From epic sagas to one-off stories - find out which is best for you

I love a good series. Bridgerton, Outlander, Virgin River and so many more. I get sucked into the books or shows and often become an avid lifetime fan.

For authors these days series generally sell better than standalones. Before I tell you why, let's clarify what I'm talking about.

What is a Standalone?

• One novel with a completed story arc.
• Read it and you’re done. That’s the feeling readers get from stand-alone novels. 
• Stand-alone novels offer a sense of completion.

Some stories have greater impact as stand-alone works. Some stories would be better off without sequels.

What is a Series?

More than one novel with a common similarity:

• Continuing story arc (ie: Harry Potter)
• Same character (ie: James Bond)
• Same place (town/universe/house) ie: My series - Brigadier Station 
• Family
• Friends

To write a series, you need to be dedicated to the whole story, including all of the characters, the worlds, the plot, the voice, the mood and even tone. Starting a series, getting bored a few books in and rushing the ending – or worse, leaving it hanging – isn’t going to leave a good impression on your readers.

As well as your own commitment to the story, make sure it is able to keep moving and stay interesting across multiple books. Part of this includes knowing the characters and elements of your current story well enough to see the future story potential.

Need help keeping track of all your plots, people and locations? That's why I created the Series Planner! This Excel Spreadsheet is an excellent value - you can buy it once and use it forever.

Inside there are sheets for:

• Character building

• Book building

• Id Lists

• Character names

• Age tracker…across the whole series

• Notable locations

• Reviews

• Quotes

• Buy links

• And more!

If you're an author who is ready to get organized and simplify your life, the Series Planner is made for YOU!

GET YOURS NOW

 If you build a readership with a novel, the best thing you can possibly do is continue that story or that world in another book, and another.

Benefits of writing in a series:

• Series boost backlist sales - When a sequel comes out, it can fuel extra sales to the previous books, bringing them “back to life”. 
• Series help build an audience by making readers familiar with an author brand
• Series help to provide you with a clear structure and goals to work towards in your publishing career
• A well-developed series can give you opportunities for expanding into spin-offs etc.

In the age of binge-watching, people are devouring books as well – there’s something addictive about a really well-written series, and the most successful authors are taking full advantage of that.

Think about your current story idea. If it's a standalone, could you make it a series? How many books do you think you could write in that universe?