Why You Should Expand Your Book Idea into a Series

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Have you ever had a book idea that seems too broad to be contained in one novel? Or did you finish writing a book and feel like you weren’t ready to say goodbye to your characters? Maybe your readers keep asking what happens next. If so, expanding your book into a series might be the perfect next step!

Series That Stand the Test of Time

Many beloved books weren’t standalone stories. Think about Nancy Drew, The Babysitters Club, and The Boxcar Children, just to name a few. These series captivated readers for generations, building a dedicated fan base and keeping them coming back for more.

Fun fact: These books were ghostwritten, meaning you’d be in good company if you hire me to help bring your idea to life!

But series aren’t just for kids’ books! There are also cozy mysteries and fantasy series for older readers. Anything can grow into a series if your ideas and characters are compelling enough.

Maximize Your Creative Effort

Writing a book is hard work. You put so much effort into developing an engaging story, crafting dynamic characters, and building a vivid world. Why not keep that momentum going?

Instead of starting from scratch with a new book, you can expand on what you’ve already created, deepening the story and evolving your characters. Your readers are already invested—so give them more to love!

Build a Loyal Readership

Readers love series because they create a sense of familiarity and connection. When someone falls in love with your book, they don’t want it to end. A series allows you to build a dedicated audience that eagerly awaits your next release. This helps with sales and makes marketing easier. Once you have readers hooked, they’ll keep coming back!

Spin-Offs and Expanded Universes

Even if your main characters’ story arc comes to a natural end, that doesn’t mean you have to leave the world behind. Supporting characters can take center stage in spin-offs, offering fresh perspectives while keeping the essence of the original series alive. This way, you can continue writing in a familiar world while exploring new angles and storylines.

Planning Your Series

If you’re considering expanding your book into a series, let’s talk strategy! We can create a broad series outline with a compelling overarching arc, then zoom in to develop detailed outlines for individual books.

Whether you plan for a trilogy or an open-ended saga, having a roadmap will keep your storytelling tight and engaging.

Ready to Expand Your Story?

Your book is just the beginning. A series gives you room to explore, evolve, and entertain readers for the long haul.

If you’re excited about the possibilities, let’s discuss how to turn your idea or standalone book into a compelling series. Your characters—and your readers—will thank you for it!

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