This is a gift for my community. It’s a topic unknown to many, but very important when we pitch our novel to an agent. A strong high-concept premise strengthens your chances of landing an agent and, subsequently, a publisher. In my classroom, inside Creative Writing Basic, you’ll find a clear breakdown of what “high-concept” really means, why agents look for it, and how to shape your idea so it works in a single sentence. At the end of the article, you’ll find a ready-to-use ChatGPT prompt to turn your story into a strong high-concept pitch. If you read it, please leave a comment with your high-concept premise. Also, not every story has a high-concept premise by default, so this is a challenge you might want to take on. 🙂 https://www.skool.com/marcello-iori-7056/classroom/b302f4fe?md=d6a6e730f03f4a4580b04663e53e3a18

Hi fellow writers, ✍️ I hope you’re enjoying Skool and its community. Some of you have written or are still writing a book. The beginning of a novel is crucial for your potential readers, and it’s important if you want to land an agent. The first chapter will most likely determine the outcome: whether they buy it or not, or whether a deal is closed. So, let me know the title of your book and the very first lines of it. I look forward to seeing what you all have got. Tomorrow we will talk about something just a few people know...

I recently turned 50, and for years I’ve told myself, this is the year I’m going to write a novel. As a curriculum writer, writing has always been part of my life—but this feels different. With fewer miles ahead than behind, I’ve decided this is the time to finally do it. I’ve written four chapters so far, but now I find myself stuck. I’m hoping to join a group of writers who can inspire, support, and help me keep moving forward.

Hi beautiful community, how are you all? Some of you have written or are writing a book; share your best line(s) with me and others here. This community is gradually growing, and now is the perfect time to showcase your finest prose!

Hurrah. Today I submitted my first chapter for Prowriting Aid’s contest with an hour to spare. Horrors. Your ultimate pantser. It is called Daughter of the Shadow Prince. Chapter 1 is ‘The Severing Power’ Low Medieval Fantasy. Thank you.