Series vs. Standalones
Reader PTSD. Essay. 700 words, 4-minute read.
Series vs. Standalones
By Ray Tabler
Kirk or Picard? Boxers or briefs? Pineapple on pizza, or not?
Great, unresolved questions of our time.
To which I will add, Series or standalone books? Which are better? As a reader, and as a writer.
Logically, this should be a simple question, from a reader’s point of view. Preference for an on-going story, stretched over a number of books, versus the more-compact tale, begun and ended in one volume, is probably a personal matter. Much like boxers or briefs. However, events have intervened to complicate the issue.
A certain very popular fantasy series has been hanging fire on its next installment for some years now. I come not to praise GRR Martin (or to denigrate him), but to use him as an example. The delay between his last book and the next one in the Song of Ice and Fire series has rippled through the genre, causing many to rethink reading choices.
Anecdotal evidence (people I’ve spoken to) indicates that readers are now reluctant to start a series until the darned thing is already finished. Not only will this precaution rule out the author losing interest partway through (or, God forbid, dying before completion), but the reader can pick up the next installment without waiting for it to be published. This situation must have knock-on effects at publishers, as well. Think about buying a ticket for a train trip when the tracks to your destination have yet to be laid. Publishers are, supposedly, in the business to make money. A train full of angry customers at the “end of track” sign is definitely bad for repeat business.
The fate of a writer is, to a large degree, controlled by his publisher(s). If the publisher is gun shy about committing to an unfinished series, the writer is compelled to deliver the complete set, up front. Unless the author is famous enough to do what he wants, regardless. See above example.
Even though series have been dominant over the past few decades (Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc...), the current situation seems to incentivize standalone novels. Both readers and publishers are of this mood, however long it will last. As a writer, I have little choices but to follow where the eyeballs and the money lead.
Personally, this is not a problem for me. I have come to terms with the fact that I am a discovery writer (a pantser, to use the playfully derogatory term). I write by the seat of my pants, eschewing the benefits of knowing where the story is going before I start typing. Even when I have an inkling of the destination, the plot is often hijacked by willful characters along the way. I simply lack the fortitude to wrestle control back away from my mental creations.
The pantser/planner debate aside, it is easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle, than for a pantser to write a series. We simply do not possess the discipline to plot out a story over a series of books. The standalone is usually the most we can manage. If a pantser attempts a series, its likely to be a picaresque, a sequence of somewhat-related adventures.
That said, I have somehow managed to accidentally leave room at the end of each of my novels to carry on the story, should anyone be interested. This wasn’t intentional, rather happy accidents. So, if series regain their former glory, I will adapt. Or if any publishers take an interest, I will sure as God made little green apples type them up a sequel, or three. 😉
END.
This piece is shorter than normal for me. I apologize. Last week, I tripped over a table leg, and picked a fight with a concrete floor. I did get one, good punch in (at something) on the way down, and broke my right hand. Typing with several fingers immobilized is an interesting experience. But, in the words of an SNL skit about Sigfried an Roy, “Vee go on.”
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I hope you feel better Ray. And YOU have a series here on Substack which I look forward to reading each next installment. As for larger novels it’s probably best to write one offs for all the reasons you mentioned.
Pineapple on pizza is UNRESOLVED?? Good grief. Marmalade on fish fingers, now, there's a question for the ages