Writing a series seems like a fun, lucrative idea to achieve repeated success as an author. Everyone loves a binge-worthy series! But consider the dark side to series writing before crossing over.
Last week, on Valentine’s Day, I published the last book in my Delilah Duffy Mystery Series. A series writing journey that began over a decade ago, with one summer spent glued to my red La-Z-Boy chair, writing the story on my heart, has finally reached its beautiful end.
How do I feel about that? Like an empty nester! These creations that I’ve nurtured and toiled over are leaving me. Sure, I’m proud they’ve made it this far, but I’m depressed, too. What will I do now? It’s a bittersweet time, which I’ll fill with moping, chocolate, binge-watching my comfort shows, and roller-coaster-moodiness (sorry, Joe).
For now, ah… a long project is over, and it’s time for self-reflection and an after-action review on my first series. What do I wish I’d known when I started? Did I learn anything from writing a series? What would I do differently? What did I get right?
Well, my caffeinated brain came up with so many answers that I decided… I should write a series on writing my book series!
Ha! Genius!
Last week, I started by sharing A Mystery Series Love Story (& Writing Ideas). I’ll follow this overview of Series Writing Pros and Cons with more specific Do’s and Don’ts based on my experiences. Ideas for technical aspects of series writing and self-publishing are in the works for future posts.
So, if you’re a writer toying with serious series ideas, join me as I dissect my experiences and pin my guts to your wisdom board. Wait, that sounds weird… um, what I mean is, learn from me instead of from hindsight. It’s cheaper… and less time-consuming.
In this episode, let’s tackle the pros and cons to discover if series writing is for you.
First, what is a series?
Simply put, a series is a sequence of books. A story that’s too lengthy for one novel or has many stories within the overarching one makes up a series. A static cast of characters could face unique circumstances through multiple books—any series by Agatha Christie fits this mold, along with most mysteries. But a series doesn’t have to be complicated. A standalone book with a sequel or prequel makes a series. Or a standalone with a companion book told from another point of view creates a series, too. Has there ever been a murder mystery told from the sleuth’s perspective with a follow-up version through the villain’s? Or vice versa? Ah, that’d be fun.
In my mystery series, each book was its own case, but with an overarching plot of ongoing storylines about Delilah, her loved ones, and her nemesis, best read in order.
And readers love a good series! They’re like potato chips—you can’t stop at one. Before you know it, the bag is gone, your fingers are covered in chip-grease, and still, you want more.
“Thank you, sir. May I have another?”
The Lord of the Rings, The Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, James Bond, Nancy Drew, Goosebumps, Twilight—any writer would sell their soul to see their work amongst series bestsellers like these or any on this list. Okay, but don’t… you’ve read books. Selling your soul is never a good idea.
So, should you take the risk and write a series?
From a writer’s standpoint, a series is a big-ass commitment. Let’s do the math. How long does it take you to write a novel? Multiply that by the number of books you expect. And multiply your average word count and projected pages by how many books, too.
Here are my Delilah Duffy Mystery Series numbers:
5 Books
1,500 + pages
500,000+ words (that’s not including early drafts and edits or my 50,000-word Scene Playground)
————————-
10 Years
That’s a LOOONNNGGGG time to devote to a single setting, set of characters, and overall idea. More on how to figure out your novel-writing timeline here.
AND… if you’re a self-publisher, like me, series writing is a financial commitment, too.
We’ve spent something like $5,000+ in self-publishing costs, like formatting and cover creation. That’s a lowball estimate, if I’m honest. And I am. Mostly.
When I started the Delilah Duffy Mysteries, I’d gone through many rounds of rejections from agents and publishers for standalone works. I thought that writing a series would get me through the door. But it didn’t, and without a pre-existing fan base, the series hasn’t been successful. Yet.
A book cover designer and a professional editor are the two most important investments a self-published author should make. Please, don't do these yourself. Share this on TwitterYes, series do sell… if you’re lucky. But the competition is fierce, and it wasn’t the wisest business decision for a writer with no platform or previous books. But once I started, I had to finish it, if only for my sanity and the handful of fans who loved it. And who knows? With the last book newly released, the complete series may sell better—people love series-binging. Maybe I’ll break even… one day.
