‘A good opening sentence is simple, raises questions or is surprising in some way. It is an invitation to the reader to enter the story; how you present that invitation is important.’

“A great synopsis shows that you understand very clearly what you are writing about, that you are able to encapsulate the intent and trajectory of the manuscript, and that you know where your project fits into the marketplace.”

“Revealing and concealing backstory for dramatic effect can play a significant role in driving tension and narrative momentum.”

Laurel Cohn has spent her working life exploring ways of communicating stories about ourselves and others. As a developmental editor she has been helping writers since the 1980s prepare their work for publication and hone their pitches. Many writers she has worked with have gone on to be published successfully. She spent five years with one of […]