Friday, February 3, 2012

Aspiring Advice: Problems With Prologues



This has been on my mind for a while. Namely, the use of prologues in your novels. It's an iffy topic, one that generates a broad variety of opinions on multiple sides of the literary spectrum. So ... what's the problem?

Here's some general vibes I've picked up:

1: Agents hate prologues.
2: Everyone skips prologues.
3: Where's the main character?
4: Prologues are an excuse to infodump.

Here's the thing. I'm open. I give things a chance. I'm not a fan of hate. Sure, I dislike some things, but I'm not one of those "Zoinks! A prologue? BURN IT!" types. I'm also not a "speak in absolutes" kind of guy, either.

 "If you're not with me, then you're my FRENEMY!"

Guess that's part of the definition of "laid back," right? Or I'm an equal opportunity reader? ... I'll stop now.

Let's have an open discussion about these vibes:

1: Agents hate prologues - Not exactly. Some agents hate prologues (and some have no problem sending a form rejection if the first word they read of your sample chapters is prologue). I was able to have a discussion on twitter about this with a pair of agents. And I asked, "Are prologues really an industry-wide deal breaker when it comes to publishing your first book?" The answer? "Prologues aren't a deal breaker but they are sooooo frequently used incorrectly that it's a red flag" and "... needs to be important, integral part of story."

Must be important and used correctly. Check!

2: Everyone skips prologues - Well ... I'd like to think "everyone" includes me, and I read prologues, so I declare that general vibe a big fat FALSE! Moving on.

3: Where's the main character? - I see how that bothers readers. Connecting to a character that we're going to follow throughout a whole book is important. Prologues commonly do not involve the MC, but follows someone who will play a major role in the MC's life, good or bad.

Now answer me this: how many chapter ones have you read that does not have the MC in it? Here's a secret:

(Oh, you sneaky little devil ...)

The first chapter of the first Harry Potter is a prologue in disguise. By the time the chapter is over, we know about Vernon, witches and wizards, and something about a dark wizard killing someone's parents. Sure, they leave a baby on a doorstep, but I don't know who the baby is, or care. The first of The 13th Reality is the same. A postman in Alaska, visited by an Englishman and, later, a large woman who has an affinity for all things yellow. No instance of the MC (Tick) anywhere, yet both of these books are among my favorites. I'm not saying they were prologues at one time, but it wouldn't surprise me. They read like well-written prologues.

4: Prologues are an excuse to infodump - Aha! Therein lies the problem! To understand the setting, EVERYthing before chapter one needs to be explained, right?

*shakes head*

I'm guilty of this with my first novel. Many new writers have fallen into this trap. As a result, agents and editors are bombarded by overly long details and unnecessarily drawn-out backstory. Who wouldn't raise their torch and pitchforks if that's all they had to read everyday?

Are prologues doomed for failure, then?

Not at all. Is there a solution? Absolutely! If you feel a prologue is necessary, here's some tips to consider:

1: Read prologues - Go to your library or bookstore. Crack open books and look for prologues. Ask yourself "what is it about these prologues that made the cut?"

2: Make it important - A prologue is not a side or back story. It's a pivotal event that leads up to chapter one.

3: Make it short - If people are predetermined to skip prologues, no sense wasting time on a grand opening.

4: Make it interesting - Prologues determine whether or not readers will want to read the book in the first place. If you wow me without the MC, you bet I'll read on!

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. The general rule is: avoid prologues, but I like them ... they help me decide if I'm going to read the book or not (without investing emotion on a MC). If I pick up an epic door stopper, I expect a prologue! If you haven't read the Mistborn Trilogy, its prologues are among the best I've read (although the first is a bit on the long side).

And the awesome Vin is nowhere in sight!

True story - A few years ago, I queried a novel. It had a prologue. I sent my query and prologue to about 20 agents. All rejected (mostly form rejections). I had an idea. I changed the prologue to chapter one (plus minor touch-ups). I sent that to 15-20 agents. Again, all rejected, after three partials and a full. Did the chapter heading make a difference? I'll leave that up to you.

What beef, if any, do you have against prologues? Hate them, like them, or are you indifferent?

I'm David, and don't be a Sith - they have lame cookies.

48 comments:

  1. I always read prologues too.

    And my first novel technically has a prologue. It should be labeled prologue, but I've feared the prologue hatred, so I'm masquerading it as chapter one. Yeah, I'm sneaky like that.

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  2. I read them, too. I have no problem with prologues whatsoever. It does have to be written well and make sense.

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  3. I'm not a fan of hate, either. If they are there, I read them. For the most part they don't bother me but there have been a couple that only confused me and in that case I forget about them and continue on to chapter one where all is right with the world.

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  4. I was just thinking how much I hated hate. I have read some really great prologues, but I have also read some that annoyed me to death and those are usually info dumps.

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  5. I don't mind prologues. But I might need to rethink my current WIP's beginning.

