[paul-garcia1 Posts: 5 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

I am currently working on my 2nd book in a character driven PB series. My question is, is it possible to write a spin-off? In my first book rocky bear is the MC and father bear is a supporting character.  I have an idea of writing a book about Father Bear's journey. 

What is the normal course for character driven PB series?


Thanks!

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 5,971 Status: Offline Language is so cool! WWW]

Many people have done similar things. Just be sure the new book appeals to the same audience. (As an example, consider Mark Brown's Arthur books. DW got her own series later.) I don't know if it works as well for book 2 in the series. Later might be better, but it can't hurt to write it now and see how it ends up.

[paul-garcia1 Posts: 5 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Thank you for the response!

[Schriscoe Posts: 2,008 Status: Offline www.sharonchriscoebooks.com WWW]

I was just asking my agent this question last week. She informed me that before a publisher would be interested in a spin pff, they would first want to see how the original book sales go first. So there is that. BUT she also told me, that there is nothing wrong with working on one and having it waiting for when the publisher is ready.

[DianaM Posts: 1,148 Status: Offline Writer, rhymer, runner, punner. WWW]

It is possible to get a two-book deal on a pb. But you wouldn't have to actually write the sequel to get the deal. The publisher would just need to see the possibility. Then you would be required to complete the sequel later. A bit of pressure there. And if the books do well, perhaps another would follow. My advice is to focus on the strength of the first manuscript.

But a "character-driven" manuscript is certainly a positive, in general.

[Schriscoe Posts: 2,008 Status: Offline www.sharonchriscoebooks.com WWW]

It is possible to get a two-book deal on a pb. But you wouldn't have to actually write the sequel to get the deal. The publisher would just need to see the possibility. Then you would be required to complete the sequel later. A bit of pressure there. And if the books do well, perhaps another would follow. My advice is to focus on the strength of the first manuscript.

But a "character-driven" manuscript is certainly a positive, in general.

 

[paul-garcia1 Posts: 5 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Great insight! Now, this brings up another question. What does good sales for a picture book look like?

[Schriscoe Posts: 2,008 Status: Offline www.sharonchriscoebooks.com WWW]

Hmmm...not sure if I am the best to answer this question seeing as my first book just released this fall, so I probably have no idea what I am talking about. BUT, here's an article I was able to dig up for you to take a look at. I'll see if I can find some more.

From my gathering the bigger the advance, the bigger the sales need to be to be considered successful. So, there may not be a clear cut number.

Hope some more members with much better knowledge jumps in to answer for you.


http://askaliteraryagent.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-many-copies-must-book-sell-to-be.html

[JodyJS Posts: 1,426 Status: Offline Preorder now! Out Jan. 7, 2020! WWW]

Great article, Sharon.

[Schriscoe Posts: 2,008 Status: Offline www.sharonchriscoebooks.com WWW]

Thanks Jody! I found it pretty interesting. Glad you liked it too.