There are several ideas passed around about what should be included in the first paragraph of a good story. I feel the most important is called, “the hook.” The hook is the element that will draw the reader into the story, which makes them curious enough that they want to continue reading. I put “the hook” in the first couple of lines. Most readers, and all publishers will only read the first few lines to decide if they want to read more. The hook is also called the “setup.” The “setup” can include information like the location, period, and even a hint at the plot. Introduce your main character or characters. Don’t give everything away, just enough to create the reader’s need to learn what happens next.

Explain the interesting idea that is the foundation of your story. If they don’t read something that catches their attention. They move on to the next book or story. And you have lost a possible customer.