How do you decide where a story begins? Hesiod’s THEOGONY starts with an invocation; Calvino’s IF ON A WINTER’S NIGHT TRAVELLER, with a mistake.
FIRST PAGES is a special issue dedicated to such beginnings: before the characters have names – before they’ve given us a reason to care – there are only a few lines standing between reader and writer. They have to do too much: establish a world, summon a voice, create a question, and compel us to turn the page.
FIRST PAGES offers a glimpse into fiction at its threshold: the shy first steps, the bold declarations, an arrangement of words that may or may not lead somewhere. Together, these pages explore the possibilities, pressures, and pleasures of opening a story – and the craft of making a reader want to read on.
Submissions window will be open 1st November – 1st December. This is a special issue, and therefore different guidelines stand. Please read the below carefully – due to the volume of submissions we receive, we will only respond to writers who adhere by them:
- We only accept excerpts from novels, novellas, and novelletes for this issue. We are also open to non-fiction and autofiction. We will not consider poetry for this issue.
- Your submission has to be the first page of your book. We are especially interested in abandoned works (i.e., the unloved!).
- Word limit is 600 words, but you have a 100-words leeway to halt the page to a natural break.
- We require writers also provide a short paragraph (approx. 200 words) to discuss their book. The content of the description is up to the writer, but preferably it will outline the projected plot and/or the themes of the book.
- For formatting advice, check our main Submissions page.
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