Prologue Generator
A prologue that hooks without spoiling
A prologue is a risk: done well it hooks a reader before the story proper begins, done badly it delays it. The good ones raise a question the novel then answers. Describe your book and get prologue approaches that earn their place rather than stalling the start.
Does my book need a prologue?
Often not. A prologue is justified only when it does something chapter one cannot: establish a mystery that pays off later, show an event before the main timeline, or introduce a threat the protagonist is not yet aware of. If the same information could open chapter one, it usually should.
What makes a good prologue?
Brevity and a question. The best prologues are short, atmospheric, and leave the reader needing an answer they can only get by reading on. They avoid dumping backstory or world history, which is the most common prologue failure, and instead plant a single compelling hook.
Why do some readers skip prologues?
Because so many are info-dumps that delay the story, readers have learned to skim or skip them. That is the strongest argument for making yours essential and gripping: it should be a part of the book no reader would want to miss, not a hurdle before the real opening.
Frequently asked questions
Does my book need a prologue?
Only if it does something chapter one cannot, like showing an earlier event or planting a mystery. Otherwise, start with chapter one.
What makes a good prologue?
Brevity and a single compelling question, with atmosphere rather than backstory dumps.
Why do readers skip prologues?
Because many are info-dumps. Make yours short, gripping and essential so no one wants to skip it.
Is this free?
Yes, with a daily limit for guests.