How to Build an Author Platform    Chapter 8 of 8

Chapter 8

Why You Might Want to Consider Writing a Book Series

Have you ever found yourself waiting for the next book in a series to come out? And the next one after that? Book series have a tendency to sell a lot of books when done correctly. When compelling characters are engaged in exciting storylines, readers look forward to finding out what happens to them even if they have to wait for another book. Book series aren’t for every author or every story, but if you haven’t already thought about it, here are a couple of reasons it may be worth considering.

1.You Have Too Much Content for One Book

Traditional publishers will sometimes tell even their bestselling authors that their book is simply too long. That's one instance of when a series is born. If you have too much content for one book and you have compelling characters with strong stories of their own, you have good reason to turn your book into a series. Consider stretching the storyline for one or more minor characters you've become especially fond of. Chances are, your readers have developed a soft spot for them too and will want to read more about them. With a series, you don't have to start your next book with a blank slate; you have familiar characters, storylines, and settings to return to.

2. People Like Book Series

There's a reason why the Harry Potter and Game of Thrones books are so popular. Readers love following characters they are not ready to let go of. Once you have created characters readers love, or love to hate, you have an established fan base waiting for more. When readers fall for even a minor character, reading book three or four in a series is akin to checking in on old friends.

3. Series Help with Book Promotion

Another reason to write a book series is the built-in book marketing strategy. When book two comes out, you can revitalize interest in the series and drum up promotion for book one all over again. Write a seductive ad for your first book and put it in the back of book two. Consider offering a price promotion on the first book to get new readers hooked on your series. Giving your first book away or selling it for .99 might seem antithetical to making money from your writing, however, as previously mentioned, with a book series you get to play the long game. Readers know that their favorite characters from book one are bound to return in the second or third book, and if they’re engaged with you and your writing, they’ll buy every book in the series to find out what happens next.

This chapter was compiled from the following posts on the IngramSpark blog:

“Why and How to Write a Book Series” by IngramSpark Staff