Don't stop at just one! Is writing a book series right for you? April 28, 2025

Writing just one book can be hard enough – adding several books to that list? Yikes! Right? Well...

Writing a novel is a huge commitment, both of your time and your mental space. Characters need to be created, plot lines developed, and, in many cases, a lot of research done. That's why many authors stop after one novel – not due to a lack of ideas, but because continuing feels so overwhelming.

But writing a series doesn't have to be daunting.

In fact, choosing to expand a story across multiple books can open up new creative possibilities and deepen your connection with readers. We've curated a list of reasons you might want to consider when thinking of writing the next great literary collection, as well as some helpful tips to get you started.

Reasons to write a series:

Room to Breathe

When you plan to write more than one book, you give yourself space to breathe. Story elements like new plot threads, side characters, or expanded settings often pop up as you write — and a series gives you the freedom to explore those without squeezing everything into a single volume.

Emotional Connections

Through a series, your readers bond to both you as an author and the story you've written, becoming more emotionally connected to your characters with each book. Ideally, readers are excited to see how the plot develops and can't wait to read what happens next. And, it allows for the rewarding opportunity for you as an author to engage with your readers over the long term, building a community around the anticipation for your next title!

Shorter Books, Bigger Appetite

Long novels don't always go down well with readers. Especially in the e-book market, it can be useful to split your story into several shorter volumes to create an incentive to keep reading. Your fans want to feel like you value their time and the energy it takes to explore your story!

Tips to Get Started

Planning for Success

If you decide to write multiple books early in your writing process, careful planning is essential. The better you plan the plot, characters and timeline, the easier your writing will be and the fewer mistakes you'll make. The decision whether you want to write the series as a continuous story or made up of self-contained narratives is also important for the course of your writing project.

Many authors swear by programmes such as Scrivener and Xmind, while others just like to go crazy with the post-its. Whatever your method, make sure you have a system to track how everything fits into the bigger picture.

Structuring Your Story

Even if your plot stretches over several books, each volume should feel satisfying on its own. Consider including a central conflict in each instalment while building toward a larger arc. A well-placed cliffhanger can keep curiosity high — just don’t leave readers hanging every time.

From Zero to Hero

Character development is important in every good story. But don't rush into it too early. Real people take their time with growth, your characters should too. In a series, you have the luxury of showing growth gradually. A reader should feel like they’re on the journey with your characters, not playing catch-up.

Making Each Book Stand Alone (Sort Of!)

To make your later books accessible to new readers, or to help those who are easily forgetful, you should try to include important background information in the right places. No one wants to read a list of the happenings in the series so far, but dropping in important facts and names naturally in the story is a great way to keep readers engaged.

Whether you ultimately decide to write a single novel or an epic saga, the choice depends on your story and your goals. But, exploring the idea of a series might just unlock something unexpected, or, at the very least prove a great creative exercise!

Happy writing!