologue should be short and snappy. Look at it this way: if your ...

    • could 'nobody' have had a more prologue to the book1
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  4. If you can finagle your prologue to be Chapter 1, do it. This ensures the reader won’t skip a hook present in your prologue, and that they read any important information that affects your plot. Write a prologue if you want to. A lot of writers, myself included, later realize that the prologue isn’t necessary.

  5. Oct 18, 2022 · If the prologue was an effective entry point into the story, the agent and editor had no problem with it. There are many successfully published books with prologues in them. On the other hand, if the prologue isn't effective or doesn't serve the end goal of the story, then it would probably be best to omit it.

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  7. Jul 18, 2023 · Edit and share with beta readers. After writing your prologue, revise and edit it thoroughly. Ensure it flows seamlessly with the rest of the story and effectively accomplishes its purpose. Consider sharing it with or critique partners to gather feedback and gain insights on how it impacts their reading experience.

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