A Conundrum

Tia Nevitt · Nov 19, 2006

This is a "What would you do" question.

I have finished a fantasy novel and have two sequels in mind. I am shopping it to agents and have started the opening chapter of the sequel. I only have had three rejections so far, but one rejection was a "has potential" type of personalized rejection from a major agent.

However, I already have one discarded novel and I know that it may take several novels before I manage to sell one, if ever. I have an idea for a franchise-type historical mystery series that I am quite excited about. I am also excited about my fantasy, and I believe I have written a strong opening to the sequel.

Since I want to make the best use of my time, I am having trouble deciding which idea to pursue first. What would you do? Write the sequel or plunge ahead into the mystery series? Or, would you play with both ideas while waiting to see if the fantasy generates any real interest?

Tia

LitFa · Nov 19, 2006

I would write the first book in the historical mystery franchise and then shop both books around (individually of course) as stand alones. See which one gets me the agent and then work on that series first with the other to follow. The good thing is that you will have two whole projects complete with more to follow. I think agents like when their clients have a future in writing planned. JMHO of course, since I don't have an agent and have not been published.

Also congrats on completing a novel!

ChaosTitan · Nov 19, 2006

I agree with LitFa. Keep those sequels on the backburner until the first book gets picked up. In the meantime, keep working on fresh projects until you can snare that agent (I almost typed "scare that agent," and that's a whole other kind of advice).

The fantasy is a standalone, right?

CrankItTo11 · Nov 19, 2006

I agree with the above posts... go ahead and write your sequels only if they would also work as a stand-alone. It sounds like you are off to a great start - to already have a personalized rejection! And with your 'keep writing' philosophy, you will certainly find success!

Tia Nevitt · Nov 19, 2006

chaostitan said:
The fantasy is a standalone, right?

The fantasy is not quite a standalone. However, a major conflict is resolved and leaves several plot points open for other books. I modeled it after Kristen Britain's Green Rider, which is a standalone book that definitely has a larger conflict, spanning several books. I have it outlined and several test scenes written.

I would hate to write an unsellable three-book series, which is why I am considering back-burnering it until I have at least snared an agent.

Tia

Azure Skye · Nov 19, 2006

...play with both ideas while waiting to see if the fantasy generates any real interest.

I would do that. :idea:

A Conundrum

Tia Nevitt

Anywhere but here, anywhen but now

LitFa

Writing Frantically

ChaosTitan

Around

CrankItTo11

Tia Nevitt

Anywhere but here, anywhen but now

Azure Skye

Huh?