Next verse, same as the first

In 2023, I published four books: Russian Revival, Double Cut, Champion of the Twin Moons, and Single Stroke. I also wrote a book published by 0-0-8 Studios, The Bounty. None of these books may be considered high-brow literature, but each of them is a fun read.

Each of the first four books takes place within a series because series generally sell better than one-off books; the fifth book starts a new series. The numbers on book sales don't lie.

When it comes to writing a series, author generall go about it in one of three ways.

The Serial Novel

The serial is a story that takes place over mulitiple volumes. Back in the good old days when novels were the purview of the leisured wealthy, a story could run over several long volumes. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Mary Ann Radcliffe wrote torrid novels such as The Fate of Velina de Guidova and Manfrone; or, The One-Handed Monk. The first title runs thorugh three long, improbable volumes of gothic fiction. The second spans four seemingly interminable four volumes.

Today's episodic serials may often be found on Wattpad, Kindle Vella, Radish, Chanillo, and other platforms catering to the never-ending soap opera style of cliffhangers concluding each chapter and storylines that go on and on and on. Serials tend to be published in epsiodes or installments. I've heard of more than one reader who began an online series only to discover that the story wound through countless pages of unending storylines.

In episodic serials, the key feature is the cliffhanger. This literary device cuts off the story at a crucial or climactic point, leaving the reader wondering what will happen next and obligated to purchase the next volume to discover what happens next.

While I employ the use of cliffhangers in chapters to keep the reader turning the page, I detest the use of cliffhangers to force the reader to purchase the next book.

The Series

A series takes place over multiple volumes. You may be familiar with a duet (a series occuring over two volumes) or the more common trilogy (a series occuring over three volumes). However, there is no particular prescribed length for a series. The Redwall series by Brian Jacques runs 22 volumes. The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan spans 14 volumes plus a prequel and three companion books.

In a series, the key characteristic is that each volume completes a story. That story may be a story within a greater, overarching story, but the subplot ends on a satisfactory note with the last chapter or two setting up the cliffhanger for the next book.

A series need not have an overarching plot spanning the entire run of books. It may be much like the Kat Colorado series by Karen Kijewski or the Spenser series by Robert B. Parker in that the connecting element between the books is the protagonist or another character. Each book is a story in itself.

In the series I write, I the connecting elements are the worlds in which the stories take place or the characters, although I don't carry over the protagonist of one book as the protagonist of future books. I like to give minor characters or new characters their shot in the spotlight.

Sometimes books within a series may be read in any order, but usually not. However, in the latter type of series that doesn't have an overarching plot, a reader may begin anywhere in the series and not be lost—at least, not for long—within the story. The hope is the reader is sufficiently intrigued to go back in the series to read the earlier books as well as to finish the series.

Which Is Better: The Series or the Serial?

Readers and authors have diverse literary preferences. Some enjoy serials, others enjoy series. Some may prefer standalone novels or short stories. Even comic books run in series and serials.

And, of course, many readers don't read fiction at all.

The genre of literature you prefer to read matters little; the type of genre you prefer to write must satisfy genre expectations. Luckily for most, there's an audience for your book.

When it comes to advising novice authors, most experts suggest the methodical method of developing detailed outlines. Lots of detail identifying the main plot, subplots, characters, and more indicates whether a story will, of necessity, span multiple volumes or easily be contained within one book. Although various genres do have guidelines regarding book length, the length of the story isn't nearly as important as its quality.

Does the story make sense and flow in logical order? Does the writing engage the reader?

Regardless of how you prefer your literature, you expect high quality, engaging writing that holds your attention. That quality of writing requires extensive practice and discernment, because writing a story differs from writing a report. If you have a great story in mind but not the storytelling expertise and long practice to bring it to fruition, a ghostwriter may be the perfect solution to your authorial ambition.

Hiring a ghostwriter isn't cheating. It's still your story because it's something the ghostwriter would not have written of his or her own accord. A ghostwriter's expertise may very well tell your story better than you ever could. If you've written a story and need help with its refinement, then hiring an editor is the next step. The best marketing in the world won't salvage a poorly written book.

A story worth a reader's investment to purchase is worth an author's investment to ensure its quality. If you have a story to write or a manuscript to edit, let's talk.

Every word counts.

#henhousepublishing #editingservices #ghostwritingservices