Full book or spin-off?

[pervinca68]

I'm new to Tapas, but I've been writing for years.
I need some advice: I have a big fantasy book project, but I'm not sure whether it's best to present a spin-off about the saga's origins to the readership, or whether I should just publish the first book, which tells the story of a future moment and then tells what happened in the past and how we find ourselves in that moment.

What would you read first?

[Oriflamme]

I saw this advice a long time ago, it goes roughly, is the story you’re telling the most interesting part of the story, if not why?

You gotta make your reader care about your story first before worrying too much about the narrative order.

If you're going to start with the prequel spin off, you have to make sure that the reader doesn't feel like they are reading a side show, with more interesting parts happening in the background.

If you start with the main story, you have to ask yourself, how relevant the events are to your story. If the beginning of the main story doesn’t make sense if you haven’t read the spin off, then it probably means you should start with the prequel.

I hope this helps.

[MelancholicOtaku]

This is just me but I’m not going to be interested in a spin off (prequel sequel etc) unless I’ve read and enjoyed the main story.

For example I’m a huge Star Wars fan and I love Andor and Rouge One which are both prequels to Episode 4 . I love 4-6 and Andor and Rouge One helped enhance the main story.

[kyupol]

This may help
https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/ask-writer/what-is-in-medias-res

In medias res is a Latin phrase that literally translates as “in the middle of things.” In fiction, it describes the technique of beginning a story by dropping the reader in the midst of the action. The term comes from Horace, an ancient Roman poet, who advised epic poets to get straight to the heart of the story. Fiction writers and readers everywhere can thank Horace for this lasting advice—it’s a great way to immediately engage the reader.

[ladyofthedarkwoods]

My story, The Vampire Skull, is pretty much the same. It tells the story of a future moment and the past is slowly revealed. I feel that it kind of gives more mystery to work with, keeping the reader curious maybe? To me starting with the past would just make the future story a bit dull because everything would already be revealed.

[ambermdo]

I'm in a similar situation with my two projects. One is a story that introduces my two main characters and shows how they meet, and the other is a spinoff series that shows them at different times throughout their lives. I'm also wondering which one I should publish first.

[pervinca68]

I think the same, but lately the readers have changed and I'm full of doubts

[pervinca68]

same, the main story is the one that counts

[pervinca68]

I've written different stories, some starting from the beginning, others going backwards... readers are different and I don't have a precise answer.

[pervinca68]

I would say a good answer

[pervinca68]

Thank you, that's a valuable comment.