An age-old question. No, I’m not talking about chickens and eggs, though that could inspire an interesting historical romance . . . a wounded philosopher is nursed back to health by a female chicken farmer who refuses to let him leave until he admits chickens came first; since he’s an egg man, the debate lasts for months, allowing romance to bloom.
Where was I??? Oh yes. Age-old questions. The one I’m currently debating is one many authors face. *** Series or stand alone? ***
I’ve done both, and each have their own pros and cons. Series are fun because I get attached to the characters and get to “live” with them longer. However, from a marketing standpoint, sales for books 2 and 3 are never as strong as they are for book 1. Readers typically don’t want to join a series midstream, even if each story stands on its own. And some readers refuse to read a series until all the books have been released, which for me could mean 2-3 years.
My editor has asked me to move away from using novellas as parts of my series. I first started writing novellas when my Archer brother series took off. I really wanted to include a story for baby brother Neill, but I already had a different full-length novel in the works to release after Stealing the Preacher, so I got some friends together and proposed my first novella collection – A Match Made in Texas – which allowed me to tell Neill’s story and give readers some extra Archer love. It also inspired a love of novella writing.
I’ve written one every year since. Most tie in to one of my full-length books, creating a stand-alone story based on a secondary character introduced in a previous novel. Those have been fun. But in my most recent collection, The Christmas Heirloom, my novella was not tied to any other story of mine. And it was so fun to write, that I decided moving away from novellas as part of my series wouldn’t be so bad after all.
With this change, my new series (Hanger’s Horsemen coming June 2020) will contain 3 full-length novels with no novellas in between. The downside to this path is that I can only write one full-length novel a year, so this means readers will have to wait a longer time between each installment. I still plan to write novellas, but at this point, the plan is to make them stand alone stories that fit with whichever collection they are a part of, not connected to my series. Even though I purposely design my series to be connected stand alone novels, where secondary characters break off and have their own romance play out, instead of a continuing story with the same main characters, a year can still be a long time to wait.
As a reader, what would you prefer? Knowing there will be a full year between each full-length novel, would you rather continue with a series and experience stories starring characters you met in previous books, or would you prefer a fresh new cast each release with novels that completely stand alone?
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To be honest, I like both for different reasons. Like you, I enjoy “living” with the characters longer in a series. I enjoy finding out how those secondary characters also find love, etc. But aim also enjoy stand/alone work. There’s nothing worse than picking out a book that you think is a stand-alone, only to find out as you read that it’s Book 2 or 3 of a series. Now you have to go back and find those other books if you want the full story of that family or town. The great thing with your books, though, is that doesn’t matter. Whatever you write, I’m going to be buying, most likely on pre-order, so you don’t have to wait til the third book comes out, or whatever. If it’s YOUR book, I’m champing at the bit for it. Maybe not all your readers do that, but for what it’s worth, I do.
Also, for what it’s worth, I’m not a big fan of novellas. I’ll buy them immediately because they’re from you, but I don’t prefer them. I’d rather have the story fleshed out more, with details into the backstory, more buildup in the romance, and a longer character arc for the main characters. If it was up to me only, I’d much rather wait a full year and get a full novel, whether it’s a stand-alone or part of a series.
This is great feedback, Holly. Thank you! And thank you for being such a loyal reader. That is such a precious gift.
I appreciate your novella comment as well. I often hear from readers that they wish my novellas were full-length stories. That novellas are just too short. I wish I could write 2 full-length stories in a year, but alas, God made me more of a tortoise than a hare when it comes to writing. I added novellas as a way to give my readers additional content between my main annual releases, but I know that format is not for everyone.
This was so interesting to me, Karen, because I’m in exactly the same boat. I’m a slow writer so my books are a year apart, which for some readers is too long. My best solution is to make my series books as much like stand-alones as possible. Instead of being tied together by an overarching plotline that runs through all three books, they are tied together by family, secondary characters, and especially setting. But each story does stand alone, the books can be read in any order (though that’s not best, of course, since there will be spoilers) and nothing will be missed if a reader only reads the first book or only reads any one book.
