Serials vs. Series

By KimBoo York

Serial vs. Series: What’s the Difference (and Which Should You Write)?

If you’re a new-ish author looking to build a sustainable writing career, you’ve probably heard the terms serial and series tossed around when discussing long-form storytelling. While they sound similar, the difference between the two plays a big role in how you write, market, and ultimately make money from your work.

A serial is an ongoing, continuous story told in instalments. Think One Piece or The Wheel of Time, or even soap operas and web novels. Each instalment (chapter, episode, or book) builds on the last and usually ends on some sort of cliffhanger or unresolved tension. Readers have to progress through sequentially to enjoy the story’s full arc.

A series, by contrast, is a collection of stand-alone or loosely connected stories that share a common framework—typically recurring characters, a consistent setting, or a thematic concept. Think Nancy Drew, Jack Reacher, or most cozy mystery series. Each book in a series can usually be read independently.

There are many book series that blur the line between the two forms, but they still have their own unique features. 

So why does this matter for your author career? Because understanding which format you want to lean into will determine not just what you write, but how you market it!

Pros of writing a series:

• Easier marketing: Readers can start with any book, which lowers the barrier to entry.
• Increased flexibility: You can experiment with tone or plot while keeping general continuity.
• Evergreen potential: Series with episodic plots tend to stay discoverable longer and sell steadily.

Pros of writing a serial:

• Stronger reader retention: Ongoing cliffhangers and emotional investment keep readers coming back.
• Subscription-friendly: Serials work well on platforms like Ream, Wattpad, or Patreon, where instalment-based release models are profitable.
• Opportunity for binge readers: Once several parts are available, serials can be packaged for strong backlist sales.

Okay, but what about the drawbacks?

Serial readers must start at the beginning, so each new instalment doesn’t add as easily to discoverability. Series, on the other hand, require you to constantly re-engage readers without relying on long-running plot arcs. 

Ultimately, both forms can be powerful tools in your author toolkit. Choose based on your writing style, marketing strengths, and income model. And if you’re not sure? Try both and track your reader engagement—your audience will tell you what’s working!

By KimBoo York