Why Young Adult Books Tend to Come in Series Only

    LAS CRUCES, NM, July 04, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Since the early twentieth century, publishers of young adult (YA) fiction have tended to seek out characters and storylines that can be turned into popular book series.

In the past these series included the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, and many others. Today's publishers are maintaining this historic trend with hit series like Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games.

"Today's booming YA book market almost demands series because kids want to continue to read stories about familiar and beloved characters," says L.A. Miller, author of the science-fiction and fantasy YA book series Quests of Shadowind, which includes "Sky Shifter," "The Grounding Stone," and "Veil." "Many times the success of the first book gives birth to a successful series. The legendary Harry Potter is one of the great examples."

Quests of Shadowind is the story of a group of teens who are abducted to an alien world called Shadowind, which is inhabited by ghostly creatures, cyborg animals, and virtual humans--a land where anything is possible, including being downloaded into a cryptic, evil role-playing game. In order to survive, the youths band together as they search for a way back home.

"One of the main reasons why YA series become so successful is publishers can easily capitalize on a solid preexisting and established fan base," says Mr. Miller.

Here are some other reasons why publishers favor book series over one-offs:

* This is a proven, historic success formula.
* An established, ready-made fan base means it will easier to sell future books.
* Reader interest drives expectations and fuels buying.
* Simplified promotion and marketing.
* Quick and easy writing and production.
* Potential movie deals and other spinoffs.
* Potential licensing opportunities with dolls, action figures, and other toys.
* It's a familiar formula that is reinforced by TV shows, rock groups, video games, comics, and more.

"The trend toward YA book series is here to stay," says Mr. Miller. "That doesn't mean you should compromise your story idea. But if it's possible, you might keep in mind the potential for sequels. Who knows? You might be the next J.K. Rowling or James Patterson."

Most importantly, adds Mr. Miller, "A series provides kids with the opportunity and incentive to keep on reading. A book series can help develop their reading skills and turn them into book lovers."

L.A. Miller has been writing for more than forty years. His backgrounds in science fiction, astronomy, technology, and classic literature inform his work, which has included novels, short stories and music. He is the owner of Wood n Nails Music and lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with his wife and two dogs. He is the author of the Quests of Shadowind series, which includes "Sky Shifter," "The Grounding Stone," and "Veil."

For more information contact L.A. Miller at [email protected] or visit www.QuestsofShadowind.com.

"Sky Shifter," "The Grounding Stone," and "Veil" are available Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

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