Let's Start at the Beginning
An editor’s diagnostic for the first five pages
When I open a manuscript, the first five pages tell me how the writer is thinking. I learn whether they trust the story, whether they understand what they’re inviting the reader into, and whether the voice on the page belongs to someone who knows where they’re going… or is still circling the door.
This post walks you through the exact questions I ask when I read an opening, so you can clearly and objectively evaluate your work.
I designed this framework to help you learn how to notice:
Whether the opening feels chosen rather than accidental
Whether a distinct voice arrives immediately
Whether emotional momentum is building
How character is revealed through choice
How much trust you’re placing in the reader
What the story is signaling that it cares about
Designed to be used without revising as you read, this diagnostic helps you see patterns. I want you to focus on what’s already working, what’s not quite there yet, and where the story may still be finding its identity and understanding who it wants to be when it grows up.
The rest of this 15-page diagnostic tool, including questions, signs of strength, red flags, and detailed examples, is available to paid subscribers. If you’d prefer to buy a copy, it’s available on Gumroad for $5, much less than a single editing hour, and something you can learn from and use across multiple drafts.