P.S. That red coat cover is just stunning. 🙂
Yes, Deb! That is exactly what I’ve tried to do as well. Most of my series stories shift to new locations with new casts of characters to really give them a stand alone feel, and I think that has helped. Yet even though the stories can be read out of order (and often are), I still get readers who are adamant about waiting for the entire series to release before they will read book #1, and I worry that wait cools the excitement that should come with a book’s release.
I tend to like series, even if they are farther apart. I just like to connect with the same settings and characters. I actually prefer series with the same main character or characters even, as I said before, with time in between. If it is a story I connect with, I will go back and reread the first books before reading the second and/or third. Sometimes I just want more time with the familiar instead of having to relearn or figure out another set of characters, circumstances and settings.
That is a helpful perspective, Rebecca. Thank you! I have a lot of readers who adore series, so I’m still pulled in that direction and have at least three more books that will follow that pattern coming in the next couple years.
A year can seem like a long time, but I don’t mind waiting. I like stand-alones but I really enjoy a good series because I connect with and get attached to the characters. I also love novellas in general. Great for a quick read when I don’t have time for a full length book:)
Thanks, Amber. It’s nice to hear that novellas have their place, too. I have to admit that they are fun for me to write. Simpler plots, collaborating with other authors in a collection, and I get that satisfied feeling of accomplishment in 10 weeks instead of 40. Delayed gratification is rough. 🙂
I do like to read series because I like to get a glimpse of the other previous characters and what they are up to (even if it’s just a few lines of the book.) However I am one of those that will not read a series until they are all released. My reasoning is that I read so many books that I forget the details of each particular story – so if I wait a year in between reading books then I’ve forgotten a lot and feel that I need to reread each of the previous books! I have too many books to be read to be able to do that. So I prefer to have them all and then just read one right after another. Also I am NOT a fan of novellas. I will read them if they have a related character just so I know what’s going on but I just do not feel novellas give you time to really be invested in the character and the story line advances way too fast for me.
Thanks for this perspective, Tracy. You’re certainly a mega-reader, and I can understand the desire to wait for the series to conclude before jumping in. I just hope you don’t forget about me while you’re waiting. 😉
I am actually re-reading the Archer Brothers series right now (I love it! . . . but i can’t remember, does Jim have a novella? . . . . or he may end up with Cassie: . .. I am not quite finished Short Straw Bride)
I actually love series like this one where family members are involved or citizens of a small town get their own story. And yes, there’s time in between, but I go back and re-read the entire series at some point, once they’re finished.
Hi, Rebecca. Jim and Cassie’s story is really part of Short-Straw Bride, so he doesn’t have his own novella . . . yet.
Shhhh . . . don’t tell anyone . . . but this fall there is going to be an Archer family Christmas reunion story told from none other than Jim and Cassie’s POV. I’m so excited to give my Archer fans one more peek into these happily ever afters!
Music to my ears!!!!!!
🙂
I like series, even if it’s a while between releases. That way it’s not so sad when the book ends because I know I’ll see the characters again.
Thanks, Ellie. I have to admit that I get rather attached to these characters, too. Everyone deserves to find love, right?
I’ve noticed that the trend in CF seems to be that most authors do series… and that they can be read as stand-alones. However, I must be too OCD because I cannot bring myself to only read 1 or to read them out of order so I will go back to the beginning if I happen to find book 2 or 3 really appealing. With the stand-alone series dynamic, I don’t mind waiting since it’s less likely that a major plot point will not ring a bell as I read the next book. When a series does carry the plot through each book, I rely on audiobooks to refresh my memory before reading the newest book. I enjoy novellas more so if they are tied to another series. But I will say that I kind of miss good stand-alone novels. My TBR is already so long… and when an author starts another series I know that even though I’m only adding the first book to my list, the truth is that I’m really adding 3. Stand-alone novels are also a good way to get new readers to try your books. If someone recommends a particular author to me, I will search out the stand-alones so I don’t feel like I’ve just over-committed myself if that makes sense. I want to get a feel for the writing style and see if I will enjoy that author before I dive into a series with them.
