1. Start with Action or Intrigue – Drop readers into movement, tension, or mystery.

2. Introduce a Unique Voice – The first sentence should set the tone and show personality.

3. Raise a Question – Make readers curious about what’s happening or what will happen next.

4. Skip the Backstory – Readers don’t need a history lesson—save that for later.

5. Start at a Critical Moment – Your character should be facing a problem, decision, or change.

6. Show, Don’t Tell – Use actions and dialogue to pull readers into the world, not just descriptions.

7. Introduce Them with Purpose – Show what makes them interesting, flawed, or driven.

8. Give Them a Goal – Make it clear what they want from the start.

9. Hint at Their Struggle – Show a weakness or challenge they’ll have to overcome.

10. Use Sensory Details – Let readers see, hear, and feel the world without overloading them.

11. Establish the Genre Quickly – If it’s romance, fantasy, horror, or thriller, make it obvious.

12. Keep Descriptions Tight – A few well-chosen details can paint a vivid picture.

13. Hint at the Bigger Conflict – Even if the main plot unfolds later, introduce tension early.

14. Create Emotional Investment – Readers should feel for your character’s struggles.

15. End with a Hook – Give a reason to turn the page, like a question, reveal, or twist.

16. Avoid Info Dumps – Too much backstory kills momentum—weave it in naturally.

17. Don’t Overload with Characters – Stick to one or two key characters at first.

18. Make Dialogue Feel Real – Avoid stiff, unnatural conversations that don’t move the story forward.