One of the most important decisions an author faces when embarking on a new writing project is whether to create a standalone novel or dive into the world of series writing. Both options offer unique opportunities and challenges, and making the right choice can significantly impact the success and satisfaction of both the author and the readers. In this article, we will explore the factors that authors should consider when deciding whether to write a series or a standalone book. We’ll discuss the complexity of the plot, the depth of the characters, and the potential for future stories to help authors make an informed choice that best suits their creative vision.
Part I: The Complexity of the Plot
Plot Complexity in Series
One of the most compelling reasons to write a series is the complexity of the story you want to tell. If your plot is intricate, with multiple layers, subplots, and a richly developed world, it may be better suited for a series.
Epic Fantasies: Genres like epic fantasy often feature sprawling narratives with intricate political systems, magic systems, and a vast cast of characters. These stories benefit from the depth and space that a series allows.
Mystery Series: In mystery series, each book can focus on solving a new case while exploring ongoing character development and overarching mysteries. Complex mysteries with multiple twists and turns thrive in a series format.
Historical Sagas: Historical sagas often span generations and cover significant periods in history. A series allows you to explore different time periods and generations within the same family or community.
Plot Simplicity in Standalones
Conversely, if your story has a straightforward, self-contained plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end, it may be better suited for a standalone novel.
Romantic Comedies: Many romantic comedies follow a simple plot structure where the main characters meet, face challenges, and eventually find love. These stories can be effectively told in a single book.
Thrillers: Some thrillers have a clear central conflict that can be resolved within one book, making them perfect for standalones.
Coming-of-Age Stories: Coming-of-age stories often revolve around personal growth and transformation, and the narrative may reach a satisfying conclusion in one book.
Part II: Depth of Character Development
Character Depth in Series
If you have a cast of characters with complex backstories, intricate relationships, and the potential for significant growth and development, a series can provide the space needed to explore these elements in depth.
Character Evolution: Characters in series have the opportunity to evolve over time. Readers can witness their personal growth, struggles, and changes, creating a deeper emotional connection.
Ensemble Cast: If your story features a large ensemble cast, a series allows you to give each character their moments in the spotlight and explore their individual arcs.
Antagonists and Foils: In a series, you can develop multifaceted antagonists and foils who challenge the protagonists on multiple levels, creating richer conflicts and character interactions.
Character Simplicity in Standalones
In standalone novels, character depth can still be achieved, but it may be focused on a more limited scale or a specific moment in the characters’ lives.
Intimate Character Studies: Standalone novels can excel in providing an in-depth exploration of one or a few characters’ lives, relationships, and personal growth.
Self-Contained Journeys: If your story is primarily about a specific event, transformation, or decision in a character’s life, a standalone format can be ideal for capturing that moment.
Part III: Potential for Future Stories
Series Potential
Consider whether your story and characters have the potential for future adventures, conflicts, and growth. If you envision multiple storylines, spin-offs, or unresolved questions that can be explored, a series may be the right choice.
World-Building: If you have invested time in creating a richly detailed world, consider how many stories can be told within that world. A series allows you to revisit and expand upon your world’s lore.
Character Arcs: Characters with ongoing arcs or unresolved goals can provide the foundation for future installments in a series.
Reader Demand: If readers express a strong desire for more stories set in your world or featuring your characters, it may be a sign that a series is warranted.
Standalone Suitability
Some stories are meant to be self-contained, with a clear, satisfying resolution. Consider whether your story naturally concludes at a point where further exploration is unnecessary or if it reaches a climax that provides closure.
Finality: If your story has a conclusive ending where major conflicts are resolved, character arcs are completed, and loose ends are tied up, it may be better suited for a standalone.
Narrative Satisfaction: Standalones offer a sense of narrative satisfaction where readers can reflect on the story’s themes, messages, and character journeys.
Part IV: Reader Engagement and Expectations
Reader Engagement in Series
Readers who enjoy series novels often become deeply invested in the world and characters. They look forward to ongoing adventures and character development. Writing a series can create a loyal fanbase that eagerly anticipates each new installment.
Reader Attachment: Series readers become attached to the characters and want to follow their journeys beyond a single book.
Extended Engagement: A series offers readers the chance to spend more time in the world you’ve created, fostering a sense of immersion and attachment.
Reader Engagement in Standalones
Standalone novels provide readers with a complete and self-contained experience. Some readers prefer standalones because they offer a satisfying, concise narrative.
One-and-Done: Standalone novels appeal to readers who seek stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end in a single book.
Variety: Readers often enjoy a mix of series and standalone novels, appreciating the diversity of storytelling options available.
Part V: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Pros of Writing a Series
- Deep Exploration: Series allow for in-depth exploration of plot, characters, and world-building.
- Character Growth: Characters can evolve and develop over the course of multiple books.
- Loyal Fanbase: Series can cultivate a dedicated fanbase eager for each new installment.
- World Expansion: Opportunities to expand upon the world, lore, and subplots.
- Reader Investment: Readers become emotionally invested in the characters and their journeys.
Cons of Writing a Series
- Commitment: Writing a series can be a long-term commitment, requiring consistency and dedication.
- Complexity: Maintaining plot and character consistency over multiple books can be challenging.
- Reader Expectations: Meeting reader expectations for future installments can create pressure.
- Risk of Pacing Issues: Balancing pacing and maintaining reader engagement throughout a series can be tricky.
Pros of Writing a Standalone
- Narrative Closure: Standalones provide a sense of narrative closure and satisfaction.
- Flexibility: Authors have the flexibility to explore different genres, styles, and themes in separate books.
- Less Commitment: Standalones may require less long-term commitment and planning.
Cons of Writing a Standalone
- Limited Exploration: The scope for in-depth exploration of characters and world-building may be narrower.
- Character Growth: Characters may have less room for extensive development.
- Reader Attachment: Developing a dedicated fanbase may take longer with standalone novels.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to write a series or a standalone novel is a significant choice for any author. It involves considering the complexity of the plot, the depth of character development, and the potential for future stories. Ultimately, the decision should align with your creative vision and the story you want to tell. Whether you choose a series or a standalone, the key to success is crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with your readers and fulfills your artistic goals. Each format has its strengths and challenges, and with careful planning and execution, you can create a memorable and satisfying reading experience for your audience.