Ooo – that’s a really great point about new readers, Joy. It’s easier to invest in a stand alone title when trying someone new than trying the first in a series. I’ve experienced that to some extent when I judge contests. Sometimes I’m reading book 2 or 3 and it just doesn’t have the same appeal because I feel like I’m missing something even if the story stands on its on. It’s like joining in a conversation that started before you got there. You can understand everything but you just feel like you missed what came before. It’s the same with book 1 – you’re leaving the conversation early and there’s this concern over what you might be missing by stepping away. Not the same satisfied feeling of being there for the entirety.
I love “stand-alones”. However, as you said, books in a series allow the reader to get to know the characters and then desire to know more about them. While I don’t like to wait a long time between books in a series, what I’ve done recently is go ahead and buy the books as they come out and then wait to read them until the entire series is out.
Ideally, a series will consist of books that can stand alone or be read as a series.
Thanks, Suzanne. I’ve tried to design my series books exactly as you describe so that they can work as stand alones or as a series. Yet, I agree that a year between releases is a long time to wait.
I love your books, Karen! And I think this is a great plan. I will buy each book as it comes out, but since it’s a while in between releases (and I have a memory like a sieve!), then I’ll have to reread the previous one just before the new one comes out! Win-win for me!! 😉 Thanks for your continued devotion to God and to us readers, bringing us uplifting and inspiring stories of faith. God bless you!!
What a blessing of encouragement, Kathy. Thank you!
I like both series and stand alones. Some authors really get me involved with a series. Some authors are really great with stand alones.
I like that you can go either way, Lori. It gives us more options. 🙂
I think I enjoy a continuing series most if the plot and characters are so much larger-than-life that you just can’t get to it all in one book, which seems to be the case commonly for just historical fiction (based on historical events, not just set in a different era) and some good suspense fiction, in my opinion. Occasionally some fantasy.
But for most other genres, I’m fine with ether or, and a continuing series doesn’t usually seem necessary; I’m happy in those cases/genres to jump in on the lives of any character the author presents. 🙂
And I definitely buy each book as it comes out, since I’ve usually been pondering the previous book constantly during the year leading up to the next release. 😉
Thanks, Bree. We do love our loyal readers who ponder and purchase accordingly. 😉
I think novellas are great. They keep the author (and a series) a little fresher in my mind. After a year (and countless other books being read), it is harder to remember if I enjoyed the series. Kristi Anne Hunter usually does a free eNovella to kick off a new series. I always appreciate that. It gets me excited for the new series!
Is your editor asking you to stop different from the Publisher asking you to stop? Do you have the final say in this or do they?
I used to not like novellas at all. The story was over so quickly. I also find it takes a great talent to write a novella where the reader doesn’t feel the couple fell in love after they just met (which I find annoying). Of the ones I have read I of your novellas, I recall enjoying.
Have a lovely day Karen.
Heather
Thanks, Heather. You nailed one of the trickiest elements in romance novella writing – giving the hero and heroine enough time to realistically fall in love. I’ve tried either to cover several months with my short story or have the H/H already know each other well when the story opens.
As to your question about my editor vs. publisher – my editor never makes decisions in a vacuum. When he suggested I not continue connecting my novellas to my series, it was based on feedback he’d received from sales, marketing, discussions within editorial, etc. So, really it was a recommendation by the publishing team as a whole. If I was adamant about continuing and had a compelling reason (beyond stubbornness) to do so, I think they would have allowed it. But I depend on my publishing team to have their pulse on the market and to let me know what is working and what’s not so I can adjust accordingly. I want to give my readers what they want, and if most of my readers get annoyed by novellas in the midst of series, then I want to make a change.
Could there be both?
I love your stories and love visiting people I have come to love in another book.
The novellas are fun to read whether they are attached to a series of not.
Your books are great whether in a series or not! Just please keep writing!