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  6. the antipathy against prologues shocked the heck out of me. My bookshelves are full of books with prologues by established authors. I never gave them a second thought.

    So why do agents hate them?

    I figure it is the deluge of slush. Too little time to read and get into the story. *shrug*

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  7. I don't think it's prologues per se, more bad prologues, and it's very easy to write a bad prologue.

    mood
    Moody Writing
    @mooderino
    The Funnily Enough

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  8. Couldn't agree more with your take on this. I have never had an issue with prologues, I don't skip over them, and I don't know that I've read too many that made me question their necessity. Well, and like your Harry Potter example, what's stopping you from slapping "Chapter 1" on that thar prologue?? I think the key is keep it brief, keep it relevant, and keep it interesting. Great post! :-)

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  9. I love prologues, when done correctly. Generally I like writing them too, but they always include my MC ;)

    Still, it's easy enough to weave a good prologue in with the first chapter. I think when they're done correctly, they can be golden.

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  10. I don't mind them as long as they're not extremely drawn out. I like having some background information before diving into a book.

    I don't use them though. I'm more of an epilogue person.

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  11. I like prologues and I read them. I have never skipped a prologue however long it was to get to Chapter 1.

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  12. I've always read prologues and never had a problem with them. There wasn't one for CassaStar, but my publisher actually requested it. We used it as a setup rather than info dump though.

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  13. I rarely use prologues. Most of them aren't all that necessary. In an 8-book series I wrote only 2 had prologues and that was to fill in something happening somewhere else that would have an impact on the rest of the book.

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  14. I guess I'm with everyone else. I read them, but I'm not always impressed. I won't spend time reading a preface or introduction, though, since those things usually don't mean "here's where the story starts." I might go back and read them after I know I care about the book, though.

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  15. Glad you talked about this today David. It's been on my mind too. I like prologues when done right. And guess what? I read them too! I love that you've talked with some agents about this. Very important and good to have that input. Very helpful post. Glad you shared. :)

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  16. I honestly don't give thought to prologues--if a book has one, I'll read it if the story interests me, and if it doesn't have one, I'll read it if the story interests me. Some of my books have prologues, some of them don't. Some of them have flashbacks, some of them just read straight through from chapter 1 to the end. Some of have epilogues, and some don't. It's just...every book is so different, and I think that an author should write what they feel the book needs--and be prepared to edit and tweak and change if they discover it needs something different.

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  17. I like good prologues and dislike bad ones.

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  18. Yes, I agree that if prologues are short, tight, and hooking then of course I'm there! I love the whole "prologue in disguise" idea. Verrrry fun. Made me laugh!

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  19. Such a good point about Harry Potter. Just call it chapter 1 :)

    I read all prologues. It's part of the book. I don't discriminate if it's called something different ;)

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  20. I guess I'm like you. I'm not really for or against prologues. I have one in my novel and I (hopefully) make it work.
    I used to skip them, too! I don't anymore, though :)

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  21. Oh, gosh, I didn't know that about the cookies...darn. :)
    And I completely agree with your feelings about prologues. I've been able to talk to a few agents about them, as well, and they said something like, "Prologues are like rhyming picture books. We love them--when they're crafted as they should be. But mediocre writers often fail at them."

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  22. Such a great job breaking down the pros and cons of Prologues. I read them just like they are a part of the book. They can be very interesting.

    I totally agree with the 2 books you referenced. But they were done so well and set up the story for you, it was a seamless transition into the story.

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  23. I have read one book where the prologue worked (can't remember the name...darn it!) and it involved a historical event that happened to the character when she was a baby (it actually happened to her mom, and it later affected the main character)...a very "harry potter" like beginning...but that begins to tell me how "worth it" those prologues can be (if used right!)

    By the way, I just awarded you the "kreativ blogger" award over at my blog - go check it out!

    http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/2012/01/blog-award.html

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  24. The dark side has lame cookies? That's it, I'm not gonna be on the dark side anymore.

    Very informative post! I have a prologue on most of my books, but I try not to info dump. I admit that I scan some prologues. I just wanna get to the story, not some info dump. On the book I submitted to ABNA, I actually dumped most of my prologue and didn't send it because it didn't really fit. I need to work with your tips! Thanks!

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  25. I have a prologue in one of my books. It was once Chapter One. I don't have a problem with them if they're written well. And, like you, I actually read them, as well. Your posts are always so thought-provoking, David.

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  26. I do tend to read prologues, and I then tend to be disappointed by the prologue that follows. Frequently, I pick up a book, and the prologue is nifty, and compelling, and draws me in. Then Chapter 1 starts and seems to be almost entirely unrelated.


    (thanks guys, now I want cookies)

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  27. I always read prologues too, and I have heard of that little cross-out-the-word-prologue-and-make-it-chapter-one-instead trick! I decided to just cut the prologue from my WIP and slip it in as backstory later on, and it works.

