Spy Series?
I was thinking of writing a spy series, although I'm not 100% sure on how to write a series, so I was wondering if anyone had any tips for writing a series.
Also does anyone have any ideas on name for spies? I can't seem to find the right name that fits.
Thank you!
Comments
Tips:
1. Each book in the series must stand on its own, so someone can pick up any book in the series and enjoy the book without being expected to know things from earlier books.
2. So you have to reintroduce your character(s) in each book and any other backstroy you want the reader to know.
3. Keep your facts consistent from book to book in the series. If your spy has a brother in one book, he can't be an only child in the next book.
4. There is a trend to have a story arc or two that lasts through several books in the series. Often, it's a romance or a personal mystery. Maybe in the first book, the spy meets meets a mysterious and alluring woman that he's attracted to. Maybe he meets her again in the next story and they begin a relationship that builds through later books. Or maybe the spy has a secret in his own past that he's trying to solve, and each story brings him closer to solving it. Editors seem to like story arcs, but they aren't absolutely required. Also, you can start a new story arc in a later book - you don't have to start them all at the beginning.
5. When you submit your idea to a publisher or a literary agent, you can mention that it's the first in a series, but focus on just the first book. However, make sure you have a plan for theseries and the other books in the series written out and ready to show them.