First Person or Third Person: Here's the one that will make your next story a best-seller

As a professional proofreader, copyeditor, and beta reader I read A LOT of books. 

And narration style definitely does make a difference.

Third and First person narration styles each have their strengths and drawback lets go over each them so you can make a better decision for your next novel.

Why First Person is Superior to Third Person

1) Intimacy: First person narration allows the reader to feel more connected to the protagonist and their experiences, as the narrator is sharing their thoughts and feelings directly with the reader. This can create a sense of intimacy and make the story more immersive and personal.

2) Reliability: First person narration can also make the story feel more reliable, as the reader is hearing the events directly from the protagonist's perspective. This can be particularly useful in cases where the protagonist is the most reliable or trustworthy source of information in the story.

For example in Dracula, Stoker uses the epistolary style to make the the event of story appear even more credible; the novel's supernatural ambience would've suffer if it were told from the view of a detached third person just observing all of the events unfolding. ​

3) Accesibility: First person narration can be easier for readers to understand and relate to, as it allows them to see the world through the eyes of the protagonist. This can make the story more accessible and engaging for readers.

But Third Person Does Have Unique Advantages

That being said, third person narration can also have its own unique benefits(even though I am personally biased). It allows the reader to see the events of the story from a more objective perspective, and can be particularly useful for stories that involve multiple characters or a large cast of characters.

And we're going to cover those in tomorrow's article!