Crafting a Strong Introduction—Hook Readers from the Start

You only get one chance to make a first impression: your introduction. Your introduction is where you convince readers that your book is worth their time.

Yet, I have edited many a dry introduction that just ain’t going to get the reader turning the page.

Some overexplain, diving too deep into background information before engaging the reader.

Don’t do this. I do this when I talk. Like all the time. And my husband is always like, “Get to the point, woman!” My mom does it too, and it drives me nuts when I talk to her. So I know how others feel when talking to me.

Take it from me, a classic overexplainer. Don’t do this! (I am great at spotting and editing out others’ overexplaining issues, go figure).

Others miss the opportunity to connect, making their introduction feel dry and academic rather than engaging and conversational.

When done well, an introduction pulls readers in and makes them feel like they’re in the right place, both in topic and voice.

The best introductions serve a clear purpose:

We were all taught hooks in English class. I used to be an English teacher, so I know. The same type of hooks that worked for essay writing work for a book. Problem is, it actually has to be a good one.

But the same types do work. In case you have horrible memories and have blocked out your English classes, a hook can be a (an):

• Anecdote
• Statistic
• Bold Statement
• Thought-Provoking Question
• Quote
• Relatable scenario that speaks to reader’s pain points

Okay so that last one wasn’t mentioned in English class, but it’s a good one for a business, self-help, how-to, or religious guide book.

The problem with hooks is they have to actually be compelling. I can’t tell you how many essays I graded that started with something like:

• Do you like basketball?
• Do you wish your mom bought you a cell phone?
• Have you ever heard of the game Fortnite?

Yes, these are questions, but they aren’t particularly thought-provoking. And they certainly don’t grab attention.

Hook Examples

Anecdote (Business Book): In 2008, a small startup was on the brink of failure. Their product wasn’t selling, their funds were drying up, and their team was losing faith. One desperate idea changed everything: they rented out air mattresses in their apartment to cover rent. That tiny pivot led to what we now know as Airbnb—a billion-dollar company that redefined an industry. What made the difference? A shift in perspective and a willingness to embrace unconventional solutions. This book will show you how to do the same in your business.

Bold Statement (Self-Help Book): Everything you’ve been taught about productivity is wrong. Hustle culture glorifies long hours, multitasking, and never taking breaks—but science shows these habits are sabotaging your success. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and feeling exhausted, it’s time to rethink how you approach your work and life. This book will show you a better way.

Thought-Provoking Question (Religious Guidebook): If God spoke to you today, would you recognize His voice? In a world filled with noise—social media, news, endless distractions—many believers struggle to hear God’s guidance. But what if He’s been speaking all along, and we’ve simply forgotten how to listen? This book will help you tune in and strengthen your spiritual connection.

Relatable Scenario (How-To Book): You sit down at your desk, ready to finally tackle that project you’ve been putting off. You open your laptop, take a deep breath … and immediately feel overwhelmed. Where do you even start? You spend the next thirty minutes scrolling through emails, checking social media, and reorganizing your notes—only to realize you haven’t made any real progress. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Most people struggle not because they lack motivation, but because they don’t have a clear, step-by-step system to follow. That’s exactly what this book will give you: a simple, proven method to help you stop procrastinating and start making real progress.

I am not the best hook writer, but I can tell you this: Your hook has to capture attention or it isn’t a hook.

Readers pick up a nonfiction book because they’re looking for something: solutions, guidance, transformation, or even just clarity.

So don’t miss the opportunity to make it crystal clear what they will gain.

A strong promise reassures readers they’re in the right place. It acknowledges their struggles or desires and gives them a reason to trust that your book will provide them with needed answers. Without a clear promise, readers may lose interest before they even reach the first chapter.

To craft an effective promise, consider:

• Identifying the reader’s core problem or goal
• Explaining how your book will help
• Setting expectations

Don’t make the mistake of making this promise overly long. I often edit out long introductions that give way too much detail that should be saved for the chapter content. You can explain how your book will help without getting into the details.

Example Promises

Self-Help Book: By the time you finish this book, you’ll have a step-by-step system for breaking free from burnout and creating a balanced life that energizes you instead of draining you.

Business Book: Inside these pages, you’ll discover the exact strategies top entrepreneurs use to build sustainable, profitable businesses—without working eighty-hour weeks or burning out.

Religious Guidebook: Through biblical wisdom and practical steps, this book will help you deepen your faith, hear God’s voice more clearly, and live with greater purpose.

How-To Book: Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this book will walk you through every step of the process, making it easy and achievable—even if you’ve struggled before.

No, they don’t have to be that short. In the self-help promise example, you could list an overview of the steps in the system. The business book could have list key strategies, etc. The idea here is you don’t want to give away too much of the actual content and be overly detailed, but you do want to make your promise compelling and believable.

If readers feel confident that your book can truly help them, they’ll be far more likely to stick with it. And sometimes that means giving some specifics.

You aren’t just selling your topic; you’re selling you. I guarantee you someone somewhere has written about your topic. Those promises I listed in the last section could be found in hundreds of different books.

So why your book by you?

To sell your reader on you, share your experience, expertise, or personal connection to the topic. This should be a no-brainer that the reader the needs to know what you know about the topic.

But what some forget is to let their voice shine. Crack some jokes. Use unique words. Whatever is truly you.

