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How To Write A Successful Series: Writing Strategies For Authors
Whether you’re a new or experienced writer, How To Write A Successful Series is a comprehensive guide that will have you writing addictive, bestselling book series that lay the foundation for a lucrative career. In How To Write A Successful Series , you’ll Packed with actionable advice, numerous examples and personal anecdotes, How To Write A Successful Series is a must-read for all authors.
302 pages, Paperback
Published August 7, 2022
83 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Helen Scheuerer
39 books5,402 followersHelen Scheuerer is the fantasy author of the bestselling series, The Oremere Chronicles, the Curse of the Cyren Queen quartet and The Legends of Thezmarr. Her work has been highly praised for its strong, flawed female characters and its action-packed plots.
Helen’s love of writing and books led her to pursue a creative writing degree and a Masters of Publishing. She has been a full-time author since 2018 and now lives amidst the mountains in New Zealand where she is constantly dreaming up new stories.
Helen’s love of writing and books led her to pursue a creative writing degree and a Masters of Publishing. She has been a full-time author since 2018 and now lives amidst the mountains in New Zealand where she is constantly dreaming up new stories.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 10, 2022
If you want to write a successful series, this book must be on your shelf. Scheuerer takes you from your initial idea through everything you need to research, plan, and execute the best series possible. Packed full of detailed tips, and strategies it really is the ultimate guide to crafting a reader-loving series. I don't just recommend this book, I insist you read it.
July 6, 2022
This book is a comprehensive guide to writing a series. It covers things I wish I'd known when I first started out, as well as useful tips to keep in mind when you're already published and starting a new series. I particularly liked how honest Helen was about some of the mistakes she made early on in her career. Her transparency is a welcome reminder that none of us are perfect, and should help to reassure newer authors that it's ok to make mistakes (but many of those mistakes can be avoided by reading this book).
October 13, 2022
Full of wisdom and practical methods to help set your series up for success.
As an author looking to start my first series, this was exactly the book I needed. Helen takes you through the whole process from research and planning, through to keeping a series bible, and how to manage your series backlist. She shares her experiences and the lessons she learned along the way. There’s tons of practical advice to help set you up for success, and it’s written in an accessible way that’s filled me to the brim with motivation. Looking forward to implementing the tools she’s shared.
As an author looking to start my first series, this was exactly the book I needed. Helen takes you through the whole process from research and planning, through to keeping a series bible, and how to manage your series backlist. She shares her experiences and the lessons she learned along the way. There’s tons of practical advice to help set you up for success, and it’s written in an accessible way that’s filled me to the brim with motivation. Looking forward to implementing the tools she’s shared.
June 23, 2022
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Note: I received an ARC and am leaving an honest, voluntary review.
What a helpful read this turned out to be! At first, I just found advice applicable to me here and there. Then the nitty gritty of series writing kicked in, and I found myself plotting spin-offs and exit strategies--two things I'd never considered before reading this book.
Quotes from multiple sources (usually popular authors) start each chapter in How to Write a Successful Series, plus some notes from author Helen Scheuerer's own journal where she recorded her publishing journey. These were helpful little morsels that carried me through the slower earlier chapters, which had information suited for stone cold beginners. Still, I found useful bits within the earlier sections here and there. This often came in the form of questions, such as whether your series has enough characters in it, and caveats (don't cram too much into book one!). I sometimes wished the author elaborated on how to find the answer to the questions she listed, but it was a lot of food for thought regardless.
Because of the later sections of this book, I'm looking at my series with fresh eyes and a new arsenal of strategies. The two sections I had the most highlights in were "Combatting Series Fatigue" and "Write Nail-Biting Sequels and Later Books." I also found the Commonly Asked Questions sections helpful. I feel more in command of my series strategy now--including that I now have one!
Note: I received an ARC and am leaving an honest, voluntary review.
What a helpful read this turned out to be! At first, I just found advice applicable to me here and there. Then the nitty gritty of series writing kicked in, and I found myself plotting spin-offs and exit strategies--two things I'd never considered before reading this book.
