First Five Pages Lab

First Five Pages Lab is a live, virtual workshop designed to help first-time authors strengthen the opening pages of their manuscript. The first five pages are critical—they set the tone, introduce your voice, and determine whether a reader keeps going. This interactive lab offers expert guidance, practical teaching, and real-time feedback in a supportive environment.

During the session, participants will learn what strong opening pages must accomplish, common first-page mistakes to avoid, and how to revise with clarity and confidence. Selected submissions will receive live feedback, and all attendees benefit from hearing professional editorial insights applied to real examples.

Important Submission Information

Attendees who wish to have their pages considered for feedback must submit their first five (5) double-spaced pages no later than one week before the event.

Submission guidelines:

• First five pages only
• Double-spaced
• Word document (.docx)
• Include genre and a brief description (1–2 sentences)

Submission details and the upload link will be emailed to registered attendees after registration.

Who Should Attend

• First-time authors
• Memoir and family history writers
• Fiction and nonfiction writers
• Writers preparing for revision, beta readers, or professional editing

This is a beginner-friendly, encouraging space designed to help writers grow—not a critique meant to discourage. Drafts do not need to be perfect.

Join us and take the first confident step toward a stronger opening—and a stronger manuscript.