Should we ask readers to help drive the story?

[Jeffrey]

In my "Murder Becomes" mystery series, one of those on the team of architects/detectives who solve the murders leaves at the end of a book (for a reason I wont spoil here). And a new one comes in to replace that person at the beginning of the next book.

I am wondering whether, as the series unfolds, I should ask readers to provide input as to which current detective I should cut loose from the team. And/or which of several new detectives I am considering to add.

I also see the possibility of asking readers to pick in which of several locations the next book should take place.

Upside -- reader engagement in the series. Downside -- not much surprise for readers if I adhere to the popular voice all the time.

Wondering how readers here feel about the premise, how authors feel about it and whether anyone has included readers a lot in helping to drive the storylines in their books. Thanks!

[Tom]

Which readers would you listen to? Not everyone is going to suggest the same people/places to be used in each book...

Instead of taking readers' input into account for the major books in the series, why not ask for suggestions regarding minor cases solved by the team? It could be a series of short stories that fill in the time between the events of the main series. That way, characters and locales can be explored and fleshed out while still maintaining your authorial control over the series as a whole.

[Jeffrey]

That would be an option, Thomas. Thanks for suggesting.

I think the idea was to listen to the majority. If, say, 4 locales are under consideration, I would go with one if it received, say, 65 percent of the "votes."

Same with the detectives. If the "votes" were evenly split, I would take that as a sign I could make the decision myself. But if one detective received a large vote to go heave-ho (or one prospective detective was largely chosen over the others to join the team), I would use that input in making the decision.

But still interested in others' thoughts on that approach.

[Micah]

Set up several phone lines that charge a huge fee per second and have them call one number for character A, one for character B...etc. You know, like a reality TV show. Pay, uh, vote as often as you like!

Sorry...that was a joke. (Or not.)

[Groovy]

If people like your books and you have a following, I think it's good at times to ask for their input. If it's a character they absolutely do not like, then they would appreciate it when the author listens to their wishes to cut them out, or bring a favorite one back. Some readers like having an active role in their favorite stories. When they read the results, they're glad that they had a part in it. Of course, I wouldn't ask them to decide an ending or outcome, readers like being surprised by what happens in a story.

I had a contest where my readers helped me pick the next book in my line of romances; They were eager to do it. The book is doing well. I'm sure one reason is because they like it, but I think that by involving them perked not only their interest, but word spread about their part in it.

[Justin]

Most authors struggle to either find a fan base or find out who their target audience is. Since it sounds like you have a good idea of who your audience is I would say it is a very good idea to pick their brains and see what ideas and input they can give you. Just remember it's your story and your gathering some ideas from your readers as for what they would like to see in your next work.

[Jeffrey]

Nice insights here. Especially yours, Micah, if I can get all of the proceeds from those phone lines. ;-)

I continue to welcome comments on this thread. Particularly now, what about readers selecting the location where a next book takes place?

[Groovy]

To me, the pros would be that your readers would feel good when reading your book to know that they picked that location, I know I would.

And maybe, one location would be more exciting for them than another one.

I can't come up with any cons.