Quotes from multiple sources (usually popular authors) start each chapter in How to Write a Successful Series, plus some notes from author Helen Scheuerer's own journal where she recorded her publishing journey. These were helpful little morsels that carried me through the slower earlier chapters, which had information suited for stone cold beginners. Still, I found useful bits within the earlier sections here and there. This often came in the form of questions, such as whether your series has enough characters in it, and caveats (don't cram too much into book one!). I sometimes wished the author elaborated on how to find the answer to the questions she listed, but it was a lot of food for thought regardless.
Because of the later sections of this book, I'm looking at my series with fresh eyes and a new arsenal of strategies. The two sections I had the most highlights in were "Combatting Series Fatigue" and "Write Nail-Biting Sequels and Later Books." I also found the Commonly Asked Questions sections helpful. I feel more in command of my series strategy now--including that I now have one!
January 18, 2024
Words cannot describe how much I loved and appreciated having this book to read!
If you want to write a series, READ it! If you are writing a series, READ it! If you have a writer friend or you yourself like to write, BUY IT (or put it on your Christmas/Birthday/etc. wish list)!
This is by far one of the best books on writing that I have read. Helen Scheuerer is a fairly recent indie author who is still finessing her process and she isn't afraid to talk about it. Many best-selling authors could write books, host podcasts, run blogs or master classes on the subject, but I wouldn't care because they have the backing of the traditional publishing industry while Ms. Scheuerer has had to figure it out through trial and error.
This book is not a "how to" guide in the sense that it tells you "thou shalt write x books in this time frame" or "thou shalt never do this in your series," but in a sense of "here's-how-to-do-it-better-than-I-did." She gives examples from TV/Movies, Traditionally published works, independently published works, and her own series to demonstrate the different topics in different chapters. While reading this book, Ms. Scheuerer became the "older sister" figure, helping me see what she did wrong so I could avoid it and also forcing me to accept and work with some of the ideas I have that would ultimately lead to a poorer career. This book felt like it was written to help me, and I would love to see other non-fiction books from her in the future.
If you want to write a series, READ it! If you are writing a series, READ it! If you have a writer friend or you yourself like to write, BUY IT (or put it on your Christmas/Birthday/etc. wish list)!
This is by far one of the best books on writing that I have read. Helen Scheuerer is a fairly recent indie author who is still finessing her process and she isn't afraid to talk about it. Many best-selling authors could write books, host podcasts, run blogs or master classes on the subject, but I wouldn't care because they have the backing of the traditional publishing industry while Ms. Scheuerer has had to figure it out through trial and error.
This book is not a "how to" guide in the sense that it tells you "thou shalt write x books in this time frame" or "thou shalt never do this in your series," but in a sense of "here's-how-to-do-it-better-than-I-did." She gives examples from TV/Movies, Traditionally published works, independently published works, and her own series to demonstrate the different topics in different chapters. While reading this book, Ms. Scheuerer became the "older sister" figure, helping me see what she did wrong so I could avoid it and also forcing me to accept and work with some of the ideas I have that would ultimately lead to a poorer career. This book felt like it was written to help me, and I would love to see other non-fiction books from her in the future.
August 19, 2022
If you have ever wanted to write a series or if you've ever tried to write a series and struggled, this is the book for you. As someone who seems incapable of writing a standalone story, with all stories morphing into trilogies and above, I sometimes struggled with working on the overall series arc.
This book has helped massively! It covers so many topics to help you get to grips with a series, asks questions and helps you think differently. Many of the methods Helen Scheuerer gives are exactly what I needed to get over some of the typical issues I've had such as Middle Book syndrome and series plotting (not just single book plotting).
I had the ebook copy and it is now covered in highlights and bookmarks for many areas I want to go back over in more detail when I am plotting my current trilogy.
Some craft books I've read seem a little dry which makes them harder to get through as they don't grab the attention as well, even with good advice. Whereas Helen Scheuerer's book has a friendliness to it, as if she is talking to you over coffee while sharing awesome advice.
This books covers topics such as cliff hanger endings, foreshadowing, detailed characters, keeping a Series bible and much more.
NB: I was given this book as an ARC and I am leaving a honest review voluntarily.
