What to Do After Your Novel Is Complete?

[tiff524]

So, I'm coming to the end of my Kpop romance. It's been a fabulous writing journey, with getting some feedback from readers, meeting new authors, and learning this new platform. But with the end of the novel this week, I've got new questions buzzing around in my mind right now.

I have one more bonus episode which is like the epilogue, but it is also kinda the falling action after the climax. I am debating whether to release this special new ep on Valentine's day, which is the day after the novel's last ep is posted. Or should I wait to add this a bit later to keep the algos happy?

Plus, I've been trying to research what to do once my novel is done. There is a way to list it as complete. Then, I guess, people that like to binge completed novels will be in for a treat. But I'm wondering on how listing your novel as complete affects the algos. So, are there any writers out there that can share their experience with their completed novels? Do you add a new bonus ep every once in a while, or keep it complete? Do you see any success after your novel is complete? Love to hear any feedback. Trying to figure how to proceed with the complete of my novel ahead.

[kyupol]

I dont think that far... I tend to write in the present moment.

Let's see if new "downloads" happen when its complete. Or if it would be time for a hiatus to focus on other things. Time will tell.

[Dashio_Sumeragi]

My novel is also done, now I am trying to draw a few promo images of some of the characters.

And after that is done - personally I already have a new story in mind (actually for a longer time now), so after a bit of a break I will start working on that - probably around summer.

[tiff524]

I have another online novel on Wattpad I was thinking of editing and getting ready to launch on Tapas. So, I was thinking of doing that too. So, yeah, like playing pool. Always be thinking of the next shot.

But I'll have to get a new cover, banner, etc. made. Sigh The last one cost me $250. So, it's a lot of investment. But at least I'm finding there is some traction for my stories here. So, that's a bonus.

Thanks for the flashlight shine into the future. It helps to know what I was thinking was a possible next step.

[vapidink]

I usually have another one I'm working on so I just move on, lol. It's definitely a good idea to do a bit of promo about your story ending. A lot of people like to pick up finished novels so they can binge them without worrying about the story getting dropped or waiting for updates. There might also be an uptick in reads for this reason, with some subscribers waiting for a series to end before finishing it.

Congrats on finishing your novel! Hope you find more success on Tapas with your next work!

[MK_Wizard]

I throw a party with my family!

[tiff524]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Yes, I do need to throw a big party. I have a promoter on FB that usually does, but she's been so sick with the horrible flu going around. And writing a serial novel is so different than doing a book launch. It's like an ongoing thing, and then when you finish, it's done and out there already.

But I am celebrating by seeing one of my favorite pop starts in concert and have a VIP package ticket. I am even planning my outfit since I get a chance to finally meet him and take a photo with him as part of the package. He might seem before the time of many, but he's an 80s icon. It's Boy George of Culture Club. So, I'm thinking it is a great way to celebrate in general for my writing and point in my life by doing this milestone event. I've been hoping to meet him my whole life. The 13-year-old inside me is going a bit crazy.

But I've got a KDrama-like novella that I wrote several years ago that I'm putting through rewrites as my next big project on here. I'm hoping to find a more reasonable artist hopefully. The last one I used from Fiverr, though good, was a bit pricey. I know original art is a lot too. My children's books covers cost near the same. Sigh Cost of self-publishing really. But it does feel good to finally finish this novel, and start lining up a new project.

Thanks for the discussion. It has helped form some planning on what to do next. I wish you all success on your comics and novels.

[NOOR_ASAKZ05]

I already have about 14 ideas for a standalone novel. I won't publish them all as digital novels, but I might write a new one after finishing "My Beautiful Illusions".

[GamerPrincessXI]

Some people take a break after writing. I know I did.... Lol

[minamii]

I overlap my novels. So as I was publishing my first novel on Tapas, I was also writing my second novel and outlining my third novel. Now that my first novel is complete, and my second novel is written, I'm publishing my second novel and writing my third, and outlining my fourth. Party? Taking a break? Resting is for the dead!

Read Dead Body Girl | Tapas Web Community

[tiff524]

I've done that in the past with some of my ebooks. It was exhausting to keep up the pace. But it does work when you're starting out. For now, I think I've slowed down a bit, just switching between projects to keep the momentum up. I literally have a sequel to a book I wrote back in 2017 that has been sitting in my head for almost 10 years. I should really get that into a manuscript soon. But focusing, getting the idea ready, sometimes is daunting.

I admire your stamina and drive. Keep going! Getting books out faster always works for you in the end. But the burn out can be real. If the muse is talking, follow that feeling.

[tiff524]

Quick follow-up:
So, I officially switched my novel into complete mode. And then, I've noticed for this week, "Love Over Kpop" has been put into the community "Staff Picks" section. SO EXCITED! This was a great pat on the back for this novel.

Plus, having wrapped up "Love Over Kpop", I am finding my brain is starting to make up the story for the next couple, which is Michelle and another member of Friends5. Don't want to give it away, but finishing the first novel is opening up my brain to start thinking about ideas to continue in the world. Of course, with romances, most stories go couple to couple. So, it seems logical to do that, and I set it up in the first book.

I also have a novella with a character that will fit easily in the Kpop/US music industry world I'm creating, and I am jazzed about this story continuing. So, buckle up, it looks like there are going to be more stories soon. And I guess, until I finished the novel, I was still stuck in the first book. Now that is is complete, my brain is continuing the story, and it's fun to see the creative juices leaning into the next book. So, I would suggest, finish that novel. Likely, your brain will start to create more when it is finished. And then boom, you got a series.

Read Love Over Kpop | Tapas Web Community

[Dashio_Sumeragi]

@tiff524 A huge CONGRATULATIONS! Really happy for you

I changed my plans and started to put together thoughts for the Black Fang sequel called Bloodlines.

BTW, Tiff, you said you like the first two episodes, could you also please take a look at ep.3 at let me know what you think? Because that episode will put a lot of things on its head. Thanks

[MattiesMoments]

So the novel I have on here, Veil of Ashes, is the first book of a series. So I immediately jumped into book number 2.
I've never actually finished any of my stand alone novels or short stories. I'm terrible at that haha

I still have all of those outlines done, characters completed and even chapters finished on those other projects and plan to go back to it eventually. Right now I just see this series as my main writing project.

My novel on here will be completed in about a month, so I'll be in a similar boat. I guess I'll just update or add drawings and maps to it eventually, but other than that, probably just say it's completed. I plan to release the final version (once it's done being completely edited) as a physical copy, but I haven't finished the art yet... one day haha

ALSO BIG CONGRATS! That's so exciting!!1

[tiff524]

Good to hear you are planning a sequel. I took a look at ep 3 and left a comment.

[Dashio_Sumeragi]

Thank you very much! Well no vampires, demons or monsters are in the story. Although the word "monster" is open for discussion Btw are you still using Discord?

[MattiesMoments]

Thank you! I'll check it out now!
Mattie

[tiff524]

Yes. I'm on Discord. I'll send a pm.

[MelancholicOtaku]

I’ll probably take a good month break, just consuming my favorite forms of storytelling for inspiration. Then afterwards I’m getting started on the sequel.

[Tsukikage]

Finishing a novel is already a huge win. A lot of readers actually prefer completed stories so they can binge the whole thing. I’ve also seen some authors post the occasional bonus chapter or side story after finishing just to keep the series a bit active.