Beginning a novel can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff; you’re full of ideas, excitement, and a little fear. You want the first chapter to be strong enough to hook readers, agents, or even publishers. But too often, writers stumble at the start. And while mistakes are part of the process, some can cause readers to stop turning the pages.

In this post, we’ll talk about five common mistakes writers make at the start of a novel and how to avoid them. Along the way, we’ll also touch on how choices at the opening can impact your publishing journey, whether you’re considering affordable book publishing or aiming for professional book publishing.

1. Starting in the Wrong Place

One of the most common pitfalls for new writers is starting too early—or too late, in their story. Many manuscripts begin with pages of background or a character waking up, looking in the mirror, and thinking about life. These scenes might feel like a setup, but they don’t grab attention.

Readers want movement, tension, or conflict right away. According to a survey from BookNet Canada, nearly 55% of readers decide whether to buy a book based on the first few pages. That means your beginning matters more than you think.

Instead of explaining your character’s backstory, consider placing them in a situation where something is happening, an event that shows who they are under pressure. This approach creates momentum and immediately gives the reader a reason to care.

For those thinking about professional book publishing, agents and editors often judge a manuscript by the first five pages. If your novel drags at the start, it could get passed over. On the other hand, if you’re considering affordable book publishing, where you have more control, you still want to make sure your first chapter hooks readers who sample your book online before buying.

2. Too Much Focus on Voice and Not Enough on Plot

Voice is important; it’s your unique style and tone. But some writers lean so heavily on witty narration or lyrical sentences that the plot gets lost. A great voice without a compelling story is like an actor delivering lines without a script: entertaining for a moment, but forgettable.

In fact, a 2020 survey from Statista showed that 37% of readers stop reading a book because “the story was boring or hard to follow”. Voice alone won’t keep someone invested if nothing is happening.

Balance is key. Use your voice to bring characters and settings alive, but don’t let it overshadow the plot. Introduce conflict, hint at stakes, and show readers where the story is heading.

When preparing for professional book publishing, editors often look for strong pacing early in the manuscript. If the voice shines but nothing happens, they may request revisions or pass altogether. For writers leaning toward affordable book publishing, keeping the plot front and center is equally critical—reviews from readers will quickly reflect whether your book delivers both style and substance.

3. Too Much Info Dumping

It’s tempting to explain everything right away: your character’s backstory, your fictional world’s history, or the complex magic system you created. But too much information at once overwhelms readers. It’s like sitting down to watch a movie and being handed a manual before the first scene.

Info dumping slows momentum and breaks immersion. Instead, weave details naturally into action and dialogue. Reveal backstory when it matters to the present conflict. Think of it like seasoning: sprinkle information, don’t dump the whole jar.

For writers pursuing affordable book publishing, remember that readers browsing online often skim the first chapter before buying. If those pages read like a lecture, you’ll lose potential sales. And for professional book publishing, editors often cite “too much exposition” as a reason for rejecting manuscripts.

The trick? Trust your readers. They don’t need to know everything at once. Give them breadcrumbs, not an encyclopedia.

4. Not Enough Unknowns

A strong beginning doesn’t just show what’s happening; it raises questions. Readers want to know: Why is this character making that choice? What will happen next? What’s at stake if they fail?

When everything is explained too clearly, there’s no intrigue. Without mystery, readers have no reason to keep going. Suspense isn’t just for thrillers—it’s the fuel that drives all storytelling.

Consider holding back key information. Maybe your protagonist is hiding something, or the world works in ways the reader doesn’t fully understand yet. The unknown builds tension.

If you’re going for professional book publishing, agents and editors look for stories that compel readers to turn the page. And for those choosing affordable book publishing, reader engagement is everything. Positive reviews often mention phrases like “I couldn’t put it down,” and that happens because of well-placed unknowns.

5. Not Enough Stakes

Perhaps the biggest mistake writers make at the start of a novel is forgetting to show why the story matters. Stakes are the heart of tension. Without them, even the most beautifully written scenes can feel flat.

Ask yourself: What does the protagonist stand to lose? What happens if they fail? Are the consequences emotional, physical, or even global? The higher—or more personal—the stakes, the more invested readers become.

A character facing real consequences hooks readers fast. Even small stakes, if emotionally rich, can drive a story. For example, losing a job may not sound dramatic, but if it means losing custody of a child, suddenly the stakes are enormous.

In professional book publishing, stakes help agents and editors see the marketability of a story. And for affordable book publishing, strong stakes mean better reader reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations, both of which fuel long-term success.

Conclusion

The first pages of your novel are your biggest chance to win over readers, editors, or even yourself. Avoiding these five mistakes, starting in the wrong place, focusing too much on voice, info dumping, failing to create unknowns, and forgetting the stakes, can transform your opening from forgettable to unforgettable.

Whether you’re pursuing professional book publishing to bring your story directly to readers, the beginning of your novel is critical. It’s not just about starting strong; it’s about giving readers a reason to stay.

Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint, but those first steps set the pace for everything that follows. Get them right, and you’re not just starting a book, you’re building a career.