Best Ways to Open Your Novel

Опубликовано: 28 Февраль 2026
на канале: Alyssa Matesic
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Opening your novel effectively is key to engaging your reader and hooking the attention of an agent if you plan to traditionally publish. In this video, I reveal the three strongest techniques to use to start your novel and illustrate each type of opening with an example. I also discuss how you can enter my very first #giveaway to receive a free critique of your first 10 pages!

**GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

OFFICIAL GIVEAWAY RULES:

I will read the first 10 pages of your novel and provide a one-page critique of your opening. Entries open starting 8:00 AM Pacific Time on Sunday, September 19 and will be accepted until 5:00 PM Pacific Time on Sunday, October 3. Once entries close, I will respond to the winner's comment with instructions on how to redeem the prize.

No purchase necessary to enter. Entrants must be 18+ and based in the US.

All entries must comply with YouTube's Community Guidelines and be consistent with YouTube's Terms of Service or will be disqualified. In no way is this giveaway endorsed, associated with, sponsored by, or administered by YouTube or any social media platform it’s promoted on. Any personal information collected is used to contact you in the event that you are selected to win the prize from the giveaway. You have the right to not provide the information requested or can simply not enter the giveaway if you do not wish to provide your personal information.

TO ENTER:
1. Subscribe to my channel
2. Like this video
3. Comment by telling me a) which of the three techniques for opening your novel most aligns with yours, and b) what your biggest challenge has been while writing your novel. (Any comments that don't contain these two points will not count.)

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How to Nail Your Novel Opening and Hook Your Reader:    • How to Nail Your Novel Opening and Hook Yo...  

HOW TO OPEN YOUR NOVEL EFFECTIVELY:
02:20 - Character detail
05:26 - Intense stakes
08:11 - Scene-setting
11:12 - Giveaway details

ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years 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.

Feel free to get in touch!

Website: https://www.alyssamatesic.com
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Email: [email protected]

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