Submitting book two was even more nerve-wracking than book one. Would I be able to reproduce the things my editor loved about book one? I thought I had, but it’s impossible to judge your own work. You’re too close to it, too in love with the characters. It takes fresh eyes to make an accurate assessment. I submitted the manuscript with crossed fingers, toes and eyes (lots of computer work will do that to you).
After an anxious wait, I got the acceptance I’d been longing for. Then came the really exciting stuff of working to improve the manuscript with my lovely editor, Liz, and seeing my new cover (Frauke of CrocoDesigns does amazing work, doesn’t she?)
But wait there’s more. I mentioned a ten-book series, didn’t I? So now I’m working on book three, which will hopefully be ready to submit by the end of this month. Book four is already bubbling away somewhere in the furthest reaches of my brain. Books five to ten are also in there somewhere, but I’ll need a plentiful supply of food and good hiking boots to access them.
Okay, back to book two, which, let’s face it is, what I’m supposed to be promoting. Here is the cover and blurb.
My mother thinks my job is crazy. I’m a paranormal investigator; she’s Nancy Reagan crossed with Martha Stewart. She’s always preferred my sister, Lily, who is following in her perfect footsteps.
But this time Mom needs my special skills. She believes my stepfather is possessed. I admit he’s not his usual dapper, charming self, but sleepwalking doesn’t sound that weird. Until the sleepwalking spreads through the family and cousin Donna walks right out of her apartment window to her death. Then my sister goes missing and I have to find her and solve the mystery before Lily and her unborn child are harmed.
Normally I would have assistance, but my right hand, a hunky angel I’ve nicknamed Casper, has business of his own to take care of – business that might take him out of my life forever. The stakes are too high for me to lose, but I’m not sure I can do it alone…
So, what do you think is a good number of books for a series? Is ten too many or too little? Leave a comment and you could win a copy of either Allegra Fairweather: Paranormal Investigator or South of Salem (your choice. PDF or epub format). Two winners will be chosen.
Visit Janni at www.janninell.com
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Read an excerpt
I know EXACTLY what you mean - submitting book two was the hardest thing I've ever done :)
ReplyDeleteI think a series has a definite end date and you, the author, knows that. If it's going to take ten books for you to explore the world and take the characters to where they're going to be, then ten books it is.
Hi Janni,
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and congrats on your new release. I really enjoyed book one, and look forward to reading book two. And that cover art - awesome. :)
I think, like Nicole, it kinda depends on the story. A good series might go for fifty books, all centered on the same characters - just ask JD Robb ;).
I could totally read ten Allegra Fairweather's, good luck with them!
Em.
Nicole: Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteEmmeline: So glad you enjoyed book one. I was so lucky with the cover art. Frauke at CrocoDesigns is amazing.
3rd book all but ready to go? You're rocking! Congrats on release of South of Salem :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny.
ReplyDeleteCOngrats on the release, your books sound fantastic! And I think a series can keep on going and going as new characters are introduced.
ReplyDeleteI think that the number of books depends on where a character and a story can take you. I also think that not only to the author but to the reader the story has to feel like it finished. One series that I read originally had four books but it didn't complete the story and the fifth book eventually came out to finish it up.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, congratualtions on the release and I can't wait to read the book.
Janni, again congrats on the release of South of Salem. I love the sound of your books, and they are waiting oh so patiently on my e-TBR pile. As for the number of books in a series - I think it depends on the series, and whether a story can maintain throughout a number of books. Ten seems like a great number to have in your head as you work on subsequent books. I'm sure you will do great.
ReplyDeleteE x
Mel: I can think of some series that just won't quit. :-)
ReplyDeleteSkye: Interesting comment about a series feeling finished. I'll keep that in mind.
Eleni: Thanks for the vote of confidence.