This is perhaps one of the most influential books I have read on preparing a manuscript for querying. Noah Lukeman, an editor by trade, guides you through a comprehensive revision process that will fine-tune your novel, and develop the most attention-grabbing opening scene.

Posing a lot of thoughtful questions that challenge you to really dig into the heart of your story, it’s impossible not to be constructively influenced by this book.

I find a lot of books on editing and revision tend to be heavily biased for what that editor/author is looking for or what is trending, but this book challenges you to really evaluate your own book, and be critical about how you are applying the tools and techniques for a gripping opening. While market trends are obviously relevant, this is about making your book be the best version of your book, and less about making your book fit into a trend.

If your manuscript is ready for submissions, or you are beginning the revision process, absolutely read this book. It will give you a new lens through which to constructively look at your novel opening, and help you shape it into the best version of itself that it can be at this stage.