Second book question?

[oneidii]

Hi, Having finished my first "publishable" novel and all the resulting editing, querying, etc., I began on the second novel in the series. Reading some of the threads though has me a little concerned now: from what I am reading, if the first doesn't sell, the second won't happen. SO am I going about this all wrong? I actually have my outline/scene/all plotted and am now just writing.

Should I actually start on the other Great Idea I had, and leave the second book be until I hear on the first? What would you do? Is it possible to work on two novels at a time?

The first book (and second I am working on) are very dear to my heart, but the other Great Idea has good possibilities too. I guess my main problem with working on two books is my fear that the quality would suffer...have you found that to be the case with yours, if you did it this way?

Thanks!

[brinkett]

I think it depends on what you want. Like you, I'm currently shopping around a finished novel and am writing the second in the series. I'm fully aware that the first one might not sell to a publisher, or even if it does, might not sell well to readers, and hence the second book may never be required. But I'm still writing it because I want to (and because I promised my betas I would). I'm not expecting to support myself through writing (I have an established career that I enjoy and have no intention of giving up), and it's important to me that I write what I want to write, rather than what I think will sell.

If your goal is to become a published author and the money your books would make would be important to your financial situation, then it might be better to start writing your other big idea until you have a better idea of what's happening with the first book.

I've never written two books at the same time--I'd imagine it depends on the writer. Some may be able to write two books simultaneously without sacrificing quality; others not.

[James D. Macdonald]

Can the second book stand alone? If yes, continue. If no, write a second book that can stand alone. Or -- finish the second book, then immediately start a third that can stand alone.

[Ella]

I feel you should write the second novel, and save the other Idea until you're finished. If we all 'waited to see' what happens with our submitted works, we would never get any writing done. If the story is endearing to you, chances are it will be more fun to write anyway.
It could take the first years to sell. Get your stories written and keep going!

Best of luck!!!

[FAB]

I would strongly suggest continuing the series. If you have set the first novel up for that, then you need to have the follow-up on the burner. Nothing is 100% sure in the writing world, but if you do have a hit on the first in the series, you will be pushed for the second one. Wouldn't it be better to do it with quality time rather than rushed? In a worst case scenario, you have written a second manuscript and have improved your writing skills through it. Not a bad tradeoff for the risks.

[oneidii]

Thank you! It makes sense, what you say. I was feeling sorry for myself earlier, to never get a response, but WOW! Four! This is a record! And such good advice, too! Thank you!

[Julie Worth]

I agree with Uncle Jim—don’t write a second one unless it can stand on its own. There are things that unpublished writers shouldn’t do. Like writing a series. Or a topical political thriller, like I did. (My excuse: I’m an idiot.)

[zeprosnepsid]

well you've got this outline and all that for your second novel and I'd just put that aside and see how the first novel does.

In the meantime, I think you should work on that other great idea you have.

But that's just my opinion. If you are really compelled to write this second book then even common sense can't stop you. Good luck either way.

[PattiTheWicked]

Should I actually start on the other Great Idea I had, and leave the second book be until I hear on the first? What would you do? Is it possible to work on two novels at a time?


I sure hope so. I've got three going right now.

Which one I work on depends on my mood, although I'm more focused right now on my Book 2 of a series, because it looks like I may have sold Book 1. So right now, that sequel is my top priority.