First impressions are vital and the opening scenes of a novel are crucial if the reader is going to stick around until the story's end. What writers do in these opening pages, and how they do it, is a matter that cannot be left to chance. Whether a writer wants to craft a strong beginning right from the start or they have a complete manuscript and are ready to start sending it out for publication, the beginning of their novel plays a key role in their story's success. This helpful guide walks writers through the tasks their first 50 pages must accomplish in order to avoid leaving the reader disoriented, angry, or, worse-so disengaged that she puts the book down before ever seeing its beauty. The First 50 Pages shows writers how to begin their novels with the skill and intentionality that keeps readers' eyes glued to the page.