How to Write a Perfect First Line (18 Examples!)

Your first line might be the most important sentence in your entire story because it has to draw readers in. But too often, it's boring. In this video, I’m workshopping real opening lines (submitted by you!) to illustrate what makes a strong first sentence that sparks curiosity and makes us want to keep reading.

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MORE WRITING AND PUBLISHING ADVICE:
7 Mistakes You're Probably Making on Page One
   • 7 Mistakes You're Probably Making on Page One   
5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Novel
   • 5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Novel   
8 WORST Ways to Start a Novel
   • 8 WORST Ways to Start a Novel  

LIVE CRITIQUE OF 18 OPENING LINES
00:00 Intro
00:59 1 - Literary Thriller
01:46 2 - Magical Realism
02:38 3 - Adult Horror Fantasy
03:25 4 - Adult Romantasy
04:21 5 - Adult Comedic Mystery
04:44 6 - Adult Speculative Thriller
05:36 7 - Steamy Romance
06:36 8 - Adult Fantasy
07:15 9 - Adult Thriller
08:45 10 - Upmarket Fiction
09:36 11 - Adult Historical
10:25 12 - Women's Fiction
11:28 13 - Literary Fiction
12:00 14 - Adult Urban Fantasy
12:48 15 - Adult. Historical
14:14 16 - Adult Thriller
15:24 17 - Thriller
15:55 18 - Adult Historical
16:52 My top 3 favorite lines

ABOUT ME: 
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with nearly a decade of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.

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