Would a Serial Novel Be a Good Idea?
I’m thinking about serializing the next novel. Basically, just post updates as I go, chapter by chapter. The end result would be the same. When I’m done I’d post it for $2.99 on Amazon, Smashwords, etc. It’s just readers would be able to read it online for free as I created it.
I’m trying to figure out if this is a good idea or not, so here comes the brainstorm. 🙂
Good points. This would be different for me, and different can sometimes inspire new ideas. Maybe comments people give could even point me in a whole new direction. And the few readers who look forward to my work (I know you’re out there somewhere) could have something to read in episodes (kinda).
Bad points. I’m sure there’s readers out there that would rather just have a complete book. Maybe the mystique of creating a book (if there is such a thing) would be gone if I posted serialized content. I can’t exactly put it into words, but I’m afraid a serialized novel could backfire somehow, although I couldn’t tell you how. 🙂
What do you guys think? Would you read a novel, for free online, in serial format? A chapter here and there?
February 29, 2012 @ 4:06 pm
I really do love your books & the worlds you create & I understand what you’re trying to do but personally I’d rather read the finished book I’m just to impatient to wit & see what happens in the next chapter.
February 29, 2012 @ 4:59 pm
Yeah I see that point. I could see myself getting irritated with waiting for an update, if I was reading a book on another site.
February 29, 2012 @ 9:35 pm
I’ve done this on fictionpress. I did it with my first book and am currently doing it with my second. My sense is that most people really don’t like to read that way. A lot of the people who have told me that they loved my first book and are eagerly waiting for the second are waiting, not reading as I write. And the feedback — although I love and appreciate my readers — tends to not be useful because the readers can’t see the big picture. If I get a review that says, oh, I don’t like that character, it’s not really helpful when I know that the character is going to be evolving. I suppose it’s a little helpful when people mention something that confuses them, but mostly comments are things like “update soon!” and that’s nice, but…well, doesn’t change anything. For me, the best part is that it keeps me writing. Knowing that someone is waiting for the next 2000 words motivates me on a bad day. But I am pretty sure I won’t be posting my third book in parts.
March 1, 2012 @ 8:21 am
This is great stuff, things I never thought about. After I finish a story, I do my best to get it beta read and corrected as much as possible. Much of that would go out when posting directly online as well.
February 29, 2012 @ 10:38 pm
As much as I look forward to reading your next book, I’d rather wait to buy and read (or beta read! 🙂 the whole book all at once. I vote “no” for serializing.
March 1, 2012 @ 8:22 am
If you want, you will be beta reading for a long time.
March 2, 2012 @ 12:33 pm
Just bought A Witch to Live, cant’ wait to go home after work to read it!
Anyways, I’m in the same boat with the others. I pretty much have gone through your other three novels in one sitting. So breaking it apart in updates would probably leave me itching and annoyed for the next chapter.
March 2, 2012 @ 3:26 pm
Let me know how you like A Witch to Live. So far, one review, and it was good. 🙂
Yeah I’ve gotten more votes for “finish the novel” more than anything else.
March 4, 2012 @ 1:25 am
I’ve always wondered about doing this for beta and alpha versions of books. Getting trusted readers opinions as you go. Don’t know how well it will work in full public eye though.
March 5, 2012 @ 3:45 am
I’d rather read it as a novel that has been checked. This idea sometimes works for authors but it’s really hit and miss from what I can see. If you make a major mistake in the early chapters you aren’t going to be able to go back and fix it…
March 5, 2012 @ 6:33 am
You probably could fix it, but it would be hard to say “Hey guys, I majorly reworked Chapter 1. Go check it out.” and really expect anyone to do so. 🙂