Introduction
The prologue, which comes right before the first chapter of the book, can be found at the very beginning of a novel. A strong prologue will seem integral to the story and not merely like a filler or stalling device on the author’s side. The reader gains knowledge about what he is going to read at this crucial part of the book. You must first comprehend what a prologue is and what it does in a novel in order to learn how to write one for a novel. In this article we will discuss about the importance of prologue and how to write a good prologue for novel.
You could thus be working on your novel or have already finished it. Make sure your work is thorough and has all the important components before searching for publishing companies in India. A good novel should include a “About the Book” section, a “About the Author” section, a “Prologue,” “Chapters,” and an “Epilogue.” The authors are frequently uncertain about how to compose a prologue. They are unsure if their work should include a prologue or should just start with the first chapter.
What is a Prologue?
“A prologue or prologue is an opening to a story that establishes the context and gives background details, often some earlier story that ties into the main one, and other miscellaneous information.” – Wikipedia
A prologue serves to progress the story by providing readers with additional information. It is in the front matter for a good cause, I may add. They provide a variety of functions for writers.
Why Prologue is Important in Novels?
- Background information about the story is provided in the prologue.
- It draws readers in by showing a scenario from the narrative. To pique readers’ interest and encourage them to keep reading, the author can choose a thrilling moment from the story’s midsection.
- Describing a historical event that is significant to the plot, such as a fire in which the father of the main character perishes and serves as the catalyst for the novel’s action.
- It occasionally presents information from a different perspective.
- It might prompt immediate questions in the reader.
How to Write a Good Prologue for Novel?
The moment has arrived to put prologues into practice now that their necessity has been demonstrated. How to write a good prologue for novel that will capture the editor’s, followed by the reader’s, interest, seem natural when chapter 1 begins, and won’t cause the reader to put the book back on the shelf. To understand how to write a good prologue for novel is important and we have described it in few simple steps:
1. Keep it Crisp and Captivating
A good novel or work of non-fiction must have an engaging prologue with clear language that gets the tale moving straight away. A excellent introduction isn’t lengthy, academic-style, or monotonous.
2. In the prologue, give background information
Giving a character’s or characters’ past is one method to use a prologue. This might aid you as the author in avoiding other literary devices like flashbacks or hidden backstory. If you are having trouble weaving the specifics of a character’s background into the action of your novel, try this alternative.
3. Make the prologue entice the reader to continue reading the book
It should pique the interest of the reader and provide him or her with ideas or questions that will be addressed throughout the book. A scene that introduces a character and an event that will play a significant role in the narrative might serve as the prologue’s hook.
4. Language of Prologue
The prologue should use consistent terminology. It shouldn’t change farther into the prologue. For instance, the prologue of a thriller book shouldn’t contain any humour. Remember that the reader’s assessment of your writing and linguistic abilities will begin with the prologue.
5. Not a conclusion, but a start
A strong prologue can occasionally function as its own short tale, barring the conclusion. The prologue is an introduction to the tale, and the prologue’s ending is the story’s start. The reader shouldn’t expect a finish at the end of the prologue; instead, it should be the beginning of a fantastic narrative.
6. Make Use of Time difference
Your prologue can take place in the past to highlight a significant occasion. The plot can suddenly leap to the future, at which time the remaining portions become a kind of flashback.
7. Maintain interest
Your prologue will be skipped if it’s dull. We all understand how crucial the opening few pages of your first chapter are. If you do, make sure the prologue is as compelling as your first chapter. The reader will either be captivated to complete the book at this point or lose interest.
8. Finish with a pressing query
The prologue should end with a compelling query. Your prologue should pique the interest of the reader to the point that they want to read the first chapter right away to learn something crucial to the plot. You should leave a few open-ended questions so that the readers will want to read the next chapter to get the answers.
9. Last, edit your prologue
It’s possible that the prologue will be the first thing your reader reads, but that doesn’t mean it has to be! In reality, once the remainder of the tale has been well developed, it might be simpler to write and modify a prologue. In this manner, you will be fully aware of what needs to be prepared for it to have the most effect on readers.
Done with Writing? What’s Next?
So once you are done editing your novel’s chapters and prologue by yourself, you should get the whole content edited and proofread by experts. There are many Book Editing Companies in India who are providing professional editing services. Writing and Editing is the most important aspect in book publishing before you move into actual publishing process, book promotion and marketing. We hope you have enjoyed this article. Do not forget to write your feedback in the comments.
