What does the reader need to know to follow the immediate scene?
Start here, then go back to the page and see what the manuscript gives you.MANUSCRIPT PROBLEM
Does my opening have too much setup?
An opening can be full of useful information and still leave a reader waiting for the story to begin. The issue is not simply how much background appears, but whether the reader has a reason to care about it yet.
BEFORE YOU CHANGE ANYTHING01 02 03 04 05
We would not cut every explanation or piece of history on sight. First, we would ask what the reader needs to understand this moment and what can wait until the story gives that information a purpose.
FIVE QUESTIONS
What we would look for first
What question, desire, or uncertainty gives the information meaning?
Start here, then go back to the page and see what the manuscript gives you.Does the background change how the reader understands what is happening now?
Start here, then go back to the page and see what the manuscript gives you.Can any explanation arrive after the reader has encountered the thing it explains?
Start here, then go back to the page and see what the manuscript gives you.Does the opening move the situation forward as well as establish context?
Start here, then go back to the page and see what the manuscript gives you.WHERE A DEEPER READ HELPS
Stay with the reaction before deciding what to change.
We would trace where the story asks for attention and where it pauses to explain. That helps distinguish necessary orientation from information that would land better later.
A POSSIBLE NEXT STEP
Bring the question, not a diagnosis.
You do not need to arrive knowing which editorial service you need. If you want another pair of eyes on the actual manuscript, this is the route that fits the question above.
IF YOU ARE STILL NOT SURE
That is useful information too.
Sometimes the most honest starting point is simply, “Something isn't working and I cannot quite tell why.” You can start there.