Make sure your book stands on its own

I should have found this comment three years ago, but I missed it. Sorry. It's a worthwhile comment.

1 comment:

1. 
   Lea Schizas - Author/EditorDecember 13, 2009 10:24 PM

   Talking about book endings reminded me of a self-published book I reviewed a couple of years ago. This book had the potential to make it big, but I'm sure readers felt the same way I did when I came to the end and read: To be concluded. I thought, "Hold on, this is a book, not a movie!" My next action was to check in the beginning for the author's published books or upcoming books. Nadda.
   
   I understand this may happen in a series, but I also understand that a book should stand on its own with most of the foreshadows finalized before THE END rolls around. Nothing was finalized. Everything remained up in the air. What a shame. That book kept my interest, but my Spidergal instincts tingled about three quarters into the book when no foreshadow or sub-plot came close to an end.
   
   So a tip to newbies: make sure your book stands on its own.

I agree with Lea, although I don't know if I've come across a novel that ended with To be concluded. I've been working on a novel that I hope to turn into a series, and I can say conclusively that it will stand on its own as well as part of a series.

Thanks, Lea.

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