STOP. Don't query an agent or upload your book to Amazon, until you know how to...
You've got one chance to get a reader's attention. Make it count!
Hooking a reader is not a magic trick, and it's not guesswork. There's a tried-and-true way to do it and in this live 90-minute webinar, I will teach you exactly what it is.
Agents get hundreds of query letters every day, and once they've passed on your book, you can't revise and resubmit.
Amazon has nearly 50 million titles in its store right now. When a reader lands on your book page, that free preview must convince them to make a purchase.
You've spent years on your manuscript. You've poured your soul into it, and you've dreamed of seeing it in the bookstore.
When the stakes are this high, are you really going to cross your fingers and hope your first ten pages work? Or, are you going to spend 90 minutes to make sure they work?
Come join me and learn how to Hook Your Reader (in 10 pages or less!)
February 22, 2023
7:00pm Eastern
During the webinar, you'll learn:
Imagine getting an email from your dream agent who's asking to see more of your work.
Imagine getting royalty statements from Amazon, Kobo, and Draft2Digital.
Imagine five-star reader reviews.
It starts with the opening pages of your book.
THANK-YOU GIFTS
This is my first time hosting the webinar, so to thank you for joining me, I'm offering these one-time bonuses:
Early Bird Pricing
The regular price for this webinar is $67, but for this session only, I'm dropping the price to $47.
Private Facebook Group
Everyone who registers will get a link to join a private Facebook group. I'll be checking in daily to answer your questions, and you'll be able to meet other writers who are also polishing their first ten pages.
All Questions Answered
I've allowed 30 minutes to answer questions during the webinar, but if I don't get to them all, I'll record answers to any remaining questions and will share them with the group. If you think of questions after the webinar is over, you can always pop them in the Facebook group and I'll answer them there.
I've been studying stories and storytelling every single day since May 2017. (Yes, every single day.) I've invested a significant amount of time and money in my education. I've studied more than 100 theory books, and have flown all over North America to study with the industry's top teachers. I've also hosted two of the industry's leading podcasts for writers: The Story Grid Editor Roundtable and Story Nerd.
If you've been following me at all, you know two things:
My specialty is teaching writers how to put theory into practice. Story theory is a lot of fun, but unless we can use it, what's the point? That's why this webinar is focused and practical. Not only will I explain what needs to go into your first ten pages, I'll give you action steps so you can see an improvement in your work right away.
I don't mince words. The advice I give is direct, but kind. As a literary editor, I've met too many writers who have wasted decades of their lives slaving away on manuscripts that don't work. Decades. That's not an exaggeration. Many of them have paid good money to well-meaning professionals who were so afraid of hurting their feelings that they either sugar-coated the truth, or lied. I believe that anyone who has a passion for writing can achieve their goals, but they need someone to give them honest, objective feedback about what's working and what's not. That's what I aim to do.
THE CLOCK IS TICKING!
The cart closes February 21, 2023.
The webinar, and my feedback on your First 10 Pages, will never be offered at these prices again.
And remember, this is the only time I'll be offering the First 10 Pages Review this year. If you plan to publish or query in 2023, you need to make sure the opening of your book is rock solid. You only get one chance to hook your reader. You can't afford to blow it.
Mark the date on your calendar.
February 22 at 7:00pm Eastern.
ENDORSEMENTS
“I’ve known and have worked with Val for years, and I can honestly say, she knows more about how stories work than just about anyone I know. She's serious about the writing craft, and about explaining story theory in a way that writers can understand and use. Writers have a lot to learn from her.”
J. Thorn — founder of TheAuthorLife.com
"I'm so impressed with Valerie's work ethic and her dedication to the craft. It started with what she's invested in going to study in New York and L.A. to become a better writer, and then her years of honing her skill to help other writers. Having read her novel Masquerade, I can say her writing is not only solid, but her execution of a compelling and unputdownable read is impeccable. It's obvious she really knows story."
Mark Leslie Lefebvre — writer, Stark Reflections Podcast host
"Valerie is a phenomenal person to learn from. She thinks very deeply about story."
Julie Strauss — writer, Best Book Ever Podcast host
FAQ
No problem! The webinar will be recorded and made available to everyone who registers. You'll have 30 days to download the recording.
Yes! Believe it or not, a memoir follows the same storytelling principles as fiction because after all, you're telling your story.
Yes! Narrative nonfiction is, by its definition, a narrative or story. So, as strange as it sounds, it follows the same storytelling principles as a novel.
I will personally read the first ten pages (2,500 words) of your manuscript and assess them based on the topics I cover in the webinar. I'll give you my professional editorial feedback, in writing, about what's working well and what needs improvement. I'll also offer suggestions as to how you might want to tackle those improvements. Send your submission by March 1, 2023 11:59pm Eastern, and I'll reply by March 15, 2023 at 11:59pm Eastern. I'll review them in the order they're received.
I do plan to offer this webinar again, although I haven't yet set a date, and I haven't yet decided if it will be a live webinar (which means you can ask me questions) or an on-demand webinar (which will be self-directed). I do know that the early bird price, and the bonuses, will not be offered next time round.