Introducing paranormal

I don't understand why it wouldn't be. In fact, if you didn't hint at it in the first book, I'm sure it'll be a shock to your readers to suddenly introduce it in the sequel. Especially, if your readers pick up your first book expecting a mainstream fiction series, and it suddenly morphs into paranormal by the second book.

Make sure though that the first story stands up on its own. I hate reading a book and not getting a resolution. It just feels like a scam to make me buy the second book.

In a series, I think it's best if the books share a similar tone. Your instincts to hint at the paranomal stuff in the first book are great. If you've got paranormal elements in the second book, they should probably be there in the first book (even if you don't fully explain them until later). Otherwise, readers might feel cheated.

cornie said:

In a series, I think it's best if the books share a similar tone. Your instincts to hint at the paranomal stuff in the first book are great. If you've got paranormal elements in the second book, they should probably be there in the first book (even if you don't fully explain them until later). Otherwise, readers might feel cheated.

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Seconding this advice. Readers usually pick up books because they already know what they like. If they enjoy paranormal, they'll pick up a book that's already defined as such. These readers might feel bored or impatient if there isn't enough paranormal content right up front. (I, for instance, wouldn't bother with a fantasy series in which the fantasy doesn't really come out until book 2)

If a reader prefers realistic fiction without paranormal elements, they might feel "tricked" by a sequel with a different genre from the first.

You risk writing two books with a different audience for each. I'd strengthen the paranormal elements in your first book or write them out of the sequel, keeping a consistent tone in each. Otherwise, there might be too much genre mix-and-match and it could cut down the size of your potential readership.

Yes, hint at the paranormal stuff, not major hints, and not hints everyone will spot without reading the sequel and then going to back to read this one again (but make it so the observant people will notice first time). Maybe have a cliffhanger; the plot finishes but right at the end something paranormal happens. I don't know, I'm just saying you should put subtle hints in there