In my last blog post, we looked at how to start writing a sequel to an existing book. In this week’s blog post, we will be continuing this, looking at some additional tips to make your sequel successful. We will start by quickly reviewing when you might write a sequel, as well as some of the problems you might face while writing and releasing one. We will then move on to look at how to write a sequel, for example, making sure it is both in the spirit of and distinct from your first book, considering its characters, and making sure the overall arc works. This last one is particularly important if you plan to write a trilogy or even a whole series.
Why Write a Sequel?
So, why have a sequel? There are a few different reasons. Firstly, you might always have intended your book to have a sequel. For example, if it ended up being a lot longer than you thought, you could take some of this content out and use it in the sequel, or split it into two books if there is a logical breaking point. Alternatively, you might get to the end of the book and just feel that there could be more to the story. You could then create entirely new storylines with your characters and settings. In addition, you might have one book that has been much more of a commercial success than others, so it would make sense to write a sequel to this if you have inspiration.
Problems with Sequels
One of the main problems with writing a sequel is making sure it lives up to the expectations set by the previous book. If buyers read and enjoyed the first book, they will be expecting the sequel to be equally good. Here, you have to strike a balance between keeping everything that made the first book great and still making it a different story. There is also the issue of marketing a sequel. You will want to make sure that your previous readers know that it is a sequel. On the other hand, you still need to attract new readers, making it clear that it is a sequel so that they can read the first book beforehand if this is necessary.
We will now look at how to write a sequel and some tips to keep in mind.
Make the Sequel Different
As a sequel generally means that the first book sold well and readers enjoyed it, it makes sense to try to keep whatever they liked about it present in the sequel. You can do this by identifying what worked about the first book and applying it to the sequel. Check reviews to see what readers appreciated about the first book, noting this down to get an idea of what type of book your sequel should be. For example, if the readers commented that they liked the action scenes, you would want to ensure you stay writing in a similar style in the sequel. Similarly, if the writing in your first book is humorous, it makes sense to keep this tone for the next one.
However, you don’t want your sequel to be too similar to the first book – after all, your audience has already read this! Instead, try to keep to the style as explained above, but make sure the story as a whole is completely different. One way to change things up is to move the setting of your book. For example, if your first book takes place in a bustling metropolitan city, think about where else your characters could go that makes sense with the world you have created. You could also give your characters different goals so that they are aiming for something new. Try to up the stakes, especially if you can tie this into the previous book. For example, achieving the goals of the previous book could lead to complications in the sequel.
Characters
Before you plan your sequel, you have to make a decision about the characters. You can either keep your existing characters or start afresh with new ones. If you continue with the characters from your last book, then there is the advantage that your readers will already be familiar with them and might buy the book just to find out what happens to them. On the other hand, having new characters can help to make your sequel distinct from the last book. You could still have cameos from old characters! You could compromise by developing some minor characters from the first book to be the main characters of your sequel. This gives readers familiarity and something new at the same time.
Complete Arc
Another thing to bear in mind when you are writing a sequel is that it needs to make sense as part of an overall arc with the first book (and any later sequels). If you always planned to write a series, you will likely have some idea of how it will end and the important events to take place in each book. If you only decide to have a sequel after the first book has been published, you will have to go back and think about how you can use elements of the first book to create an overall arc and ensure the series as a whole works seamlessly.
Wrapping Up
I hope that this helps you to plan your sequel and get it underway. In my next blog post, we will be looking at overcoming writer’s block in nonfiction, so come back in two weeks for that!
Want help proofreading your work? Contact Carmine Proofreading for a friendly, professional service from a qualified proofreader.
Email: CarmineProofreading@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarmineProofed
Carmine Proofreading 