I came across this interesting and timely article on Indies Unlimited about writing sequels.
I thought it timely because my newest book, P.S. I Forgive You is getting nearer to publication, and although it was intended as a sequel to my first book and memoir, Conflicted Hearts, it’s also a stand alone book because although it hitches on to my first book, it’s a separate journey about learning forgiveness for my mother’s narcissistic behavior and for my decision to not go back to her after several years of estrangement, even when she was dying.
This article explains the elements involved to writing a sequel. It mentions points such as: adding pertinent information from the first book without rehashing, how not to talk too much about the first book in the new book’s blurb to avoid readers deterring to read the new book because they may not have read the first one, and making sure your cover art relates to the first book.
Have a look at the article below by Vicki Lesage:
Following the advice of indie authors who’ve been there, you decide to pen a sequel. What? You haven’t? Well you should. It’s daunting – that first book didn’t write itself! – but having multiple books is one of the best ways to increase exposure and sales.
Think of all the energy you put into writing and marketing your first masterpiece. Now your next book can ride that wave of success.
A good sequel should accomplish two things:
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Satiate readers of your first book who are chomping at the bit for more. The sequel should be just as high quality as the first and make people want even more.
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Be readable on its own while making readers curious about your first book.
I recently released a sequel and while I did a few things right, I made a Continue Reading
Source: Sequels as Standalone Books – Indies Unlimited
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DGKayewriter.com 
Great advice. Thanks for sharing, Debby. I haven’t gotten to the “stand-alone sequel” point yet. I seem to write stand-alones or serials (more common in fantasy than other genres). Someday ….
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Something for everyone Diana. 🙂
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Hi Debbie! I’m interested to read more of your works and would like to make a review of your first book. Would it be alright to ask for a pdf copy? (I took aside one day a week just to read)
Thanks.
Aui
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I Aui. I’m touched at your request. I’ve sent you an email on your ‘contact’ on your blog. 🙂
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Ok 🙂
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🙂 thank you Debby for sharing and good to know your sequel is nearing completion too.. 🙂 love the title. xxx Which takes some doing.. But PS we have to.. to move on. xxx ❤
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Thanks Sue. Indeed, this book took a lot of doing, and I’m still doing. In returned marked edits now from the editor. In a few weeks this baby will be born! 🙂 xoxo
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Excellent article. Thanks for sharing it, Deb. 🙂
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So glad you enjoyed Wendy. I came across it in my search because my newest book is exactly that, a standalone to a sequel. 🙂
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Good advice – wish I’d had it before I set out to write my sequel. As it is, I’ve come to all the same conclusions while writing the second book, goaded on by members of my writer’s group who declared that ‘good writers can make a sequel stand alone – if you don’t do that you are a lazy writer’. And they’re right. It took thought and effort, but I’ve now had a beta reader who hasn’t read the first book test out the rough version of the second – and it passed the test!
Working on the cover now, and the final edits – exciting 😀
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Deb, it sounds as though we’re in the same moments together with edits and book covers. And yes, I’ve gone through the same thing as you with my newest book too, making a sequel a standalone. That’s why I thought this article was relevant. Good luck to us both! 🙂
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