question on sequels . . .

Bring it up if an agent expresses interest in book #1 and offers representation.

You might want to research some other query letters, especially successful queries to see if they mention that the story is part of a series or a possible series.

In general though, I wouldn't stress it too much in a query letter. It's a good strategy that the story could be stand alone. It drives me nuts when a first book doesn't really have an ending.

The phrase is 'series potential'

I said "The Shifter stands alone but could continue as a trilogy if that would help its marketability." No one seemed to mind that language and I got four ms. requests. My agent (after I got her of course) also recommended I start a new book while we were shopping the first, and not start work on the sequel. If the first book didn't sell, then we'd have something else to submit. I didn't start work on book two until we'd sold the full trilogy. So you don't have to write book two right away if you don't want to. (if you do, buy all means write away)

I had it in my query. "While this is a stand alone book, it does have the potential to be a three book series."

Got 5 full requests, so I guess it didn't hurt!

Danthia said:

My agent (after I got her of course) also recommended I start a new book while we were shopping the first, and not start work on the sequel. If the first book didn't sell, then we'd have something else to submit. I didn't start work on book two until we'd sold the full trilogy. So you don't have to write book two right away if you don't want to. (if you do, buy all means write away)

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THIS!! I have written 2 more books since that first one (That is being shopped but no interest yet) So glad I didn't waste time writing a sequel!!