I follow a lot of authors on Facebook. One of those traditionally published authors just released her second book, a sequel to her debut young adult novel. I really enjoyed her first book and I’m very much looking forward to reading the second.
Today, she posted an answer to the question: Will there be a third book in the series?
Her response surprised me. She said that there would only be a third book if the second book did well and if her publishing company bought a third book. She went on to explain that publishing is a business and a third book depended solely on how well the second book sells.
As proud as I am to be an independent author and to exclusively own the rights to my own books, of course, I’ve always harbored a bit of envy for those authors who’ve been traditionally published. I want my books to have the same recognition, the same level of success, as books that have been released by big publishing houses. It’s a long shot to be sure, but I believe that it can be done. It has been done.
What really got me thinking, however, was the part about how a third book would only happen if the second book did well. Even if the story, the characters, demand more, if there aren’t sales to back it up, the saga ends with book two. Now, I’m fairly certain her second book will do just as well as the first and that a third one is all but guaranteed (at least I hope… I really liked her first book!), but her answer made me realize just how much freedom I have as an independent author as opposed to an author bound to the revenue and regulations of a big publishing company.
It doesn’t matter how well my books sell. I’m free to write whatever I want. Cemetery Tours 3 could not sell a single copy and I’d still be able to write and publish Cemetery Tours 4. As an independent author, yes, I’d like to make money and yes, I’d like for this to be my career and my livelihood. I want to spend the rest of my life writing books. But I’m free to write for myself. I am able to write the stories I want to write, not because of money or ratings or success, but because it’s a story that needs to be written. As of right now, the story is incomplete, and until it’s finished, I’m going to keep writing. And I realize now that I am so lucky to be able to keep writing. As an author, I’m limitless. We all are. And isn’t that the way art, passion, life itself, are supposed to be?
A Platform of Sorts 
I’m self published, but look at all of mine that way too. When one gets popular I may write a sequel. If not, I’ll try something new.
I think that is a smart way to look at it. I just have to finish the story. 🙂
I really am looking forward to writing new things. I want to be diverse as a writer! 🙂
I honestly believe that starting fresh each time has made me a better writer. I don’t have settings and characters to relax with. I have to get new ones on the page, and I think I’m stronger for it.
I think that’s very good advice. I know even when I’m writing my sequels, I’m dreaming of new books and stories.
Why do publishers do that? Like contracts and stuff?
I guess so. If it doesn’t make enough money, it’s not worth investing in.
Well do they stipulate how much money it has to make?
I don’t know.
I feel like financial success should be one of many factors. In a perfect world, yes, it would be all about the art, but I understand people have bills to pay. That said, it shouldn’t be the only consideration. If you aren’t following your dreams and passion with a story, it will show. And maybe you have a small group of fans that really find meaning in your work. That doesn’t mean any less. In some ways it’s nice having the ability to connect with everyone who reaches out to you. I know whenever I get down about not making enough money or selling books I think of Vincent van Gogh or the myriad of other artists who kept creating when everyone else would tell them to stop. Sometimes, making something beautiful is a reward in itself. And I bet Van Gogh’s grandmother lived to regret throwing his paintings in the trash 🙂
I agree with everything!
😀