Most novels stall at page 30, not because you’re a bad writer, but because the first 10 pages don’t lay a strong foundation. Learn why drafts collapse in the opening chapters, the 3 questions every writer should ask to fix their beginning, and how to keep your story moving forward.

Publishing can feel like a secret club, but it isn’t. In this candid post, literary agent Jessica Berg shares raw truths from inside the industry, a quirky writing prompt to shake up your draft, and why writers deserve resources that actually work—without the gatekeeping.