How to choose your next move

Q. My publisher wants me to write a sequel to my debut. I never really intended to write a sequel. Also, I’m not sure I want to write anything for them. I know it’s ridiculous to walk away from a publisher that wants your next book. My agent said we should provide them with a synopsis and a couple chapters to see what they offer and if it’s not good enough, scrap the sequel, write this other idea I have and (gulp) go back on sub. Any advice? —Anonymous 

A. This is a great question. You didn’t intend to do a sequel but, now that this opportunity’s on the table, what does your gut say? I ask because sometimes when our brain isn’t sure, our body knows. 

Either way, it’s not ridiculous to walk away from a publisher who wants your next book. In fact, that’s what many writers choose to do to take their careers to the next level—or even simply because they didn’t feel their publisher was the right fit. 

Never make a decision out of fear or scarcity. Instead, focus on possibility. I’ve spoken before about the importance of having a three-year plan. Where do you want to be in September 2024? What do you want to have accomplished, how much money do you want to be making, and who do you want to be at that point? (Your future vision doesn’t have to be exactly three years; the idea is to not think so far down the line that you can’t actually imagine it, but not so soon that you feel that you can’t possibly accomplish that much that fast.) Once you have a clear picture of what you’re aiming for, does this sequel fit that vision? 

Are you excited about your other idea, even if you’re anxious about going out on submission with it? Excitement can (and probably will) wane over time, but initially, it’s often a really good indicator that you’ll have the motivation to write all the way to the end. What’s more, like it or not, publishing a book means selling it—if only in terms of expressing enthusiasm about it to readers. If you’re far more excited about another book than you are about a sequel, I think you know your next move. 

You mention your agent thinks you should move forward with a proposal, but have you been open with them about your feelings—and more importantly, your long-term goals? It’s imperative to ask for what you want—this is your career, after all—and see if you can work together to find a solution. 

No matter what you decide, make sure you’re thinking big. Because when it comes to writing, you’ll never regret having the courage to go for what you want. 

—Camille