Very cool! I’m a fan of this approach. I also hope that one day Substack adds like an “undistracted reading feature” to their app so that we can load a book in and read it more like an e-reader.
Also, if I wanted to share your whole book on Substack is there a link for that? I’ll add it to my Part2 on Serial Fiction post that I’m working on.
Boy, thanks Charlotte, that was nice to see that first comment! I’m with you on the “undistracted reading feature”; that would really help. I think what I am going to do is leave the whole book up on this section of my Substack, likely changing the name and giving it a title (FFS). The revision is going to be substantive enough that I don’t want to publish this one as an e-book or anything. That’s a long way of saying, stay tuned.
I plan to sit down and start reading today... no need to wait... only binge reading 🔥
After our discussion, I think you picked the right approach. I'm in agreement that it's become hard, if not impossible to read serially. There are two serials I have in my saved list now that I hope to get to, but I might wait until they're done to do so.
You can tell our conversation helped! I felt a little bit sad about this, likely because I didn’t want to deviate from the course I had set, but then I realized that a thoughtful course-correction is nothing to regret (or, as Emerson said, “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.”) Can’t wait to hear what you think! Don’t hesitate to lay down your opinions here, no matter where they end up. I’m ready for it!
Stupendousness, Tom. I did not know you were serializing a novel. I actually came to Substack after attending a webinar where Elle Griffin talked about serializing. I thought Substack might - eventually - become a place where my novels could exist in the world.
Remember network television? When people would watch a 24 minute episode of something they loved, get left hanging, and then have to wait an entire week to see what happened next? Yeah. People aren't willing to do that anymore. Not since "binging" became the norm. I wonder, if you ever serialized another novel on Substack, if you would consider setting aside a month to post a chapter daily until the end. That could be a cool way to engage people. You could spend a few weeks setting them up, teasing the concept, etc. And then have a "launch" day and off you'd go. I'd sign up for that. What would really be cool is if Substack offered a custom price tag authors could put on a certain project. Like a novel or podcast miniseries. It would be a one-time fee that interested readers could invest to take part in your novel, become part of your editorial team, etc.
I'll be starting at chapter 1, Tom. And I think you made a good decision here. Switching gears always feels like a mini failure when you're the one that set the gears in motion to begin with. But it's not. I have to remind myself of that...like...every day. :)
I guess that leaves me to fourth it! Seriously though, love those ideas Meg. I'd love to condense the publication into a tighter package, both in space and time ... but that wasn't in the cards for this experiment. And an experiment it was and is. I started it scarcely knowing it was going to be a novel, got mid-way through and wondered what the hell I was doing, then really felt like I found my stride by about Chapter 13. To read the whole thing will be to experience a novel and maybe a writer finding its/his way, so be warned. All I can say is, I expect the next version to be a lot sharper.
Fascinating insights Tom and always good to go with your gut.
I wonder if serializing every two weeks worked less well than releasing a chapter each week? But also, I wonder if serializing just doesn't work, period?
For example, the famous Dickens books of the 19th century were serialized, but there were no competing alternatives. You read the chapter in the newspaper because that's all there was. And then you waited a week for the next entry while trying not to die from smallpox. Needless to say, our current content ecosystem is quite different.
For my in-progress novel, I really think it's pretty good, but I also have no confidence I'll snag an agent and get a traditional publishing contract. So I'm mentally ready to release my book on Substack. If/when that happens I'll be sure to leverage your learnings.
Also, I do hope to start your book sooner rather than later!
Yeah, every two weeks wasn't ideal--but early on, it was all I could do! In my do-over, I'd publish once a week ... but no, I wouldn't! I don't really think small installments is the way to go in this content world. I'd probably publish a couple chapters on my Substack, and then see if people would buy the whole thing (wherever it was available). Meg's idea of the mini-series is right on; that could work. Thanks for reading pal.
Ha ha, I get it! Maybe I've just been reading the wrong serials? I'm still trying to stick with some and have my eye out for others to read, but I'm coming to be of the mind that Substack privileges one kind of reading (faster, episodic) while books privilege another. Could just be me.
I think you're probably right. But since my audience is still pretty small, and doesn't know any better, I think I'll keep abusing them with my current strategy for a while longer.
