Glossary
钩子
hook (an opening, ending or paragraph-level reason to keep reading)
Definition
钩子 (gōu zi, 'hook') is a device at a chapter break or inside a paragraph that pulls the reader onward, such as an open question, a countdown or a reversal. In serialized web fiction, a chapter-ending hook, such as a line of dialogue left hanging, carries interest into the next installment, including across a paywall.
How to do itTypes of Cliffhangers for Web Serials: 13 Hooks and How to Choose
In practice
Oh Story's references document 13 chapter-ending forms, 7 chapter-opening forms and paragraph-level hooks. The long-form chapter-blueprint checker requires a 章首钩子 (opening hook) field; the check confirms the field is filled in, and the author judges how well the hook reads. Sources: Hook forms · Blueprint fields. To choose and write a chapter-ending hook by type, see chapter-ending hooks.