I was very excited about my new Books on the Beach series. A good deal of time and effort went into creating Dickens Island situated in the Long Island Sound between Long Island and Connecticut, and its many residents. The series featured history, mystery, a bit of romance and murders.
Death on Dickens Island came out in October of 2025 in e-book, hardcover, paperback, audio, and large print. It received many wonderful reviews. However, the sales numbers weren't as good as those of my last series. When I finally got an answer to my question: Will I be getting a contract for the next book in the series, which I'd been writing, it wasn't what I had hoped to hear.
I was very disappointed that my publisher didn't choose to continue my new series. I knew there were distribution problems industry-wide the year my book came out. I also knew that other authors had received the same unwanted news
When I shared the news about the end of my series on Facebook, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of readers who told me they'd read and liked Death on Dickens Island and were looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Many readers and authors suggested that I self-publish the rest of the series. In fact, one writer friend whose series had been canceled, sent me detailed advice on how to self-publish, the route that she'd chosen.
I considered my choices as I continued to write the second Dickens Island book--slower than usual since I didn't have a contract to spur me on. I thought I might start an entirely new series as a friend had chosen to do, but quickly scotched that idea. I loved my Books on the Beach series. I loved my characters and had plenty of adventures in store for them. Why give up on something so dear to my heart?
For a short while I planned to self-publish future books in the series. I would have complete control of distribution and sales. I would also have to hire people to edit, create covers, and format the various editions--not something I wanted to do at this stage of my life.
And so, I accepted the offer extended to me by Rowan Prose Publishing to not only publish Devil on Dickens Island, the next Book on the Beach, but the third book, Deceit on Dickens Island, as well! I want to write the books I enjoy writing. And as long as there are readers who want to read them, I'm happy to sit at my computer and get out the pages.
Fellow writers: do you choose to continue a series that's been canceled, or do you choose to start another series?
I'm so glad you're going to continue the series!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather.
DeleteCongrats on finding a home for your series. I'm not in a position to comment on your question, but I've known authors to start a new series, self-publish, find a new publisher, as you did, or throw up their hands in frustration and quit writing.
ReplyDeleteJim, The many options open to us. You do a fantastic job of handling your own books. I could never do all that.
DeleteCongrats on finding a new publisher. If you still feel like you "have" to write it and it's a strong series, keep on with it! Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathleen. I'm at the stage of my life where I'm going to write what I want to write.
DeleteWhat a relief that Dickens Island gets to live on, Marilyn. Thanks for the encouraging reminder to keep writing what we love!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah. I'm a strong believer in writing what you love. I think it comes through to one's readers.
DeleteCongrats but are they going to be released as audiobooks as well
ReplyDeleteI think they will be released as audiobooks.
DeleteI will read a series till the end Thank you for finding a way to continue the series. Deborah
ReplyDeleteDeborah, That's nice to know from an author's perspective.
DeleteOver the years, there are many series that I have enjoyed and have hoped to continue with but don’t find sequels. Sometimes they have been the first in what was supposed to be the beginning of a series. Other times there are already several with an indication that they would continue.
ReplyDeleteIn these cases the reader (me) has been equally frustrated because we don’t know why the next book hasn’t appeared. Is it a writer who needs more time or perhaps someone who is juggling several writing commitments? Is it a lack of interest among readers or the author?
Has the publisher decided that the demand is for a different type of book or has just lost interest.
The reader never knows what goes on behind the ‘pages’. Perhaps if we did there would be some way of supporting the author or encouraging the publisher to reconsider their decision by indicating that the interest is there.
If authors could publicize in forums like this that a series is ending not because they no longer want to write it but because the publisher no longer wants to continue with it, it might provide an incentive for the readers to show that there is still a demand for it
There are several series that I used to read that ended abruptly and now, a number of them have reappeared. Several years have elapsed since the original books came out and I have found that sometimes
‘you can’t go home again’. It is just harder to reconnect with the characters and their circumstances when so much time has passed.
Thanks for sharing how a reader feels when a series suddenly ends. I would think the ending usually is the publisher's decision.
DeleteI've done both. It depends on the circumstances. Sometimes it's just time to pivot to something new.
ReplyDeleteAnnette, I can see situations when starting a new series is the better idea. I have left two series and wish I had the time to return to them.
DeleteIt depends. I was always advised to write something new... but sometimes the fan base demands another book or two ... an alternate means of publishing.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think each case is different.
DeleteMarilyn, I am so glad you found a new home for your series. Like you I’ve had series end, and though I would like to keep writing about my beloved characters, the whole thought of self publishing is overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteShari, So many of us have had the experience of a series ending too soon. I marvel at how some authors can self publish and undertake all that's required to publish a book.
DeleteHi Marilyn I’m so glad you can continue your new series. I am still hoping they bring you back to Sachem Library. I’d love to attend more of your classes. Best of luck!
ReplyDelete