Recently someone posted a question I get asked all the time:
After finishing my current book should I write the sequel or start something new?
This question is usually posed by a new author whose agent is marketing a series. The editors have not had a chance to weigh in with their interest in the series or lack thereof. Meanwhile, the writer is bored and wants something else to write.
What about curve balls?
If the series is contracted and the author already has much of the second book written, there is less to do and less pressure. Sounds like a plan. Well, maybe. Maybe not. While it seems to make sense to get as much done ahead of time as possible, with the contract offer still being pie in the sky, writing the second book may not be productive except as keeping with the discipline of being a writer. And, what if you get a contract offer, only to find the editor wants the second book to focus on a different heroine than you planned? Or what if the first book takes a different direction that will make huge plot impacts on the second book? I’ve seen these scenarios more than once so the idea that you’ll turn in two or three books that will remain almost untouched is unlikely. This is often a reality even for experienced authors.
How far from the first series should I deviate?
I recommend that while your agent is marketing your first series, it’s a good idea to think of another series but within the same brand. For instance, if you are passionate about Regency romance, don’t make a second series a contemporary romance unless there is a very, very good reason to do so. Your agent will advise you of what constitutes a good reason to switch time periods and/or genres. Each career and author is different, and what is appropriate for one author isn’t always a good career move for another. I recommend choosing a genre and time period you really, really love and sticking with it. Of course, you want to choose a genre and time period with great marketing potential. However, since CBA publishes a wide variety of books, finding a niche you enjoy, even if it’s not your absolute first choice, shouldn’t be too difficult. The main goal is to find a time and place where you will enjoy writing thousands of pages — a place you want to visit again and again.
What about nonfiction?
Don’t chase the market. Find a ministry you are passionate about, become an authority, and share your wisdom.
Your turn
How many genres have you attempted?
Are you waiting for an answer to your series?
What advice would you give a new author who’s finding his or her passion?
Very timely piece, Tamela. Thank you.
Oh, dear, you have been reading my mind, haven’t you? Lately, I have had one persistent thought: I am all over the place. My only published books over the last few years were nonfiction Inspiration –but after going back to teaching high school, I, of course, felt I could write YA. So I wrote a couple ms in that genre –and threw in some PB as well. Now, I’m working on an MG. None of those have been picked up yet and I am wondering whether I should go back to the Nonfiction books that I started with. At what point, though, is it stretching and growing vs. being unfocused?
Tammy, I didn’t realize this question had gone unanswered so I hope you see this. If you are launching a new career as a novelist, it’s best to choose one type of novel — the type you are most passionate about — and stick with it. Or if nonfiction is your passion, there is no reason not to keep writing it. Regardless where your passion lies, in this economy, take solace in the fact it may take longer than usual to have any work picked up. Keep at it!
Thank you for this article. It was just what I needed since I’m outlining my second novel, although I’m still a little confused about my direction. I self-published my first novel after hearing that it wasn’t what agents thought would sell, but it was a message I felt compelled to tell regardless of sales. It’s a message of forgiveness and healing after sexual assault. My second novel is going to follow the trajectory of the the cop who retires and becomes a private investigator (and falls in love and solves a mystery/crime and uncovers more about his sisters death – a thread in the first novel). I struggled to identify a genre for the first novel – maybe women’s fiction but definitely not chick lit or romance. If the next novel has a male protagonist, can it even be considered women’s fiction, or have I crossed genres into cozy mystery or suspense or generic contemporary (for lack of following genre rules)?
Some readers have asked to read more about this character so it seemed a logical next step. Now I wonder if it waters down the punch of the first novel to toss it into a collection as just another book in a series. Can I have a stand alone book (my first) and a separate series (the next few) set in the same place with the same characters or is that just cheating out of laziness?
Angie, as with Tammy, I didn’t realize this question had not been answered so I hope you see this. There is nothing wrong with having the same characters and setting as long as you keep the stories fresh and your readers are happy.