Q&A for How to Write a Prologue for Your Novel

Yes, it intrigues readers to read the rest of the novel. Ending the prologue on a cliffhanger will make a great prologue.

Don't add too much detail or dialogue, and keep the length somewhat short. Most prologues are hooks, so just reel the reader in, then change to the first chapter.

Yes, because the prologue is part of the book.

Yes, of course. As long as it draws the reader in, four lines can make an effective prologue.

Sure! As long as it's not too long or to confusing. Use headings with the characters' names, or find some other way to differentiate whose POV is being given so the reader is not confused.

Prologues usually contain some part of the current book, which wouldn't tell a child anything useful if they are reading the books in the wrong order. If you want to make sure a child reads the books in order, you should number the books.

Sure, but as it has been stated in the article, it would be best to use another character's perspective.

The plot itself shouldn't be a part of the prologue. The prologue is a teaser; it can reference a major plot point in the novel (although, of course, it won't be a major plot point yet) or hint at a character who will eventually shake things up. In any event, it should not explain a lot, and it should not include the main character.

A prologue is typically only one section. If you have too much material for one prologue, change some of it to the first chapter.

Your prologue can be as long as you want, but generally they aren't longer than a few pages.

Yes, that could make your story more interesting. Just make sure you don't add too much dialogue.

It's up to the author to decide whether it would be helpful to the reader to do so.

Yes, you could do it that way, but if the condition is central to the plot, it might be better treated within the body of the story.

Yes, nonfiction works often include prologues and epilogues.

That's okay. Just try to put a cliffhanger at the end of the prologue to keep people reading. And make sure you don't say absolutely everything about the character in the prologue, it's best to reveal information about your character slowly over time.

The prologue should be one section, but yes it could be a page or two, and you could definitely use two points-of-view. Just make sure that it's clear when the point-of-view is shifting.

Absolutely not. Include a prologue only if you think it would add interest or information not easily made part of the main story.

Yes. If you can do so without badly confusing the reader, that could be an interesting narrative device.

That's actually a pretty creative and interesting idea!

Yes, that would be an interesting construction if you don't mind that throughout the book the reader would already know the ultimate fate of the character.

Most novels have no prologue (or epilogue).

You're the author; it's your call. There's no established rule for introducing a main character. Do it the way it sounds best to you.

Sure, that can be effective. Every story is different, so do whatever works for you.

You could start the prologue with the date. You could make references to events, conditions or styles that were contemporary with the events of the prologue. You could describe a calendar or a diary entry. You could cite a person's age in the prologue, and then cite it again in the main body of the story.

Yes. Some prologues can be written from the same perspective as the rest of the story, and others can be in a different setting or time frame, entirely.

Yes, that would be a very effective way to draw readers in! Don't give away to much information, though. Just enough to pull people in.

Yes, that could form an interesting prologue.

It can be as long as you want, but it’s best to keep it shorter than five pages. However, if the prologue calls for more, it can have more.

Yes! Just as long as it fits with the rest of the story, that should work. Maybe space out the details for more effect.

If you mean warning the reader of talk of drug abuse and things like that, then no. Instead, just put a good old fashioned warning the page before the prologue. If you mean more about the actual events of the books, or the characters, then it is all up to you how much to reveal and what works in your story.