Look I’m hilarious in person. No, really, I am. I get the audience laughing every time I present I present at conferences, and I never went an entire class without getting at least a few eighth graders to laugh, but in writing? Well, I try, but it’s not the same. I need to feed off others and their energy to be funny. My cats are great companions in my office, but they don’t get my funny bone going.

Yet, people still read my stuff (I think).

So don’t worry if you aren’t hilarious—in person or in writing. That’s not the only way to have a voice that comes through.

Can you spot any instances in this blog that showcase my voice?

Because here is the truth: People can find the information you give elsewhere, but your delivery may be just what they need to understand it.

So give them a sense of how you will deliver the material.

For the love of everything holy, do not list out every topic, complete with definition and example, you will cover in the book and in what chapter and section.

Example of unnecessary roadmap

In Chapter 1, you’ll learn how to create a clear vision for your business. Chapter 2 will dive into marketing strategies that drive results, while Chapter 3 focuses on building a solid team. Etc. Etc.

The reader can look at the table of contents to see that. At least this example just gives a quick sentence, but I have edited introductions where the roadmap had an entire paragraph explaining what to expect in each chapter.

YAWN!

This is annoying to many nonfiction readers. Get into the content as soon as possible.

Okay but you said to create a roadmap. Yes, yes, I did.

But make this short and snappy.

To write an effective roadmap:

• Give readers a high-level overview of key concepts, tools, and strategies you will cover, essentially your overarching themes
• Clarify the format or approach. For example, mention if they can expect to find case studies, action steps, stories, practical tips. Let them know if you provide additional resources, worksheets, checklists, etc.
• Build anticipation without giving everything away. Leave them begging for you to get to the content, not because your introduction is dragging on but because they are excited.
• Reassure the reader they’re ready, that they are fully equipped to dive into the content. Encourage them to take their time, embrace the process, etc.

Roadmap Example

In this book, you’ll learn how to break through the obstacles that have been holding you back, whether they’re mental blocks, inefficient systems, or lack of clarity in your approach.

We’ll explore essential strategies for improving productivity, while giving you the tools you need to put these ideas into practice right away. Each section will build on the last, guiding you step by step through a journey that empowers you to make meaningful changes. There’s no need to rush—take your time and absorb each concept, as they’re designed to be applied to your life at your own pace.

Throughout this book, you’ll find actionable exercises, thought-provoking reflections, and practical tips that you can immediately implement. The goal is not just to read but to take tangible steps forward, making real progress along the way. Whether you’re looking to make big shifts or simply refine your approach, you’ll find that the ideas here can be easily integrated into your daily life.

So get ready to feel empowered and prepared to move forward, knowing you’ve got the knowledge and tools to make it happen.

This is more than just a book—it’s a journey that begins right here. Let’s dive in and see what’s possible when you have the right guidance and mindset.

I bolded the key concepts. Yes, this example is pretty generic (so not great … I was working with a generic topic), but the point is, it didn’t list out what will be covered in every chapter and section. It just gave an overview of what to expect.

To help you create a powerful opening that hooks your readers and invites them to keep reading, follow these practical tips:

1. Keep It Concise
   Your introduction should be clear and to the point. Readers don’t want to wade through long, unnecessary details. Focus on hitting the key elements: your hook, the promise, and a brief roadmap.
2. Test Different Hooks
   Not all hooks will resonate with every reader. Try different approaches, such as using a compelling anecdote, a bold statement, or a thought-provoking question. Experiment with a few versions to see which one feels the most engaging and natural.
3. Establish Relevance Early
   From the very first sentence, make sure you’re addressing your reader’s needs, concerns, or desires. Whether you’re offering a solution to a pain point or speaking to a goal they want to achieve, immediately show them why the book is relevant to their lives. If readers can’t immediately see how your book will benefit them, they’re more likely to put it down.
4. Set the Tone and Voice
   Your introduction is a chance to establish the overall tone and voice of your book. Whether it’s conversational, authoritative, or inspiring, make sure the style aligns with the content and your audience. Set expectations for how the rest of the book will feel.
5. Create Curiosity
   While you want to spark interest in your book, avoid giving away too much right away. Your introduction should make readers feel curious and excited to dive deeper into the book. Don’t overexplain concepts or give away your key takeaways. Instead, use your introduction to tease what’s to come, without revealing everything.
6. Avoid Being Too Formal
   An overly formal or academic introduction can feel distant and make the book seem less accessible. Unless you’re writing an academic textbook, aim for an approachable, engaging tone that invites readers to feel like they’re having a conversation with you. Be personable, and don’t be afraid to inject some of your personality into the introduction.
7. Consider Your Ideal Reader’s Experience
   As you write, put yourself in the shoes of your ideal reader. What do they need to hear at this stage to feel confident about continuing? How can you ensure they feel understood and supported? Understanding your reader’s mindset will help you craft an introduction that speaks directly to their needs, helping them feel immediately connected to your book.

Introductions matter. Revise it and make it shine.

Other than that, what more can I say? Just write an awesomesauce introduction, all right?

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I’d love to hear from you. Comment below using any of these prompts to guide you:

• What questions do you have?
• What’s the most important element for you when writing an introduction: creating curiosity, setting the tone, or addressing the reader’s needs? Why?
• Have you ever rewritten an introduction multiple times? What changes di you make and how did it improve the intro?
• What is one thing you did professionally or personally today that you’re proud of?