This book has helped massively! It covers so many topics to help you get to grips with a series, asks questions and helps you think differently. Many of the methods Helen Scheuerer gives are exactly what I needed to get over some of the typical issues I've had such as Middle Book syndrome and series plotting (not just single book plotting).
I had the ebook copy and it is now covered in highlights and bookmarks for many areas I want to go back over in more detail when I am plotting my current trilogy.
Some craft books I've read seem a little dry which makes them harder to get through as they don't grab the attention as well, even with good advice. Whereas Helen Scheuerer's book has a friendliness to it, as if she is talking to you over coffee while sharing awesome advice.
This books covers topics such as cliff hanger endings, foreshadowing, detailed characters, keeping a Series bible and much more.
NB: I was given this book as an ARC and I am leaving a honest review voluntarily.
August 17, 2022
I didn't know what to expect with this book since it's written for authors and I am an editor, but I wanted to read it because everything Helen writes is brilliant. That said, it was fantastic. Divided into 6 sections and 27 chapters, she covers quite a lot of ground with clear examples and concise explanations. I almost feel like I could write my own series now. (Which would make my parents happy and likely horrify everyone else, but I digress...)
What was most useful to me was the way Helen posed questions about different aspects of the story, the way she explained how to use foreshadowing and open loops, ways to write compelling characters, and best practices for cliffhangers (who knew?) - these are all questions and concepts I look for when editing, except she just made my job easier by explaining it for me. I'm excited to use this book as a reference when I'm working with new authors. I think it will help me identify problems and explain how to find solutions.
While I'm not much of a non-fiction reader, I've been trying to challenge myself to read more craft books. This one deserves to be on that list. I recommend it to all beginning authors, those who have been writing for a while and want to fine-tune their processes, and yes, even editors.
What was most useful to me was the way Helen posed questions about different aspects of the story, the way she explained how to use foreshadowing and open loops, ways to write compelling characters, and best practices for cliffhangers (who knew?) - these are all questions and concepts I look for when editing, except she just made my job easier by explaining it for me. I'm excited to use this book as a reference when I'm working with new authors. I think it will help me identify problems and explain how to find solutions.
While I'm not much of a non-fiction reader, I've been trying to challenge myself to read more craft books. This one deserves to be on that list. I recommend it to all beginning authors, those who have been writing for a while and want to fine-tune their processes, and yes, even editors.
July 3, 2022
This is one of the most useful author resources I've ever found. The author shares excellent insights on various aspects of series writing, from planning it to using open loops and cliffhangers to coming up with the perfect series ending. I highlighted so many helpful details that my highlights exceeded the limit of what I was allowed to export from my Kindle! I anticipate returning to this book multiple times as I continue to work on my current series - there are so many great points that I want to refer back to. I wish I'd read it years ago, before I wrote my first two series, but I'm thankful to have it now! I cannot recommend How to Write a Successful Series highly enough for any author working on or planning to write a series.
August 11, 2022
This non-fiction is honestly one of the best books to read if you want to gain confidence in your writing. Helen takes the reader through the steps that have made her series so successful, and lays the foundation for the reader to do the same with their own projects.
There is so much information, I truly believe this will become any author's go-to guide when they're tackling a series. Helen writes not only for the plotters, but also the 'pantsers' of the author world. So not matter which approach works for you, you'll get all of the answers here.
I have a paperback copy coming for my own use, but you can also get this incredible book in hardback or e-book form. No matter which format you choose, you can't go wrong with this at your side!
There is so much information, I truly believe this will become any author's go-to guide when they're tackling a series. Helen writes not only for the plotters, but also the 'pantsers' of the author world. So not matter which approach works for you, you'll get all of the answers here.
I have a paperback copy coming for my own use, but you can also get this incredible book in hardback or e-book form. No matter which format you choose, you can't go wrong with this at your side!
January 1, 2024
This book was a very insightful and well organized resource. While I knew a lot of the information already, Scheuerer presented it in a way I hadn't thought of before. Like I knew the info more intuitively, and she put it into words so that I could understand the why of something better and see where there were gaps in my strategy.
I definitely recommend this book to those just starting out with writing a series because I think it would be an invaluable tool to get things right the first time.
I'll be implementing some of the advice in the last book of my current series, and I think I have a better idea of what to write next, which is always appreciated!