Here's probably the truth: some percentage of people actually *like* serialized fiction, while some percentage definitely don't. So the problem to be solved is how to serve both types of people best.
Also! Maybe the serialized-likers grow in numbers. After all, serialized fiction used to be the HBO of entertainment way back when reading was the most reliable source of dopamine.
yeah, I think you’re right. I was considering a path where I added a separate “section” that would only get emailed to people who wanted the serial fiction, but all the others could read at their own pace. Felt too confusing. But listen, I’ll read along with one of yours and let you know my experience (FWIW).
I just finished reading all the way to the end. I think the non-serialized approach really works better. I did find that I had to force myself to slow down as I got closer to the end. You had built up the tension so well that I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended!
I especially liked your development of the characters, particularly Stamper. She was original and interesting. I liked how we didn’t really know if she was “bad” or “good” until towards the end.
John, thanks so much for that thoughtful comment! I'm glad breaking out of the serial worked better for you; I was hoping that would be the case. As for Stamper, I'm not sure that SHE knew how she would turn out until close to the end--the power and control that Cascade holds out to her is tempting. That's an angle I'll be working on in my revision, this question of Stamper's drive for control and how far she's willing to take it. I need to get a little closer to what goes on inside her head.
I have to say, hearing you say you got "pulled in" is really great. As a writer, I felt sucked along by that narrative, but it's all about whether that comes through to the reader. I'm glad it did.
I was pulled along too, so yes, you kept it very interesting. My storyline has 9 Lives Mitch getting all the glory for the new methodology and a promotion to EVP whereupon he recommends an old friend as his replacement. Stamper thus leaves for the greener pastures of a new start-up taking Keith and Chris with her. Fini
A start-up seems to be the great adventure for Stamper and her buds, but you think maybe Stamper should follow Mitch up the ol' corporate ladder so she can out-do whatever he has done?
Very cool! I’m a fan of this approach. I also hope that one day Substack adds like an “undistracted reading feature” to their app so that we can load a book in and read it more like an e-reader.
Also, if I wanted to share your whole book on Substack is there a link for that? I’ll add it to my Part2 on Serial Fiction post that I’m working on.
Boy, thanks Charlotte, that was nice to see that first comment! I’m with you on the “undistracted reading feature”; that would really help. I think what I am going to do is leave the whole book up on this section of my Substack, likely changing the name and giving it a title (FFS). The revision is going to be substantive enough that I don’t want to publish this one as an e-book or anything. That’s a long way of saying, stay tuned.
Non-serious title suggestion: There's eyes all over the sky FFS.
It's as good as my working title: "The Guy in the Van" (which I've never put on the series, but may need to now)
I plan to sit down and start reading today... no need to wait... only binge reading 🔥
After our discussion, I think you picked the right approach. I'm in agreement that it's become hard, if not impossible to read serially. There are two serials I have in my saved list now that I hope to get to, but I might wait until they're done to do so.
You can tell our conversation helped! I felt a little bit sad about this, likely because I didn’t want to deviate from the course I had set, but then I realized that a thoughtful course-correction is nothing to regret (or, as Emerson said, “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.”) Can’t wait to hear what you think! Don’t hesitate to lay down your opinions here, no matter where they end up. I’m ready for it!
Stupendousness, Tom. I did not know you were serializing a novel. I actually came to Substack after attending a webinar where Elle Griffin talked about serializing. I thought Substack might - eventually - become a place where my novels could exist in the world.
Remember network television? When people would watch a 24 minute episode of something they loved, get left hanging, and then have to wait an entire week to see what happened next? Yeah. People aren't willing to do that anymore. Not since "binging" became the norm. I wonder, if you ever serialized another novel on Substack, if you would consider setting aside a month to post a chapter daily until the end. That could be a cool way to engage people. You could spend a few weeks setting them up, teasing the concept, etc. And then have a "launch" day and off you'd go. I'd sign up for that. What would really be cool is if Substack offered a custom price tag authors could put on a certain project. Like a novel or podcast miniseries. It would be a one-time fee that interested readers could invest to take part in your novel, become part of your editorial team, etc.
