Back in December I launched a poll asking Goodreads users for advice. My poll asked readers how long they wanted to wait for a sequel. 57 People voted, and this blog post will discuss the results, as well as a few self publishing realities.

64.9%- DID NOT CARE when a book was released, or how big it was, as long as it was a fun and interesting read. This surprised me. I personally cannot enjoy a work of fiction if the ending isn’t satisfying, and short works run this risk.
31.6%- WERE FINE WAITING as long as it was worth the wait. They specifically wanted the author to hold nothing back and wanted a big work they could lose themselves in. I’m in this camp.
3.5%- WANT MORE AND THEY WANT MORE NOW like the greedy devils they are. This group isn’t getting what they want, because it’s not worth pissing off the other 96.5%
I am a slow writer, and it usually takes me about three hours to finish one manuscript page. Sins of a Sovereignty had a manuscript of around 150 pages. That means, at three hours a page, Sins of a Sovereignty took me around 19 straight days worth of writing for the FIRST DRAFT. Here are my publishing options.
OPTION A: Release The Wild War (Amernia Fallen Book Two) in two parts. Part one would inevitably end in a cliffhanger, and would be unsatisfying to read, with plot points and character arcs left unresolved. In theory, I could make more money this way, but it would double my editing and cover art costs which might take me ages to earn back. As a reader/watcher/obsessive consumer, I know how agonizing the wait can be for part 2 or 3 or 13 of a beloved series, but I would still rather wait years than face disappointment. HOWEVER, as an author I feel the compulsive need to get my next book out as soon as possible. Everything I’ve heard from other self-published authors have told me that the faster you can get your work out there, the more likely you are to be successful. Some even advocate not marketing at all until you have at least three books published.
OPTION B: I take my sweet time and release a big brick of quality at the expense of efficiency. This is the option I am heavily leaning towards. Sins of a Sovereignty attracted a lot of fantastically written reviews, and I don’t have the luxury of releasing a mediocre or underwhelming second book.
As of now I’m about 50,000 words into The Wild War, which is half the length of Sins, but nowhere near done. I expect The Wild War will be around 150,000-200,000 words upon completion, or around 450-600 pages. I’ll be doing another post in a month or so discussing book two and hinting at my plans. If you read Sins, and you’re reading this now, I’ll leave you with this.
The Wild War, whether in one or two parts, will eclipse its older brother in every way. Discussion is welcome.