Do you read Prologues?

[T.R.]

Authors are told to give attention to the front and back matter of their books. Prologues are just one element. As most of you in this group are reviewers your opinion would be welcome. This is the first in a short series of quick surveys to try and determine how readers view the different elements of front and back matter. Today, it is about prologues. It will only take 10-20 seconds of your valuable time but could prove very beneficial to both readers and authors. The results of all the surveys will be published once in and analysed. http://bit.ly/2ONdoty

Your participation is appreciated.

[[deleted user]]

It depends. If the prologue is intriguing I read it. Most of the time I skim past the prologue, because I don't like rereading the same part over and most prologues I read are always added into the story as the story get deeper. I feel that takes away the deepest part of the story.

[P.I.]

I say it depends as well. For me, if it's epic fantasy or epic science fiction, I will at least skim it. If it's something instrumental in the story, yes I will take the time to read it, even if it's read after the entire story. I've had that happen a lot.

[T.R.]

Terri wrote: "It depends. If the prologue is intriguing I read it. Most of the time I skim past the epilogue, because I don't like rereading the same part over and most prologues I read are always added into the..."

Terri you refer to prologue and epilogue. This survey is about prologues only, I will be undertaking one regarding epilogues in the future. Nevertheless, I am interested in your opinion about whether it is 'intriguing'. Presumably, you decide this with the first sentence to two. I will look out for similar observations from others. Eventually, once all the results are in and have been analysed I propose to publish an article on the subject which will hopefully help authors decide whether to include a prologue. Thank you for taking the time to respond. If you could also complete the survey I would appreciate it as then I will have all response in one place. here is the link to the actual survey (will only take 10-20 seconds to complete): http://bit.ly/2ONdoty

[T.R.]

P.I. wrote: "I say it depends as well. For me, if it's epic fantasy or epic science fiction, I will at least skim it. If it's something instrumental in the story, yes I will take the time to read it, even if it..."

From you observation P.I. it appears some authors are not fully understanding the purpose of a prologue. That is a matter I intend to try and address in an article based upon survey results (once they are all in and have been analysed). Hopefully it will help authors make appropriate decisions. If you have not competed the actual survey I would appreciate it if you did so that I may have all information within one place. This is the link to the survey which should only take 10-20 seconds of your valuable time to complete: http://bit.ly/2ONdoty

[[deleted user]]

T.R. wrote: "Terri wrote: "It depends. If the prologue is intriguing I read it. Most of the time I skim past the epilogue, because I don't like rereading the same part over and most prologues I read are always ..."

I made a mistake mentioning epilogues. I fixed it. I did take the survey.

[T.R.]

Terri wrote: "T.R. wrote: "Terri wrote: "It depends. If the prologue is intriguing I read it. Most of the time I skim past the epilogue, because I don't like rereading the same part over and most prologues I rea..."

Thank you for taking the time Terri. Much appreciated.