On my recent research I found that publishers aren't too fond of the opening prologue or preface. Personally, I love them. So I would like to know what you think: are they needed for a novel, or are they a waste of time and too predictable?
On my recent research I found that publishers aren't too fond of the opening prologue or preface. Personally, I love them. So I would like to know what you think: are they needed for a novel, or are they a waste of time and too predictable?
I tend to judge it on a story-by-story basis when I'm writing. If something critical needs to happen before the main narrative starts, then I include it in a prologue. If the critical event happens during the course of the main narrative, I don't tend to worry about a prologue.
I used to always skip prefaces, but after reading the preface to Frankenstein and becoming hooked before I left the library a few years ago, I now always read them.
Prologues are hard to ignore as they are usually part of the story. If the author intended you to read it, why wouldn't you?
I originally had a prologue in my children's book as I thought it gave readers a better idea that most of the story takes place somewhere different. However a visiting author at our writer's club said that he was not keen on them in general and thought that the book made it pretty clear in chapter one without the use of it. I've since taken it out but I think the subject can split people into two distinct camps so good question.