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  28. I read the prologues. I think the problem is when they aren't necessary for the story and like you said are an info dump. But I don't think anyone should rule them out if they are right for the story.

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  29. I just finished reading the Mistborn trilogy (love it!). I think Prologues can work, but I typically would recommend against them. Although they seem to be more popular in SF and Fantasy. Go figure...

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  30. I tend to like prologues. Fantasy is my genre and they tend to be more accepted there it seems, and more useful. Sometimes a good epic fantasy REALLY needs some setup!

    Though the biggest problem I've had with them is when the prologue was more interesting than the main story.

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  31. I don't mind prologues--but one thing I hate is when the author takes a major scene from the story and pastes it in as a "prologue". Not only do I a.) get a sense of what happens to the characters, thereby ruining some (or all) of the tension but b.) I don't care for the characters at the beginning. It's like starting off with an explosion; it's flashy, but it doesn't create any connections.

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  32. Great post! I always read prologues. I like them if they're important and well-written. I don't need the protagonist in them. I try my very best to avoid them when writing novels, though.

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  33. I read prologues!

    This is a good post for me at the moment. I'm planning a new project, and it might have to start with a prologue, but I'll definitely follow your tips if I do.

    The light side had better have good cookies, else I'm running away to be bad. At least they have cookies!

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  34. I don't mind prologues. BUT, I'm pretty easy to please. They really don't bother me. I had a prologue in my very first book I wrote, but cut it when I heard agents don't like them. :)

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  35. I've always loved prologues...I think they're more widely used and accepted in fantasy. To me, if they're done well, they really increase the intrigue.

    Kudos on the Brandon Sanderson shout out!

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  36. Yeah I almost started Doorways with a prologue, but it was so cliche ridden that I started again with a first chapter. :-D

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  37. I have never really gotten why everyone's so hard on prologues. There are sooo many published books with them! I never skip them, either, and actually kind of like them (when they're done correctly). Still, I like the Chapter 1 switch-up for when I'm subbing anything with a prologue-like start :)

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  38. I'm not a fan of prologues. I've had writing teachers who have said, "If it's important enough to put in the book, then it should be your chapter one." I see you addressed that. I especially don't like prologues all in italic font. That said, a short prologue is sometimes called for!!!!

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  39. Great post, David! I personally don't have a problem with prologues, so long as they stick to those guidelines you've listed. If it's just a tool to get some information out there then there are probably more delicate ways to go about it.

    My current story has a prologue. It features the main character and is a self-contained scene. The only reason it's a prologue is because it takes place 18 years before the rest of the book. I think I'll probably change it to chapter 1 when I'm finally ready to query.

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  40. Great advice! I agree that prologues can work sometimes....one of my books (the one about to go on submission) has a prologue, which my agent really likes. I think it's more of a problem when the prologue doesn't include your main character. You want your reader to immediately bond with the main character, and this can't happen if they're not present in the first part of the story.

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  41. I love good writing and when a story is good, the prologue will be good too. Your post inspired me to post my prologue today and I referenced you in my intro. :)

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  42. My beef with prologues is exactly as you've warned against: don't make it a total info dump, and don't make it a redundant part of the story. If the scene in the prologue is repeated or explained later in the story, leave it out.

    I do read prologues, sometimes they are well written backstory that have no real place in the actual story, but are needed to provide useful info. And I don't mind if it is titled Prologue; that lets me know the story hasn't really started yet.

    I haven't written a prologue yet. At least, I haven't called it that. If I write pre-story scenes, I intend to use it later in the story, I just haven't figured out where to put it, or if it is even relevant.

    See, sometimes I can be a plotter :)

    .......dhole

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  43. I read prologues. I love a good prologue but you're right that some people just don't do them well. I've waffled back and forth on whether I should have a prologue in my current WIP (mostly because I heard agents hated them, but if all agents hate them how are so many books with prologues getting published?) I finally decided to go with one.

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  44. Good point, David.

    I read prologues. Never occurred to me not to. It's part of the story. And a book I LOVE that came out last month has a prologue.

    Funny business this is.

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  45. I don't skip prologues in books but when I watch a film and there is a prologue or worse still voice over during the film I know it will be pants. Good post.

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  46. I did a very informal survey on prologues, and found that nearly 100% will read it. My current project includes a VERY short one. I tried making it my first chapter, and it just didn't work. It has very little info. dumping, but the event in the prologue sets the entire stage for my main character. And man, I struggled with letting myself have a prologue for MONTHS!

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  47. This is a really great post. I agree in that I don't skip prologues. If it's part of a book, I read it. However, I HAVE heard that agents/editors/etc are sometimes iffy on prologues. I do agree that it shouldn't be a huge info dump. One of the best pieces of advice I've heard is comparing a first chapter (or, in this case, prologue) to a first date. You don't want ALL the information up front, right? Give a little, Entice. Don't overstep.

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  48. Seriously - these are my thoughts exactly.

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