Word Count and Choosing The Right Format: Part 4

 

When to Consider Writing a Series

One of the most significant decisions a writer can make is whether to expand a story into a series or keep it as a standalone novel. Both options have their unique advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on several factors, including the scope of your story, your long-term writing goals, and market considerations. In this blog post, we'll explore when you should consider writing a series, how to plan a series versus a standalone novel, and the marketing considerations that come into play when creating a multi-book narrative.

Expanding a Story into Multiple Books

1. Story Scope and Depth

   • Complex Worlds and Characters: If your story involves a richly developed world, a large cast of characters, or multiple plotlines, it might naturally lend itself to a series. Expanding into multiple books allows you to explore these elements in greater depth without overwhelming the reader with too much information at once.
   • Ongoing Conflict: A series is ideal for stories with overarching conflicts that take time to resolve. If the main conflict can be broken down into smaller, interconnected challenges, a series provides the space to fully explore each aspect of the story while building toward a satisfying conclusion.
   • Character Arcs: If your protagonist's journey is extensive, involving significant growth or multiple phases of development, a series allows for a more gradual and realistic progression. This can make the character's transformation more impactful and engaging for readers.

2. Reader Engagement

   • Building a Fanbase: Series have the potential to build a dedicated fanbase as readers become invested in the characters and world over multiple books. This ongoing engagement can lead to increased reader loyalty and anticipation for each new release.
   • Cliffhangers and Continuity: Series allow you to use cliffhangers and unresolved plot threads to keep readers hooked from one book to the next. This continuity can create a stronger emotional connection with the story, as readers eagerly await the resolution of lingering questions.

3. Opportunities for Spin-offs

   • Exploring Secondary Characters: A series provides the opportunity to explore the backstories or future adventures of secondary characters through spin-off books. This can expand your story universe and offer fresh perspectives while still appealing to your existing audience.
   • Branching Storylines: If your main series becomes popular, you might consider creating parallel series or companion novels that delve into different aspects of the same world or timeline, further enriching the reader's experience.

Planning a Series vs. Standalone Novels

1. Series Planning

   • Outline the Entire Series: When planning a series, it's essential to have a clear vision of how the overarching story will unfold across multiple books. This includes mapping out major plot points, character arcs, and how each book will contribute to the larger narrative. Even if you’re not a detailed plotter, having a general roadmap can help maintain consistency and coherence throughout the series.
   • Individual Book Arcs: Each book in the series should have its own satisfying arc, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. While the overarching plot may continue, readers should still feel a sense of resolution at the end of each installment. This balance keeps the series engaging while avoiding the frustration of unresolved storylines.
   • Character Consistency: Ensure that character development is consistent and logical across the series. Characters should evolve naturally in response to the events of each book, and their motivations and relationships should remain coherent from one installment to the next.

2. Standalone Novel Planning

   • Focused Narrative: A standalone novel allows for a more concentrated and self-contained story. All plotlines, character arcs, and thematic elements should be resolved within the book, providing a complete and satisfying experience for the reader.
   • Creative Flexibility: Standalone novels offer greater creative freedom, as you're not tied to ongoing plotlines or character development across multiple books. This can be ideal if you want to explore different genres, styles, or themes in each of your projects.
   • Clear Conclusion: Standalone novels should have a definitive ending, whether it’s a happy, tragic, or ambiguous one. Readers expect closure and resolution, and delivering this in a compelling way can leave a lasting impact.

Marketing Considerations for Series Writing

1. Audience Building

   • Long-Term Engagement: A well-crafted series can keep readers coming back for more, creating a steady audience over time. Each new release in the series provides an opportunity to re-engage existing readers and attract new ones, particularly if earlier books gain traction through word-of-mouth or promotional efforts.
   • Serialized Content: Series writing also opens up opportunities for serialized content in different formats, such as e-books, audiobooks, or even web serials. This can help maintain reader interest between major releases and build anticipation for the next installment.

2. Pricing and Sales Strategy

   • Introductory Pricing: Many authors use the first book in a series as a loss leader, offering it at a lower price or even for free to attract readers. Once readers are hooked, they are more likely to purchase subsequent books at full price, making this a viable long-term strategy.
   • Box Sets and Bundles: Series lend themselves well to box sets or bundles, which can be sold at a discounted price. This not only increases revenue but also offers readers a convenient way to access the entire story in one purchase.
   • Cross-Promotion: If you have multiple series or spin-offs, you can cross-promote within your books. Mentioning other works in the back matter or offering a sneak peek at the next book in the series can help drive sales across your catalog.

3. Challenges and Considerations

   • Sustaining Quality: Maintaining the quality and consistency of your writing across a series can be challenging. Each book needs to feel fresh and engaging while staying true to the established world and characters.
   • Commitment: Writing a series is a long-term commitment. Before diving in, consider whether you’re prepared to stick with the same characters and world for multiple books. If you prefer exploring new ideas with each project, standalone novels might be a better fit.
   • Market Saturation: The success of your series can depend on the market. Some genres are flooded with series, making it harder to stand out, while others might have more opportunities for fresh voices. Research your genre to understand the current trends and reader preferences.

Writing a series can be a rewarding experience, offering the chance to build a rich, immersive world and a dedicated fanbase. However, it’s important to carefully consider whether your story lends itself to a multi-book format and whether you’re ready to commit to the long-term effort required to see it through. By planning thoughtfully and understanding the marketing dynamics of series writing, you can create a series that captivates readers and sustains your writing career.