It’s a deal, Jen! 🙂 I’ll keep writing if you keep reading.
I love series, and camping in a town with various characters taking center stage. I will buy books as I’m able when they release, or wait for a sale, but I won’t read them til they are all out unless I’m on an author’s street team. I also read stand alones though and enjoy those. I do read novella’s, but prefer the longer ones of those so the story has more time to develop.
Thanks for the feedback, Andrea. I have been surprised by how many readers are series hoarders (not reading until they have all the books in their clutches). 🙂 That is an element I had not considered until recently.
I’d rather continue with the series and get to learn more about the characters from book 1 and two in a series. Because I’m a slow reader and because I’m in Goodreads I do not read books that are novella collections in one book. Takes me too long and Goodreads only gives credit for one book read. If I wasn’t in Goodreads I would read the collections but when you have a goal to read and you’re a slow reader makes it a bit stressful .
I hear you, Shirley. I’m a slow reader, too. Especially since my reading time is so limited. I’m doing great if I read 2 books a month.
I enjoy both stand alones and series, and I don’t mind waiting a year for the next one to come out. That being said, I prefer series with main characters and a strong ensemble cast, who can have love interests and challenges of their own. It’s hard for me to see the original characters take a back seat, but that also depends on the type of fiction – whether the main characters are investigators, involved in a mystery, or perhaps important people in a town. I’ve really grown to love novellas and enjoyed the Christmas Heirloom collection. If novellas seem complete, even though short, I give them a high rating because they fulfill my enjoyment.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to your readers. I hesitate to write responses when I find out the author doesn’t take the time to comment. I know your time is valuable, so it’s really appreciated.
Thanks, Betty. I love interacting with readers, and sharing comments on blogs or FB is an easy way to do that. And I appreciate your take on series and novellas. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. 🙂
I also enjoy series and individual titles. I’ll buy books as they are released. Other times, I’ll borrow from the library.
It’s always bittersweet to see a favorite series end however you can always re-read it anytime. Plus you can catch details that you missed the 1st time.
Some authors release more than one title in a series during the calendar year; others have the next installment out the following year.
So true, Elisa. There are often fun nuances to a story that can be found on the second read-through. I know I catch things in movies when I watch them a second time that I missed the first time through. Books can be the same.
Good points, Karen. Appreciate your thoughts on the matter. And it’s always good to have a heads up on we’re going in the future.
Thanks, Beth. I figured – who better to ask than readers?
Karen, from you, I just want more books. 😀 I’m reading Heart on the Line right now, and I’m looking forward to reading the novella that follows it in the series.
For me, budget plays the biggest part in when/where/how I purchase books. But I’m much more likely to read series in their entirety when I know/trust the author who’s writing it (like you) rather than trying a series from an author I’ve never before read.
I love binge-reading series, but that hardly ever happens for me because of life or other books popping up or a reading challenge I must finish by such-and-such date that the next book in the series doesn’t work for. All that to say, it doesn’t much matter to me if I read the series books all in a big gulp or one book every two years. If it’s the latter, I will often try to either skim or reread the book(s) that came before the newest release, to remind myself what had happened… and revisit favorite characters/plots/stories.
As for whether novellas are stand alones or connected to series… I like both ways. Sometimes I just want a quick little read that is unconnected to anything else. Yet, other times I really want just a little bit more time spent with favorite characters from a particular series, especially if the lead in the novella was a favorite side character in another book and I had really hoped that character would get a story of their own. (Thank you for giving Grace a full-length story! I had really wanted that for her when I had met her in the previous two Harper’s Station stories.)
I really don’t prefer series books to be stand alones as well. That defeats the purpose of being in a series, to me. I love it when the series continues to allow us to get to know favorite characters from previous books, even if they are no longer the leads for the new stories. But series books that have zero characters in common and are simply connected by theme or something are trickier for me to get into, because they’re labeled as a series but don’t usually feel like one to me since there are no overlapping characters. At that point, I’d rather they just be called stand alones rather than being part of a series.
