1. ThenColmSaid

    ThenColmSaid New Member

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    Series

    Discussion in 'Traditional Publishing' started by ThenColmSaid, Sep 30, 2016.

    In regards to writing a series, when pitching the first of the collection, must it always be completely stand-alone, as in, can quite a few mysteries and questions be left unanswered for to be spread throughout the rest of the books?

    It's just I have been assuming that series have to be pitched as though the first book is a single novel, so that if only one book is agreed upon it still makes sense if it isn't continued.
     
  2. Pauline

    Pauline Member

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    Lots of publishers have blogs on their sites, and I've been reading loads of them while researching. Good news, series potential comes up all the time. Bad news, potential. I don't think I've come across any that don't expect each book to be anything but a standalone. Not saying I'm completely right, you'd have to check in your own genre. Hope that helps.
     
  3. TWErvin2

    TWErvin2 Contributor Contributor

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    The first novel should be standalone, in that it is a satisfying read for the reader. No cliff hangers. Yes, there can be issues that remain unresolved, but the main conflict should have been addressed and dealt with (successfully or unsuccessfully).
     
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  4. TheWriteWitch

    TheWriteWitch Active Member

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    Unless you are going straight to on-line publishing where there are very strong trends towards the first in a series being more like the "hook" scene in a movie and are meant just to draw the reader into the character's life (that continues on throughout the series).
     

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