How Soon After Publishing Your First Novel Should You Start Writing the Next One?

If you're new to the world of self-publishing - via KDP or whatever online platform you used to write your first book, there are some challenging questions you'll be facing sooner than later.

There are all sorts of dilemmas that we authors have to constantly consider, and there are usually a number of differing opinions about the solutions.

For instance, I can remember the writing advice I received after I self-published my first novel.

• Many two-time authors advised against worrying about the follow up to my newly released title.

On the other hand, there were other experts who suggested just they opposite.

• I was advised, if at all possible to not only write another book pronto, but to keep writing book after book without letup.

So what really is the right answer? What should a newly published author decide about writing another book, once their first title is on the market?

Consider the writing option that's best for you

I imagine, if I took a poll on the question, I would get a good amount of responses that agree with both sides. And that is basically the point of this story.

My advice to anyone contemplating this question? Consider the writing option that's best for you, and that's the direction you should go in.

Just like most things that have to do with your writing life, the decision to write a second book is totally up to you. Is this the advice and opinion of an expert?

No, I don't profess to be an expert. I only make the claim of being an experienced self-published author.

Over the years, I've published more than a dozen titles via Amazon's KDP platform, under multiple pen names. Those titles consist of short ebooks and self-help guides (many of which I've written about on Vocal), as well as several novellas and two full length novels.

On some of those occasions, I was so amped up from writing, that I didn't even want to stop, and start focusing on the marketing and promotion aspect, once a project was finished.

In those instances, I was ready to keep right on going with the next book idea, which is exactly what I did.

But I chose to do things differently and let some time pass, on the occasions that I completed my novels, and each time, there was a notable difference in my momentum, as opposed to how I felt after completing my non-fiction works.

So maybe, for some writers, the answer is same as it was for me.

Whether or not you decide to start the next book might simply come down to what the particular project is that you're completing, and what you plan to move onto next.

Final Thoughts

This can be a hard choice to make when you realize the success of the first book can be crucial to what happens with the second book.

Aspiring authors know that this is something that's been constantly drilled into our heads, when it comes to the topic of publishing your first book. So by now, you definitely get it.

A second book can often be just what an author needs to get more eyes on the first book. Unfortunately, not every first-time author is going to be in the mood or have the mindset to get started on the next book right away.

Honestly, as an author, I find the whole thing exasperating, but what can I say; that's the life of a writer!

Just keep in mind, there is no iron clad way of doing things, and what works for someone else might not necessarily work for you; therefore weigh all the considerations and determine which works best for you.

And remember, this question won't just come up after you publish your first novel, because if you continue to self publish additional books, you'll have to encounter the same question again in the future: "Should you proceed to the next book idea, or jump right into promoting the current project?"

Since the decision ultimately comes down to the individual author, I suggest making the decision on a case by case basis.

For instance, if after publishing a book, you feel tired and burnt out, it is definitely time to stop writing and focus on something else.

Example: I revisited, updated, and republished my resource guide about getting all my teeth extracted and getting full dentures. I wrote about it in the book: "Open Wide: A Firsthand Account of Going from Full Extractions to Full Dentures - Tips, Recovery Advice, and Honest Answers About Living With Dentures " (available on Amazon).

When the book was finished, I wanted to do nothing more, than spend time promoting the publication and sharing details about the book at every chance I got.

My motivation was fueled by how enthusiastic I felt about providing this type of useful resource to readers who really need it.

So in the case of my dental book, I was anxious to stop writing and start marketing and promotion.

On the other hand, after I published my first Medium Whisperer resource guide recently, I was still remained in a Medium writing frame of mind, which led me to get started with writing and releasing the second Medium Whisperer book.

Now both are on sale in the Amazon marketplace:

1. The Medium Whisperer: How to Engage Your Readers More By Creating an Awesome Reader-Friendly Table of Contents for Your Stories: Book 2 in the Medium ... ... Medium Whisperer Resource Guide Series)
2. The Medium Whisperer: How to Structure the Perfect Medium Story Every Time and Quickly Gain More Views & Reads

So you see, if you finish a book and you're on fire inside from the anticipation of writing the next book, I say go for it.

Now - as for me being excited to continue writing the third book in the sequel...

Oddly enough - I'm not really feeling it right now, and truth be told, I'm pretty much over my marketing and promotional efforts for all of the above books.

What's next on the agenda? I'm not really sure.

But then again, that's also part of what it means to be a writer...

Thanks for reading.