And despite the money and time, starting with a series has given me an excellent writing education. In that way, it’s been invaluable.
So, would I do another series?
Absolutely! Only better… and in less time… and with more planning. More on that in future posts… Coming soon!
SO, Pros & Cons of Series-Writing….
First, CONS & Questions to Ask:
It’s a big-ass commitment of time, money, and creativity that could monopolize your productivity for years without promised success. You may have an awesome idea and be an incredible writer, but neither means readers will love your books OR even find them in such a dense market. Writing great books is only the BEGINNING.
- Are you willing and able to make the investment in a series? Even if there are no guarantees?
- Are you willing and able to do all the non-writerly stuff it takes to make your series successful, like marketing?
A series writer must keep producing and/or create a satisfying ending to please fans and/or have closure and a complete product for themselves. It’s easy to fall out of love with ideas and characters or get stuck, not knowing what to do with them next.
So, a bad marriage between a writer and her series could lead to misery.
- Have you developed your idea enough to create a series? Is there enough there to warrant multiple books?
- Is your idea engaging enough for readers? Will it keep you engaged, too?
- What if you experience series fatigue? That is, you experience writer’s block halfway through and struggle with what to write next.
A series gets complicated—if you’re not organized and committed, it’s easier to mess up than a standalone. For my Delilah Duffy Mystery Series, I kept charts, maps, name lists, and calendars to keep consistency and order. It morphed me into a plotter when I longed to be a pantser (Here’s a funny but true understanding of the difference from Chuck Wendig). I thought I saw Chuck Wendig in person once, but I was too chicken to say anything *regretful sigh*. A pantser would’ve been braver…. Anyway, which are you?
- Are you organized enough to write a series? Are you able to create a general outline for each book and the series as a whole?
- Can you commit to a strict writing routine to keep your series going?
It’s a saturated market, and it’s a challenge to find a niche… but, of course, that’s novels in general. For series writing, that may be even harder.
- Is your idea unique enough to set it apart?
- Have you researched the market? Read other books like the ones you plan to write?
- Do you know the market for your intended series? And who your audience will be?
- Do you connect with that audience now?
Getting fans to stick with a series can be challenging and discouraging, especially with years between books. You’re asking them for a big-ass commitment, too. The time between books creates a gap between your story and its readers. While you’re writing the next one, readers might forget all about you. So…
- Do you have an existing fanbase? Are you prepared to deliver your series quickly, so your fans don’t have to wait too long?
- Are you prepared to engage with fans regularly between books? Do you have a platform with which to connect to them?
Now, Series Writing PROS…
Creating a series provides a great writing education, especially regarding suspense, cliffhangers, interweaving plots and subplots, and the importance of planning and organization.
Series have great money-making potential if you market your niche well. And find that niche. And are quick to produce more books.
Series writers can stretch their creative muscles in world-building and character development more than in a standalone. It’s like a multi-course meal instead of fast food.
Once basics are established in a first book, and your formula is set, installments come easier—you rarely sit down at your computer with no idea what to write. (Especially if you have it planned out, hint, hint)
Series writers get more time with their creations—a positive if they love the story. Are you in love with it?
Completing an entire series proves a writer’s overall commitment (if only to herself) and builds writerly confidence. With a large project done, it’s easier to do more. And not just another series. Writing standalone books almost seems like a walk in the park now… almost.
Completing my Delilah Duffy Mystery Series boosted my confidence and gave me street cred (I think). Nothing’s unfinished. Loose threads aren’t dangling over my head, annoying me, and getting in my eyes. And now, I’m free to focus on other books. I have two in the works and many idea-fairies awaiting my attention.
In the next episode… Writing a Series: Do’s & Don’ts… I elaborate on my experiences and what I learned from them. So, if your heart is set on writing a series, you don’t want to miss it. Thirteen do’s and don’ts… so far.
Share your favorite series and any other serious series thoughts below. I’d love to hear your pros and cons!
Check out my blog for more writing ideas, motivation, and positivity. A free copy of my first book, Sea-Devil, awaits the brave souls who sign up!
