Editor--First Read and Beyond

 An editor will usually scan read the very first pages of a story, looking for general writing skill and a "hook." "Hook" is an idea, plant or prop that grabs their interest, such as character conflict (a dialogue argument), a tragedy in progress, or an obvious mystery that needs solving, or even action. Next, the editor will flip to the middle and check out a few pages, and maybe hit the final page for the resolution. If the editor likes the scan read then he/she will read the entire manuscript and make a final determination.