I'm serializing my novel Lamb right now - still early days with only 4 episodes so far. Marked drop off in metrics each week, which I've seen in other's serials as well, but still a lot of great feedback and support. I'd like to think as time goes on, some new subscribers will go back and read from the beginning, but I'm also exploring posting on other platforms (like Wattpad - Meg Oolders and Michael Estrin both won Watty Awards) and maybe later self-publishing it with more material. There are so many avenues you can go with it. You might also reach out to Ben Wakeman at Catch & Release who is serializing Harmony House right now, and Alexander Ipfelkofer with his Chronicles of Samuel Carter.
I never thought about it but now I am! I have been writing a book called "Beyond the Mic;
My 7 years as General Manager of the Laugh Factory Comedy Club." I have incorporated some of my chapters in my posts when they are relevant. Now you have me thinking. Thank you! sabrinalabow.substack.com
I came here to point you to Mr. Troy Ford's serializing of "Lamb"--which is a really good story, beautifully crafted and starts here: https://mrtroyford.substack.com/p/we-regret-to-inform-you. I await the next installment with great anticipation and gobble each one up. And the same with Ben Wakeman's Harmony House. A terrific story (with a bonus recorded element--which, if you know me, you know I love--whose production value is insanely good). It starts here: https://www.catchrelease.net/p/harmony-house-episode-01.
I hope these projects have been / will continue to be worth it to them and would like to hear updates. I'm thinking of serializing a memoir--the tale of a journey by backpack a decade and a half ago.
Ooh following. I haven’t done this, but I have a book contract, and will be sharing some pages as I work on them in my newsletter. I also have another book in progress and I’m curious abt using my substack to help move that work along in the future. I’d love to see how this worked out for others.
Cara, that's exactly what I'm doing--using my Substack to explore and expand upon the topics in my forthcoming book while building out some author recognition. Probably the best marketing decision I ever made, because I love writing the newsletter and am deepening my knowledge in the field I'll be published in next year. I'm a firm believer that "content" is "marketing."
I am serializing my novel here. I put it behind a paywall as it is my best content that took the longest to create. It has been received well for the most part, for those willing to take a look at it. I’ve even had a couple of paid subscribers which surprised me. I am more focused on creating something I want to exist than writing with the hope to develop a following.
Not a novel, but I am serializing a story. One of my readers called it "If Carrie Bradshaw met Charles Dickens and started a serialized column" (can there BE any higher praise!?)
Folks are telling me they can't WAIT for Wednesday mornings to read the next installment.
The story is about how I met my Sister Exes, women with whom I have bonded over our mutual mistake, and the LIES we learned he told when we started to compare notes.
Kimberly Warner of Unfixed is serializing her memoir and it's a story "I can't put down". I WISH I could read it all in one big gulp. Waiting each week for the next instalment after reading a chapter is hard! It's my favourite on Substack hands down.
✏️ Has anyone serialized their novel through Substack? How did you get it started and was it worth it?
I'm serializing my novel Lamb right now - still early days with only 4 episodes so far. Marked drop off in metrics each week, which I've seen in other's serials as well, but still a lot of great feedback and support. I'd like to think as time goes on, some new subscribers will go back and read from the beginning, but I'm also exploring posting on other platforms (like Wattpad - Meg Oolders and Michael Estrin both won Watty Awards) and maybe later self-publishing it with more material. There are so many avenues you can go with it. You might also reach out to Ben Wakeman at Catch & Release who is serializing Harmony House right now, and Alexander Ipfelkofer with his Chronicles of Samuel Carter.
I never thought about it but now I am! I have been writing a book called "Beyond the Mic;
My 7 years as General Manager of the Laugh Factory Comedy Club." I have incorporated some of my chapters in my posts when they are relevant. Now you have me thinking. Thank you! sabrinalabow.substack.com
Although it's a memoir, not a novel, I recommend Cured by Sarah Fay here as a great example.
Yes, this is another great serial example!
I came here to point you to Mr. Troy Ford's serializing of "Lamb"--which is a really good story, beautifully crafted and starts here: https://mrtroyford.substack.com/p/we-regret-to-inform-you. I await the next installment with great anticipation and gobble each one up. And the same with Ben Wakeman's Harmony House. A terrific story (with a bonus recorded element--which, if you know me, you know I love--whose production value is insanely good). It starts here: https://www.catchrelease.net/p/harmony-house-episode-01.
I hope these projects have been / will continue to be worth it to them and would like to hear updates. I'm thinking of serializing a memoir--the tale of a journey by backpack a decade and a half ago.
Thank you Holly!!! Most appreciated ~ love to you and Ruby! 😍
Ooh following. I haven’t done this, but I have a book contract, and will be sharing some pages as I work on them in my newsletter. I also have another book in progress and I’m curious abt using my substack to help move that work along in the future. I’d love to see how this worked out for others.
Cara, that's exactly what I'm doing--using my Substack to explore and expand upon the topics in my forthcoming book while building out some author recognition. Probably the best marketing decision I ever made, because I love writing the newsletter and am deepening my knowledge in the field I'll be published in next year. I'm a firm believer that "content" is "marketing."
I serialized my first novel here: https://www.elysian.press/t/obscurity
And am currently serializing my second novel here: https://www.elysian.press/t/oblivion
I shared everything I learned right here: https://www.elysian.press/i/115849149/my-process
I also gave a TEDx talk about how I did it, it will come out the first week of next year!
I am serializing my WIP novel for free. My readers have been fantastically supportive and I’ve gotten helpful criticism.
I am serializing my novel here. I put it behind a paywall as it is my best content that took the longest to create. It has been received well for the most part, for those willing to take a look at it. I’ve even had a couple of paid subscribers which surprised me. I am more focused on creating something I want to exist than writing with the hope to develop a following.
Good distinction - "I want it to exist." Gives me good vibes to serialize my magical realism coming-of-age novel here.
Elle from The Elysian writes about her (and others') process of serializing novels – here are a few pieces by her on the topic:
- https://www.elysian.press/p/creator-economy-for-fiction-authors
- https://www.elysian.press/p/publishing-industry-truth
Not a novel, but I am serializing a story. One of my readers called it "If Carrie Bradshaw met Charles Dickens and started a serialized column" (can there BE any higher praise!?)
Folks are telling me they can't WAIT for Wednesday mornings to read the next installment.
The story is about how I met my Sister Exes, women with whom I have bonded over our mutual mistake, and the LIES we learned he told when we started to compare notes.
Kimberly Warner of Unfixed is serializing her memoir and it's a story "I can't put down". I WISH I could read it all in one big gulp. Waiting each week for the next instalment after reading a chapter is hard! It's my favourite on Substack hands down.
https://unfixed.substack.com/p/available-chapters-of-unfixed