I definitely recommend this book to those just starting out with writing a series because I think it would be an invaluable tool to get things right the first time.
I'll be implementing some of the advice in the last book of my current series, and I think I have a better idea of what to write next, which is always appreciated!
August 11, 2022
This is so good I am actually reading it again. It's got so much advice about how to get longevity from a series and the author is so open about what she did or did not do to get there. It's so clear and informative. I find myself stopping a lot to take notes, put it that way. I'm so pleased with this one. Thanks a million!
August 14, 2022
I loved this book. As an author myself, I found it eye-opening and illuminating and it really made me think about how I can work on my current and future series moving forwards.
It has lots of helpful information, broken down in a clear, concise, and entertaining read. There are lots of takeaways which I’m still unpicking and thinking about!
It has lots of helpful information, broken down in a clear, concise, and entertaining read. There are lots of takeaways which I’m still unpicking and thinking about!
September 26, 2022
I’m about to start a new series, so this came at a great time. This is not a detailed craft book. What this is is a solid set reminders, things to consider when planning a series. I’m going to go over this again, try and crib up some short notes to provide a framework of what rang true with me. An excellent starting point when building a new series.
December 5, 2022
A Must-Read for Series Writers
How to Write a Successful Series: Writing Strategies for Authors is a must read for anyone writing or considering writing a series
of books.
Scheuerer provides comprehensive strategies for maintaining long-running projects, packed with lived examples from her own indie author journey.
An informative and enjoyable read.
How to Write a Successful Series: Writing Strategies for Authors is a must read for anyone writing or considering writing a series
of books.
Scheuerer provides comprehensive strategies for maintaining long-running projects, packed with lived examples from her own indie author journey.
An informative and enjoyable read.
August 28, 2024
Saw her chat with Rachael Herron on her podcast, and remembered this title when I was doing research on series writing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK_eH...
She has some great advice here, and some things I have not heard elsewhere…I also had a blinding revelation about some works of my own while I was reading this. Awesome.
4 stars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK_eH...
She has some great advice here, and some things I have not heard elsewhere…I also had a blinding revelation about some works of my own while I was reading this. Awesome.
4 stars
August 11, 2022
How to Write a Successful Series is a comprehensive guide, helping novices and seasoned authors alike conceive, complete, and sell a marketable series. Any writer who is thinking of writing a series needs to read this book!
December 3, 2023
While this book had some useful tips, this is not for beginners. I was looking for guidance on planning and writing my first series/trilogy and whilst there are bits and pieces here I can use, a lot of it is for more established, perhaps even published writers.
March 4, 2023
Excellent guide to series writing for both planners and discovery writers.
April 23, 2023
Helpful and A quick read
This book was addicting to read and fast. Has so much useful information for writing a series. Great for newbies.
This book was addicting to read and fast. Has so much useful information for writing a series. Great for newbies.
August 13, 2023
Well, this has given me A LOT to think about. Thank you, Helen!
November 30, 2023
Not the definitive be-all and end-all, but a very thought-provoking book that got my creative brain flowing in a few new directions.
December 18, 2023
I enjoy the insight of how to write a series. It goes over the process. It's not a how to book that covers each step in detail. Gives a basis.
January 3, 2024
Crammed packed with useful information. I can’t wait to read the next one!
January 8, 2024
If you are thinking of writing a series, Helen’s book is a MUST. She covers all the bases for whatever type of series you are considering, and every aspect of what’s involved. Loved it!
July 13, 2024
Absolutely laughable 😂
June 5, 2025
Edit: updated to 5 stars, because I keep referring to this book and I can see just how much better it's made my series. I've also read two popular series that have gone downhill (public opinion agrees) and they made fundamental mistakes that this book would have 100% prevented.
Recommended to a new author friend and he's getting a ton of value from it, too.
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Writing my first duology and this book was great- took a ton of notes and have a much better system for now and many years in the future. Very excited to read her book on launching a successful series next.
Recommended to a new author friend and he's getting a ton of value from it, too.
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Writing my first duology and this book was great- took a ton of notes and have a much better system for now and many years in the future. Very excited to read her book on launching a successful series next.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews