The First Page
A writer sends us the opening of a story. TGEP reads it as a publisher and as a reader. Selected openings are published here, with the writer's permission, followed by a brief editorial response: what drew us in, what raised questions, where attention weakened, and what made us want to continue.
A book has to begin somewhere.
Before the reviews, publicity, cover, price, distribution and sales, somebody
has to begin reading. The first page does not have to explain the whole book.
It does not have to contain a shock, a murder, a secret or a clever sentence.
It has a simpler job. It has to make the reader willing to remain.
The First Page is TGEP's continuing look at that beginning.
It is a place for writers to test an opening, for readers to encounter new
writing, and for editors and publishers to think about what actually holds
attention on the page.
One opening. One reading. A useful response.
The writer sends an opening
Send the first 500–800 words of fiction, memoir or narrative nonfiction. Do not send the complete manuscript for this feature.
TGEP reads and selects
We choose openings that give readers and writers something worth discussing. Selection is editorial and does not imply a publishing offer.
Permission comes first
TGEP will obtain the writer's permission before publishing any selected extract. Submission by itself does not grant TGEP publication rights.
The page goes before readers
The opening appears with a short TGEP editorial reading focused on what the writing is doing and whether it gives us a reason to continue.
This week's first page
The first writer will enter here.
TGEP will publish one selected opening at a time. The work will be identified by title and writer where permission has been given, followed by a short editorial reading.
We are not looking for a particular genre, fashionable subject or dramatic trick. We are looking for an opening that gives us a reason to read beyond it.
Submit an OpeningWhat will TGEP look at?
This is not a public manuscript report and it is not an examination. The purpose is narrower: to look closely at what happens between a writer's opening words and a reader's decision to continue.
What made us interested?
A person, situation, question, voice, conflict, detail or simple curiosity that made the page worth staying with.
Where did attention weaken?
Information arriving too early, repetition, uncertainty without purpose, unnecessary explanation, or a scene that has not yet begun to move.
What questions did the page create?
Useful unanswered questions are different from confusion. We will look at what the reader naturally wants to discover next.
Would we continue?
The practical question. Not whether the page is perfect, but whether it has given the reader enough reason to turn it.
Send us your first page.
This feature is open to writers who want their opening considered for possible publication and brief editorial discussion on the TGEP website.
Length: approximately 500–800 words.
Material: fiction, memoir or narrative nonfiction. The writer must have the right to submit the work.
Send: title, writer's name, genre, approximate manuscript length if known, and the opening extract. The opening may be pasted into the form or uploaded as a DOC, DOCX or PDF file.
Do not send: a complete manuscript through this feature. Formal publication submissions should continue through TGEP's manuscript submission route.
Rights: submission alone does not give TGEP the right to publish the extract. Separate permission will be requested if an opening is selected.
Selection: TGEP may select, decline or hold an opening for later consideration. Selection for this feature does not constitute manuscript acceptance or an offer of publication.
Submit your first page.
Enter your details below and either paste the first 500–800 words of the work or upload the opening extract as a file. There is no need to send the complete manuscript or a sales pitch.
Paste or upload the opening extract
Name · email · title · genre
Editorial selection only
Complete the form and submit the opening directly to The Good Earth Publishers. You may paste the opening below or upload it as a DOC, DOCX or PDF file. Fields marked * are required.
Writers seeking formal publication consideration should use TGEP's official manuscript submission process rather than this feature.
Read further. Write further.
Return to writers who understood why a reader continues.
Readers The Reading RoomOne book, one serious question and an open reading conversation.
Writers & Authors Publishing Q&APlain answers to the questions that arise throughout a book's life.
Books & Publishing The Literary WorldCurrent developments, books, writers, rights, prizes and literary culture.