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Book: The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile :: Book
Date: Tuesday, 06 January, 2009 :: 14:17
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The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile
List Price: USD $13.95
from USD $5.75
Product Group: book
Manufacturer: Fireside
Studio: Fireside
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Editorial Review:
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Reviews:
Average Customer Review: 
Summary: EYE-OPENING CANDOR
Date: 2008-12-12 - 
Comment: After writing three novels and beginning another, I stumbled upon this book. I wasn't into it more than two chapters before I wanted to bang my head on my laptop keyboard. I had no idea that publishers were so eager to throw out new authors! This book is well written, moves from one topic to another quickly, while giving great examples of terrible text churned out by bumbling amateurs. God help me if my 7th attempt at re-writing my second novel falls into that category.
Summary: No frills, boiled down, extremely useful information for aspiring novelists
Date: 2008-11-13 -
Comment: I've bought about 10 books on writing so far from different authors and Noah Lukeman's The First Five Pages has been one of the few with any real "meat." I learned so much from this book and will continue to refer to it and study it. Most of the other books I bought spend too much time telling me the obvious, or things I already knew. The First Five Pages, however, tries to tackle it all of the essentials to get published, and succeeds. It's a boiled down overview of what you need to get published, with many helpful examples and suggestions for improving your writing. Noah speaks from experiences and writes with a no-nonsense style that really hits home. Almost everything Noah said in the book, I agreed with, and have found many improvement to my writing style thanks to him. If you are an aspiring novelist, this book is a must-have. Read it carefully and then refer to it over and over again.
Summary: The First Five Pages....by Noah Lukeman
Date: 2008-11-03 -
Comment: Exactly what an 'almost finished' writer needs. Noah gives detailed instruction for that last look that will make the manuscript salable. I fought him for two chapters before I admitted he was RIGHT. Thanks for every word.
Summary: Thank You Mr Lukeman
Date: 2008-10-05 -
Comment: Mr Lukeman's advice is incredible in this age where all rules, mores and sexes are blended. After this book in which he defends classic methods, I felt good again about returning to Melville and Dostoevsky, not to mention one of my all time favorites, Conrad, for reading and observation of their techniques. Thank you Mr Lukeman for writing this book. I read it twice, then made notes. For aspiring writers, if you want to sell a book, first get this one; if you want to write for the internet, you would'nt be interested.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Summary: 3.5 stars really
Date: 2008-09-23 - 
Comment: In the First Five Pages, Noah Lukeman reveals the quickest ways a manuscript is tossed into the rejection pile. Think your numerous alliterations are clever? Manuscript readers don't. Believe you're subtlety slipping in backstory when your characters discuss their pasts? Nope, it's annoying and contrived. Subscribe to the belief that the more drama, the better? Please unsubscribe.
This book's value ultimately lies with Lukeman's editing credentials. He organizes this book according to what an editor first looks for when reading a manuscript. He tackles preliminary problems (adjectives, adverbs, comparisons, etc.) that can get your manuscript axed right away, and then focuses on bigger picture items (hooks, tone, setting, etc). At the end of each chapter, Lukeman provides helpful exercises to help you practice what you've just learned.
His book isn't without flaws. His own writing needs a little polish (he *loves* using passive voice). I also disagreed with his frequent recommendation that writers should choose "unusual" words. He later interchanges unusual with precise (which is much more appropriate), but he should have added a caveat telling writers not to go overboard. I can picture amateur writers using this advice and swapping boxers for pugilists (not a good idea). Finally, his examples of what not to do are way over the top. Lukeman admits this, and to be fair, his examples clearly illustrate his points. But he should have added mediocre examples, writing that will *just* tip the writer into the rejection pile.
However, Lukeman provides great advice with regard to dialogue, and I especially liked his chapters on subtlety. He provides much more good advice than bad, especially in his later chapters. It's funny in a way that his own book starts off rocky, but it's worth finishing it. Overall, first-time writers will get the most benefit out of the First Five Pages. More experienced writers (especially those who have been published) can do without it.
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