Prequel or Sequel?

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VampObsessed's avatar
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Hi there. As you all know, I just signed a publishing deal for my book which should be released sometime by the end of 2013. I haven't been contracted to write another book, but I've been strongly urged; especially if it's related to my current novel. Here's my question, should I write a prequel or a sequel?

I have ideas for both, but am not sure which direction I should go in. I am curious as to which readers enjoy more? As a reader myself, I prefer sequels, because I find prequels a boring lead up to characters already established. In my book, however, I never established my main character; he's pretty much a mystery and almost nothing is known about his past. Then again, I left my novel with a pretty big cliff hanger of which I always planned on writing a sequel to.

All opinions welcomed and appreciated!
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DorianHarper's avatar
I was just dropping by to see if I could get any more information on your book (the publishing company I used to work for before switching to my current one runs a blog on new and small press released books coming out and reviews them in articles on their blog once they are released and I was going to send over a mention on your book to the blog team) and saw this!

Mainly to answer anything before you start writing either, sequels and prequels are usually requested by the publisher (not pitched by the author). It goes by the number of sales that your book ends up receiving. If your book brings in enough sales and receives enough interest for another, the publisher will contact you and ask if it's possible to work on one. Sure it would be great to have one to whip out and say you already have finished, but at the same time, having a manuscript that will never see the light of day can be a downer.

Just wait and see what your publisher requests after your book has been in print ;) You won't have much time to be writing during the pre-publishing process anyway! Lots of edits to do, lots of contact with the marketing teams and design team (if your publisher gives you some say in design, not all do-- most don't), etc. You've got at least a year before you've got to worry!