On Wednesday, 3-20, I’m launching my new Debt Collector serial. I’ll release a new episode every 1-2 weeks, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride. For readers who like longer works, or don’t like the suspense and interaction of reading-as-we-go, the series will eventually be bundled into short-novel-sized chunks. (Note: Debt Collector contains mature content and themes. For YA-appropriate thrills, please see my Mindjack series.)
What’s a serial?
A serial is a story told through a series of installments, or episodes, released on a regular schedule.
Do they all have cliffhangers?
No. 🙂 Think of it like a TV series. Some shows like Law and Order or House are very self-contained: they solve a case each episode, with only a few character threads tying the episodes together. Series like Lost and Heroes have larger story arcs that tie the season together, but still have self-contained stories within each episode. Debt Collector will be the Heroes style of serialized storytelling. I won’t rule out cliffhangers, and there will definitely be unexpected twists and turns, as you may have come to expect from my Mindjack series. But my intention is for you to want to read the next episode because you’re immersed in the characters and story, not because there’s a gun to my character’s head.
Why a serial? Why not just make Debt Collector a novel (or three) instead?
At first, I thought I could just write Debt Collector as a novella. Then I realized not only was there more to this story, but it was conducive to episodic storytelling. And I like the idea of releasing episodes while I’m still writing the series. It allows for reader-interaction, like I enjoyed while writing Mindjack, only on a shorter time-scale.
How many episodes will there be?
The first “season” will be nine episodes. There may be a second season, if readers want it, but the first season will have a definitive end to it (I won’t leave you hanging there).
How long is each episode?
Episodes will vary between 11-15,000 words (40-60 pages). The three-episode collections will be about the length of a short novel. The season as a whole will be bundled into a nine-volume collection.
What’s the release schedule?
Official release days are Wednesdays. The first three episodes will be a week apart; after that, two weeks apart. NOTE: I’ll be uploading on Monday mornings, which means the episodes could be live before Wednesday. Subscribers will be the first to know!
What can I do to spread the word?
1) Share the Debt Collector FB Page
Susan Kaye Quinn’s new future-noir Debt Collector series launches 3/20 – like the FB page and subscribe to be the first to know when it releases! http://bit.ly/DebtCollectorFB
Being halfway through Episode 3, I can tell anyone who's curious: this is (are) a (some) kick-ass story(ies)!
Also, I would point out that releasing as a series is a damn fine business decision, but I don't think it only benefits the author. I think it benefits readers too, because they can dip their toes into the pool of risk for less money, and less time invested. If they love what they find (and I'm sure most will) then they can soldier on. If they don't, well then it's very little time and money wasted.
Thank you Matt! I'm hoping readers will agree – I like the idea that readers can sample and see if the story's for them. 🙂
Wow! Love the title, the storyline and the cover! Congratulations 😀
OMG!!! I'm so happy that your release day for this is almost here–I've been waiting!! 😀 I'm happy to buy a copy and spread the word through all the land. 😀 Congrats, Susan–this sounds awesome!!
I am so in!
cant wait!
Congrats! Sounds like a fantastic story.
wow, sounds fantastic! I signed up. 🙂
It sounds awesome, Susan! I agree with Matthew that releasing a serial is a good business decision that benefits both the author and the reader. Good luck with this new project!
This sounds so awesome! I signed up. 🙂
Fabulous idea, Susan! I hope it's a massive success 😀
This series sounds stupid awesome. Can't wait to read the first one!
Thanks Jennifer!!
I signed up to reveal the cover. Can't wait to read. =)
OMG The Debt Collector serial sounds awesome! I signed up for cover reveal 🙂
Sounds awesome!!!! 🙂 Signing up!
New follower…http://demitrialunetta.blogspot.com
Sounds fun 🙂
This sounds fantastic! Good luck. 🙂