It's not only for improving the beginning of ones story but also reveals structure. This is a top notch book.

This is a great little book. It's a small format and there was less to it than I expected. However, what there is, is great. The simple message, is hammered home - if you don't get the beginning right what chance the rest? The book is written with an easy, almost conversational, style but for me that's a plus. A final section in which editors and publishers give their views on what makes for a good beginning is instructional. If you're serious about your writing and want to be published (don't we all!) I would highly recommend this volume.

Even though I've only read the first 60 or so pages I really feel that this is one of the best books on writing in the market today. I'm well...hooked!

There are a lot of books out there on the writing craft, but none that explain the crucial difference between surface problems and story worthy problems in as much intricate detail as this one does.

I agree with the author that the writing classes of today are stuck way in the past, putting too much emphasis on description and characterization. Those are good things to learn, of course, but don't help you craft a novel that will occupy modern readers for a few hours of their time-- and compete with the kids crying, the dishes that need to be done, or the meeting you have to be at tomorrow.

This book has a witty style that makes it a joy to read.

I'm a junkie for writing books. From the library, from friends, I borrow, read and return. This one, though, will not leave my shelf. I covet it. Part of me doesn't want to recommend it to my fellow writers for the sole selfish hope that I will have an edge on them. But that's bad karma. The reason I love this book isn't just all the small epiphanies it helped me have as a writer, but also because it is just plain fun to read. Les Edgerton has a knack for making you feel like a confidante, a friend by the fire. You lean in and nod, listening, learning. It's a definite must have for any aspiring bestseller.

Let me start by saying I am a writer.

I completed my first novel early last year and eagerly sent out queries to publishers and agents. Many requested partials, so I mailed the required 50-100 pages, and then waited. All turned me down. After two more rounds of queries, partials, and rejection letters, I decided I needed a little help. So I headed to the local bookstore where I found the wonderful book, Hooked.

I devoured it. Underling, highlighting, folding corners, and re-reading until I could apply everything I learned within it's pages to my manuscript. And it paid off.

My novel, This Time You Lose, was just named a finalist in the Strongest Start Novel Competition. It has also climbed the ranks to number 29 (out of 500) in the Readers Choice Top Ten Novel Competition. In addition, I have now secured an agent in New York, and am putting the finishing touches on my manuscript before re-submitting it to publishers.

All of this within 3 months of purchasing and reading this book.

I've recommended this book to other writers, both online and in person. And I continue to refer back to the pages of Hooked with each new story I write.

Chris