When starting a new project, one big question many writers ask is: How long should I make this?
This decision affects everything, from your writing process to how you eventually promote your work. And that leads to the next question: Should I write a series or a standalone?
What Makes a Series Different from a Standalone?
A standalone novel tells a complete story in one book. Think of it like a movie. Everything wraps up by the final page. Your main character grows and changes. The central conflict gets resolved. Readers feel satisfied without needing another book.
A series, on the other hand, spreads the story across multiple books. You have three main types:
Multi-book series carry one big story across several volumes. Each book ends with some resolution, but the main plot continues. Think Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings.
Episodic series feature the same characters in different adventures. Each book stands alone, but readers love following familiar faces. Most mystery and romance series work this way.
Connected standalones share a world or setting but focus on different main characters. You can read them in any order.
Genre also influences what you write. Literary fiction leans toward standalones. Fantasy, mystery, and romance often go for several books.
Benefits and Drawbacks of A Standalone
Standalone novels give you plenty of creative freedom. You can experiment with different genres, writing styles, tones, and themes without worrying about consistency across multiple books. Each book is a clean slate.
This flexibility is especially helpful during the early stages of your writing journey. It gives you room to grow and test ideas without the pressure of a larger commitment.
You only need to focus on one storyline, one set of character arcs, and one timeline. There’s no need to track ongoing plots or plan long-term developments.
That usually means a faster writing process and a shorter path to publication. You’re not locked into long-term planning or tied to reader expectations beyond one book.
Drawbacks
Every new book is a fresh beginning, which means you’re starting from zero each time. New idea, new world, new cast, new marketing push.
Once a reader finishes, there’s nothing else for them to immediately jump into. Unless they actively seek out your other titles, they may move on and forget your name. That makes building long-term reader loyalty more challenging.
You also have less space to build rich, complex worlds or explore side characters in depth.
Benefits and Drawbacks of A Series
Writing a series allows you to build a loyal and growing audience. Once readers connect with your characters, your world, or your style, they’ll often follow you through every book.
Each installment renews a reader’s interest. This makes it easier to create long-term momentum around your work.
A series also gives you room to stretch out your storytelling. New books mean new opportunities to add detail to your world and its characters. That extra space can lead to a more nuanced story that unfolds naturally over time.
From a publishing perspective, series often perform better. Each new book boosts the visibility of earlier titles, keeping them in circulation longer. You don’t need to convince readers to care about a whole new world; they’re already in.
A well-planned series can build a fan base that supports your entire catalog. In some genres, like fantasy, mystery, or romance, readers even expect a series format. This can mean a steady income stream.
Drawbacks
Still, writing a series comes with a serious commitment. You’re tied to the same story, world, and characters for years.
If you get bored, lose passion, or shift interests, it can be hard to pivot. If the early books are already published, you can’t easily go back and make changes.
As your series grows, so do expectations. Readers want each book to be consistent but fresh. You need to track details across multiple books and make sure each book has a satisfying payoff.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
So, how do you choose? Here are the main things to look at:
Start with your story idea.
Does your plot fit neatly within one book? Can you wrap up the main conflict in 300 to 400 pages without rushing or cutting corners? If so, you’re probably working with a standalone.
If your story has multiple layers, long arcs, or subplots that need time to unfold, it may be better suited to a series.
Next, look at your characters.
Some characters are made for long-term development. They grow slowly, change across time, and face evolving challenges. Others are built for one strong arc.
If your character has a deep, emotional journey in an expanding world, they’ll probably need multiple books to reach their full potential. If their transformation feels complete by the end of one book, a standalone may be the better fit.
Then, consider your genre.
Genre plays a big part. Fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and romance often lean toward series. Readers in these genres love coming back to familiar worlds and characters.
Standalone stories are more common in literary fiction, historical fiction, and thrillers. These genres tend to focus on tight, self-contained stories.
That doesn’t mean you can’t break the pattern. But it’s smart to know what readers expect.
Think about your writing and publishing goals.
If your goal is to grow a loyal readership and publish quickly, a series gives you a head start. Each book builds on the last, keeping your backlist alive and attracting new readers. Series are also easier to promote since readers who enjoy one book are likely to pick up the next.
If you want to explore different styles, themes, or genres, standalones offer more freedom. You’re not boxed into one world or tone. You can write something fresh every time.
Be honest about your personal preference.
This might be the most important. Do you enjoy writing in the same world for years? Or do you get excited by new settings and fresh plots?
There’s no perfect answer. The best choice depends on the story you want to tell and the kind of writer you are or are trying to be.
What If the Story Changes?
You might start writing a standalone and realize there’s more to tell. That’s okay. Many projects start that way.
If you’re still undecided, consider the “stealth pilot” approach. Write your book as a complete standalone, but leave room for potential sequels. Don’t end on a cliffhanger. Instead, plant small seeds that you can expand on later.
You can also explore companion novels. These are standalones set in the same world. Readers don’t need to follow a strict order, but they still get that familiar setting or tone. It’s a great way to build a connected body of work without committing to a tightly linked series.
Some authors do both successfully. They write a mix of standalones and series, depending on the story they want to tell. This helps them build range and avoid burnout.
Do you prefer writing a series or a standalone? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- The Expanded Universe: Why Creators Grow a Series Beyond Its Source Material
- How to Write a Series: 8 Steps for Turning Your Bestselling Idea into Multiple Books
- The Shared Universe: Why Writers Blend Multiple Stories
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
