How Would You Classify/Pitch a Series With No Definite End?

I have no idea how you would pitch something like that- but I believe most of those were ghostwritten, and were handled differently than what you're suggesting. Also, those are all relatively old examples. I'm not coming up with any better ones on a search, but I'm sure someone else will be able to help.

DavidBrett said:

I'm talking about series like Goosebumps, Animal Ark, Nancy Drew, Animorphs, The Hardy Boys, etc - books that had the same genre, themes, and (except for Goosebumps) the same characters.

How does one pitch a novel series that isn't contained within a finite number of books? Are there any special rules? Anything you should focus on, clarify, etc?

Thanks for any help!

Dave

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That's a good question. I'm currently pitching a YA novel based on mythology to agents that similarly could have an indefinite number of sequels, because each novel would be based on a different cultural myth.

My sense at this point is, not to even raise the subject. If I can get them to like the book enough to ask where it goes after the first book, that's when they're interested enough to care how far that pony will run.

So I'd likewise be interested in any expert opinions on the best approach?

The safest advice is always to pitch the first book as a standalone, and wait to be asked about series potential. Agents and editors want authors who are more than one-hit wonders, but it totally depends on the individual genre/market as to whether they're looking for a series or just a succession of standalones.

In any case, I think it's a continuum, from true standalones to series novels. The example of the mythology-based ones - if the characters and setting change from book to book, you effectively have a bunch of standalone stories linked only by theme (mythology). There's a big difference between that and a true series like George R R Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, which is an ongoing narrative from book to book.

DavidBrett said:

How does one pitch a novel series that isn't contained within a finite number of books? Are there any special rules? Anything you should focus on, clarify, etc?

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These are what are known as "open-ended" series (as opposed to the "closed-ended" series like LOTR, etc.)

The important difference between the two series is that in a closed-ended series, the author can have major plot lines hanging at the end of each novel. In an open-ended series, all the major plot lines have to be finished (making each book pretty much a stand alone) yet have subplots (usually personal ones, but occasionally very large plot arcs) still hanging to make people want to pick up the next book. Mystery series are great contemporary examples of how an open-ended series is handled. In SF/F, I can think of the Dresden Files (SF/Mystery )

As such, the only way to market an open-ended series is as a stand-alone novel. When it's read by agent/editor, it should be obvious that there's series potential if the first book does well.

If it's picked up, it's not unusual to get a multiple book contract, so having the next book outlined or rough drafted isn't necessarily a bad idea, however going beyond that without a solid contract and sales numbers is generally dicey.

Hope that helps.

I've not checked but most of those open-ended series listed are produced by book packagers who work with a number of authors on the series. Those authors usually get paid a flat fee for the work that they do, and earn no royalties on copies sold.

Old Hack said:

I've not checked but most of those open-ended series listed are produced by book packagers who work with a number of authors on the series. Those authors usually get paid a flat fee for the work that they do, and earn no royalties on copies sold.

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I think that's true of many children's series such as Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Goosebumps, and so on, but not so much with adult series. Jim Butcher's Dresden Files aren't packaged, and I'm pretty sure that Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries ('A is for...', 'B is for...' and so on) aren't either (though I could be wrong).

Neither is the children's series I'm working on pitching right now.

You're asking about book packages when you ask ask about these particular series.

If you're interested in writing for a similar series, you need to contact the publisher. Note: if you don't already have publishing credentials, you're unlikely to get a response.