Did I say that? I guess I did. I’m glad you felt compelled to continue Wakeland’s story, not only because I enjoy the Wakeland books, but because you seem to have the right motivation: you’re still interested in Wakeland’s works. Where series go bad is when the author has clearly lost that curiosity but the series has a broad fanbase, usually by from the first novel, and walking away makes no business sense for the author or the publisher. Those subsequent books become tepid exercises in blatant brand management, with the author tilting the storytelling to established reader expectations (we want these two to get together, is the surviving villain from an earlier book still around, the protag’s evil sibling comes to town, etc.).
That’s not you, and I think you’re too self-aware and smart to slip into that trap.
As somebody who just had the first book in a detective series released, this post is timely. The book that's out is actually #4, it's like the Star Wars series! The 3 others might never see the light of day. Not that they're bad, but there's a learning curve - getting acquainted with the character, finding the voice, and feeling comfortable with it. I though of a series from the get go, but each book is standalone and the one that's out was pitched as such. Once it was in the pipe, the publisher and I talked about another one. One good thing about a series is that the publishing industry moves so slowly that while one book is making its way forward, sensible writers already work on the next one, and the one after that. Can't let the momentum drop! I'm glad you bring Dave back, Sam. I like him.
I am beyond excited for this new Wakeland book! I'm so glad you weren't ready to leave him, because I really wasn't ready either. Eagerly looking forward to reading this.
Thanks fir this news and advice Sam, and I wish you luck with 'The Last Exile.'
Based on your comments such as the below quote, I would be curious to know your advice for those of us seeking to launch a series in this genre. I have spent the last 3 years writing the first mystery in a projected 6 volume master story, and am sending to lit agents. Yet I fear that at 259,000w, they will balk, despite that it offers something new to the genre, tells a gripping story, and sets up the reader to want to know what happpens in books 2 through 6... any thoughts most welcome!
-Part of this is the publishing model, which invests as little as possible in a book, and next to nothing in an author’s longterm career. Part of it is marketing. A first novel in a series is new. A fifth or sixth is established. But the second, third, etc. are neither of these. They’re often the best, but nobody knows 'what to do with them.
You can't sell a series, only a novel that has the potential to become a series. So you have to make that first book undeniable. That means a solid plot and great characters, and a resolution that's complete in itself. Your first 50 pages and especially first 10 have to be as perfect as you can make them.
I wrote A Lonesome Place for Dying as the first book in a series, and the first chapter is about as good a hook as I can write--it lays out who the character is and where he's at in life, plus the mystery. You can't expect the benefit of the doubt from anyone; you have to make sure what you send out is clean, professional, complete, and genuine. Easy advice to give, very difficult to follow! (I'm trying to do so myself right now). Good luck.
Thanks Sam- I completely agree with your advice and structural suggestions. My book does all these things, it is just longer than the 'industry standard.' I suppose it could be modified into three novels with some small modifications, but it was written to tell one overarching mystery in the totaltity, while telling individual mystery (and introducing and reinforcing the key characters) in the individual chapters. I don't know if the industry will allow it, but my beta reader thought it was really good despite the great length.
Did I say that? I guess I did. I’m glad you felt compelled to continue Wakeland’s story, not only because I enjoy the Wakeland books, but because you seem to have the right motivation: you’re still interested in Wakeland’s works. Where series go bad is when the author has clearly lost that curiosity but the series has a broad fanbase, usually by from the first novel, and walking away makes no business sense for the author or the publisher. Those subsequent books become tepid exercises in blatant brand management, with the author tilting the storytelling to established reader expectations (we want these two to get together, is the surviving villain from an earlier book still around, the protag’s evil sibling comes to town, etc.).
That’s not you, and I think you’re too self-aware and smart to slip into that trap.
Thanks, Jim. I think you're right that some series do end up spinning their wheels or at least depending so heavily on preceding books.
Each book has to stand on its own, as an introduction to the character and the world, at least for me.
As somebody who just had the first book in a detective series released, this post is timely. The book that's out is actually #4, it's like the Star Wars series! The 3 others might never see the light of day. Not that they're bad, but there's a learning curve - getting acquainted with the character, finding the voice, and feeling comfortable with it. I though of a series from the get go, but each book is standalone and the one that's out was pitched as such. Once it was in the pipe, the publisher and I talked about another one. One good thing about a series is that the publishing industry moves so slowly that while one book is making its way forward, sensible writers already work on the next one, and the one after that. Can't let the momentum drop! I'm glad you bring Dave back, Sam. I like him.
Well put, and congrats!
Thanks, Sam!
I am beyond excited for this new Wakeland book! I'm so glad you weren't ready to leave him, because I really wasn't ready either. Eagerly looking forward to reading this.
Thanks, Angie! Im happy to have the chance to do a couple more!
Can’t wait!
Thanks fir this news and advice Sam, and I wish you luck with 'The Last Exile.'
Based on your comments such as the below quote, I would be curious to know your advice for those of us seeking to launch a series in this genre. I have spent the last 3 years writing the first mystery in a projected 6 volume master story, and am sending to lit agents. Yet I fear that at 259,000w, they will balk, despite that it offers something new to the genre, tells a gripping story, and sets up the reader to want to know what happpens in books 2 through 6... any thoughts most welcome!
-Part of this is the publishing model, which invests as little as possible in a book, and next to nothing in an author’s longterm career. Part of it is marketing. A first novel in a series is new. A fifth or sixth is established. But the second, third, etc. are neither of these. They’re often the best, but nobody knows 'what to do with them.
Hi Chris,
You can't sell a series, only a novel that has the potential to become a series. So you have to make that first book undeniable. That means a solid plot and great characters, and a resolution that's complete in itself. Your first 50 pages and especially first 10 have to be as perfect as you can make them.
I wrote A Lonesome Place for Dying as the first book in a series, and the first chapter is about as good a hook as I can write--it lays out who the character is and where he's at in life, plus the mystery. You can't expect the benefit of the doubt from anyone; you have to make sure what you send out is clean, professional, complete, and genuine. Easy advice to give, very difficult to follow! (I'm trying to do so myself right now). Good luck.
Thanks Sam- I completely agree with your advice and structural suggestions. My book does all these things, it is just longer than the 'industry standard.' I suppose it could be modified into three novels with some small modifications, but it was written to tell one overarching mystery in the totaltity, while telling individual mystery (and introducing and reinforcing the key characters) in the individual chapters. I don't know if the industry will allow it, but my beta reader thought it was really good despite the great length.