HOW TO SUCCEED with a series
Thirty-six years ago, Arthur Fowler, Ali Osman and Den Watts broke into Reg Cox’s flat, and the TV soap Eastenders was born. Viewers love soap operas because they become absorbed in the ongoing regular characters’ storylines.
This is why novel series are popular with publishers and readers. They meet the publishers’ demands for more of the same, but different. Create a central character readers love and then take them on a succession of adventures. Think Hercule Poirot, Harry Potter, Tracy Beaker, Jack Reacher or Katniss Everdeen.
From a business perspective, writing a series can be financially profitable, too. If a reader buys a book in your series and enjoys it, chances are they’ll buy the rest of the series too. While standalone novels are busy trying to sell their unknown content to potential readers, your series readers will see your next book as catching up with a great friend.
Compelling characters
Faith Martin
