Why read prologue

It is before the first chapter and is separate from the main story. Generally, it has its own paragraph numbering, if any, and the pages are numbered differently from the rest of the book.

Although prologues are normally found in fiction, you will also find them in narrative non-fiction like memoirs and biographies. It provides the reader with information about the story, making it easier for the reader to understand the rest of the book.

If the book you start to read has a prologue, you should read it as the author uses the prologue to. KM Weiland, an author and well-known writer of writing guides states that prologues are meant to convey information—not hook the reader. Mostly, a prologue has the same perspective as the rest of the story, but it might also not be written from the same perspective. It could be a scene either from the past or future that is not part of the main story, but ties into the main narrative.

With all this in mind, it becomes clear why you should read the prologue — it is meant to be part of the story. Whether a book should have a prologue or not is the prerogative of the author to decide on. Some writers feel that a strong first chapter is enough to entice the reader to read further.

And if an earlier event influences the storyline it can be included in the book where it fits into the storyline. If a future event will be the outcome of the story, it also is not needed to give a glimpse of it in the prologue. It can be set out in the last chapter, or the book can end on a cliffhanger. Now that you know that if the author has included a prologue in the book it forms an integral part of the book, the question is how should you read it?

Serious readers normally have two ways of using and reading prologues. The one way is to skim over the prologue. But this is only done when they are looking for a new book to read. Hi, Sami!

Stop making those embarrassing mistakes! Subscribe to Daily Writing Tips today! You will improve your English in only 5 minutes per day, guaranteed! You'll also get three bonus ebooks completely free! Try It Free Now. Prologues certainly are very important for novels based on some past time or some research work. But many a times authors write so bad prologues that it actually kill the mood of the reader. Deborah on February 26, pm Short prologues are fine. Long prologues—more than words—no.

Johnica Davis on April 28, pm yor witing is awsom. Sarah on June 11, am touche. Kyla on April 19, am Ahh! But should I?

Hannah is currently minding her own business, streaming a variety of writing and life content on Twitch , somewhere in the Colorado mountains with her roommate, Saya, who is a dog. We help you save time, money, and headaches through the book, writing, marketing, and publishing process by giving you the proven, step-by-step process and accountability to publish successfully. All while allowing you to maintain control of your book—and its royalties. Learn to publish a book to grow your impact, income, or business!

Drop a comment with your own tips, advice, or thoughts on this blog post — we may even update the post with your ideas! Knowledge sharing is how we all get better. Your email address will not be published. Business Builder. Career Fiction. FREE Training. Book Outline Template.

Author Help Center. Skip to content. Pin 2. Should you write a prologue, or should you throw the reader right into the story? Please select your book type Fiction Non-Fiction. Why are you writing a book I'm writing a book to grow my business I'm not interested in building a business. I'm writing a book to make an impact. I want to write a quality fiction book that entertains people. Check your email for your book outline template. In the meantime, check out our Book Outline Challenge.

Join The Challenge Today.