I'll be starting at chapter 1, Tom. And I think you made a good decision here. Switching gears always feels like a mini failure when you're the one that set the gears in motion to begin with. But it's not. I have to remind myself of that...like...every day. :)
I second all of this.
I third it.
I guess that leaves me to fourth it! Seriously though, love those ideas Meg. I'd love to condense the publication into a tighter package, both in space and time ... but that wasn't in the cards for this experiment. And an experiment it was and is. I started it scarcely knowing it was going to be a novel, got mid-way through and wondered what the hell I was doing, then really felt like I found my stride by about Chapter 13. To read the whole thing will be to experience a novel and maybe a writer finding its/his way, so be warned. All I can say is, I expect the next version to be a lot sharper.
Fascinating insights Tom and always good to go with your gut.
I wonder if serializing every two weeks worked less well than releasing a chapter each week? But also, I wonder if serializing just doesn't work, period?
For example, the famous Dickens books of the 19th century were serialized, but there were no competing alternatives. You read the chapter in the newspaper because that's all there was. And then you waited a week for the next entry while trying not to die from smallpox. Needless to say, our current content ecosystem is quite different.
For my in-progress novel, I really think it's pretty good, but I also have no confidence I'll snag an agent and get a traditional publishing contract. So I'm mentally ready to release my book on Substack. If/when that happens I'll be sure to leverage your learnings.
Also, I do hope to start your book sooner rather than later!
Yeah, every two weeks wasn't ideal--but early on, it was all I could do! In my do-over, I'd publish once a week ... but no, I wouldn't! I don't really think small installments is the way to go in this content world. I'd probably publish a couple chapters on my Substack, and then see if people would buy the whole thing (wherever it was available). Meg's idea of the mini-series is right on; that could work. Thanks for reading pal.
Well now you've got me reconsidering all my life* choices.
*serializing a novel on Substack
Ha ha, I get it! Maybe I've just been reading the wrong serials? I'm still trying to stick with some and have my eye out for others to read, but I'm coming to be of the mind that Substack privileges one kind of reading (faster, episodic) while books privilege another. Could just be me.
I think you're probably right. But since my audience is still pretty small, and doesn't know any better, I think I'll keep abusing them with my current strategy for a while longer.
Here's probably the truth: some percentage of people actually *like* serialized fiction, while some percentage definitely don't. So the problem to be solved is how to serve both types of people best.
Also! Maybe the serialized-likers grow in numbers. After all, serialized fiction used to be the HBO of entertainment way back when reading was the most reliable source of dopamine.
yeah, I think you’re right. I was considering a path where I added a separate “section” that would only get emailed to people who wanted the serial fiction, but all the others could read at their own pace. Felt too confusing. But listen, I’ll read along with one of yours and let you know my experience (FWIW).
I just finished reading all the way to the end. I think the non-serialized approach really works better. I did find that I had to force myself to slow down as I got closer to the end. You had built up the tension so well that I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended!
I especially liked your development of the characters, particularly Stamper. She was original and interesting. I liked how we didn’t really know if she was “bad” or “good” until towards the end.
A very enjoyable read!
John, thanks so much for that thoughtful comment! I'm glad breaking out of the serial worked better for you; I was hoping that would be the case. As for Stamper, I'm not sure that SHE knew how she would turn out until close to the end--the power and control that Cascade holds out to her is tempting. That's an angle I'll be working on in my revision, this question of Stamper's drive for control and how far she's willing to take it. I need to get a little closer to what goes on inside her head.
I have to say, hearing you say you got "pulled in" is really great. As a writer, I felt sucked along by that narrative, but it's all about whether that comes through to the reader. I'm glad it did.
I was pulled along too, so yes, you kept it very interesting. My storyline has 9 Lives Mitch getting all the glory for the new methodology and a promotion to EVP whereupon he recommends an old friend as his replacement. Stamper thus leaves for the greener pastures of a new start-up taking Keith and Chris with her. Fini
Chuck, thanks a lot. You’ve nailed Mitch; he’ll always pull through. But for me to sleep at night, Stamper and her friends have to win.
A start-up seems to be the great adventure for Stamper and her buds, but you think maybe Stamper should follow Mitch up the ol' corporate ladder so she can out-do whatever he has done?