If, however, a series is fully connected, I’ll usually end up rereading it time and time again. I’m on my third full read-through of the O’Malley Chronicles by Dee Henderson, one of my favorite series of all time. I love how each sibling gets their own book, yet the other siblings pop in and out as life events happen for the family and their various jobs overlap to help solve the current book’s big problem/case. Those books build so beautifully upon one another that I love revisiting the series over and over. I’ve read my favorite three books in the series five or six times, but the full series only three times (so far). (By the way, Harper’s Station is quickly growing into another favorite series that I’ll be revisiting time and again. So good!)
In summary: Please just keep writing! Whether the books are stand alones or series, novellas or full-length, I want more, more, MORE of your lighthearted-yet-deep, Texan-charm, romantic-comedy books in whatever time frame you are able to produce them. For your books, I’m willing to be quite patient. I want your trademark fantastic quality (and humor) once I get my hands on a copy!
The next series of yours up for me will be the Patchwork Family series. I haven’t yet bought copies because of the budget, but I will be as soon as my book money is replenished.
Blessings!
Andrea
Andrea – You’re my favorite kind a reader. Loyal and patient. Thank You! And I promise to keep giving my best to my books so that you will hopefully keep enjoying them. 🙂
Aw, thanks, Karen! Whatever’s up next on your writing schedule… I hope you enjoy the creating of it!
I prefer your series, as like you, I get attached to your characters.
I want to know what comes along later in their lives, not just in that first book where they have their time in the spotlight. I love authors like you that interconnect their characters lives. This happens in real life. To truly know about me, you’d need to know about my Grandma, my parents, brother, husband, son, and friends. Characters are too one dimensional if it’s all about “them.”
Please keep writing series, Karen. A good book is worth waiting a year for. If God decides I don’t have that year, hopefully the library in Heaven has all your books!
Great point about how we are partial defined by the people we surround ourselves with, Leanne. I like that! And what a beautiful picture of heaven – a giant library with everything you could ever want to read. Sounds heavenly to me. 🙂
I think that I love a series. You authors are now so good at writing that when I get to the end of the book I just don’t want to leave the place and characters. I love that I can look forward to more time there. I am used to waiting the year. It is a good excuse to reread the earlier ones in preparation for the next one.
Thanks heaps for writing to encourage us.
Thank YOU for encouraging us, Jacqueline. Hearing from readers is the fuel that keeps writers going.
I love series because I never want stories to end, and this way they go on for a bit longer!
So true, Sherry. 🙂
I enjoy both stand alone and series books, but I absolutely hate cliffhangers in series books. I want each book to feel like it’s “wrapped up.” I have read some series books that have a thread that is continuing, and that doesn’t bother me too much. I read a short book recently that just left off in the middle of the action and was continued in a couple more books in the series. I couldn’t believe it! There are 3 short books in the series and you have to read them all to get the story. The author was releasing them within a few months of each other, but it just felt so wrong! I don’t mind waiting a year between books in a series, but I like the story between the two main characters to feel complete.
I agree completely, Winnie! I want to feel that sigh of satisfaction that comes with story resolution and a happy ending when I reach the end of a book, even if it is book 2 in a series.
I love a good series and full length novels. They can stand alone or continue with the same characters. Doesn’t matter to me.
You are delightfully easy to please, Brenda. 🙂 I love that about you.
Hi Karen, I can do either stand alone or series. You touched on the problem of having to wait, I learned to wait with the “Left Behind” series. Yes, the waiting gets old, but the closer the time comes for the next book, and the more excited I become until THE DAY I get my book then I delve in!Once I commit to a series I’m in to the end, and I hang onto my series books but not individual books.
As long as the story is good, I like reading (and plan to write) both series and stand alones. Waiting between books in a series can be hard, but at the same time I often don’t read books the same year they come out (mostly for financial reasons but also because I’m not a fast reader) so the wait tends to be less or nonexistent for me. When there is a wait, though, I don’t really mind because I know from experience that crafting a story takes time. 🙂