The landscape of contemporary literary novels has shifted significantly since around 2015, with many new works adopting a style reminiscent of television pilots. This change sees novels beginning in action, often with dialogue and a small mystery to hook the reader immediately. In contrast, novels from the 1990s typically took their time, allowing readers to settle into the narrative and develop a deeper understanding of characters and themes. Publishers now prioritize the first ten pages, recognizing that attention spans have dwindled due to the influence of streaming television. Successful pilots establish character, world, and conflict within a short timeframe, and modern novels have begun to mirror this structure. While this approach can create engaging openings, it often sacrifices the depth and complexity that characterized earlier literary works. Readers who appreciate the slow build and introspective nature of traditional novels may find themselves yearning for a richer narrative experience. As the industry continues to favor immediate engagement, the challenge remains for writers to preserve the intricate storytelling that has historically defined literary fiction.