Using examples from young adult fiction, literature, pop culture, film, and television, this presentation explores the craft of startling, intriguing, and unforgettable openings. Discover how to capture and hold a reader’s— or agent’s or editor’s— attention, interest, and excitement from word one! This is a must for anyone looking to write and sell a breakout novel.
In this presentation, instructor John Cusick uses his unique expertise as both an agent and author, to explore the power of opening lines to establish a relationship with the reader, create a strong first impression, and even encapsulate the whole of a story and theme in a single sentence or paragraph. In this difficult and competitive market, an arresting opening line can mean the difference between a book deal and a slush pile. Learn to stand out with John’s artistic and industry know-how.
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About the Instructor
John Cusick
John M. Cusick is a Senior Vice President and literary agent with Folio Jr. / Folio Literary Management, representing a diverse list of New York Times bestsellers and award winners including Julie Murphy, Joan He, Laura Sebastian, Christian McKay Heidicker, and Abdi Nazemian. He represents fiction for kids, teens, and adults, and is also the author of the YA novels GIRL PARTS and CHERRY MONEY BABY (Candlewick Press), as well as the middle-grade duology DIMENSION WHY: How to Save the Universe Without Really Trying (HarperCollins). You can find him online at https://www.foliojr.com/john-cusick.
Send the books kids will sneak/steal/borrow in secret. Those personal, dangerous, life-saving stories. Genres: Children’s, Middle Grade, Picture Books, YA, author-illustrators. No adult works.