Two posts in one day.
This post is made because I didn’t put things clearly on Friday, and poor Mod R had to suffer from my incompetence. Thank you to everyone for your supportive messages! We appreciate it. This post is for everyone who is worried that their favorites will be abandoned.
What is an anchor series?
An anchor series is the author’s primary fiction series. An author can only have a single anchor series or they can have several series during their career. Kate Daniels and the Edge ran concurrently. Kate Daniels was the anchor series, a primary series we were known for at the time, while the Edge was a side series.
Why do you need a new anchor series?
Having an anchor series allows an author to have a steady income stream by bringing in new readers. While this might seem very odd to many of us, over time people tend to abandon long fiction series. Their reading tastes change, or the author’s creative direction changes, or it becomes simply too much to keep up.
A lot of people hesitate to jump into a long existing series because it requires too much time and money. Not everyone. Plenty of people do pick up older books. But statistically speaking, a long series presents a barrier to entry. We need to be gaining readers to continue our career.
Look at Instant Pot. Instant Pot had massive sales during pandemic. It’s a great appliance. Everyone loves it, right? They filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June. What happened? How could this be?
Everyone who wanted an Instant Pot bought one and they are very well made. They don’t break so you don’t need to replace them. Instant Pot literally saturated the market. If they had come up with a different product while Instant Pot was selling like hot cakes, they might not have been in this position. Peloton, same story.
While books are not Instant Pots, some similarity exists in that an author must produce new and exciting things to stay afloat.
Why can’t you just do a spin off as an anchor series?
We tried that with Blood Heir. While it sold in record numbers, it failed to pull in new readers, and in part it is the BDH’s fault. BDH loved KD so much that any time a new reader asked if they could read Blood Heir on its own, the existing readers jumped in and told them that no, they should read the entire KD series first because the relationships are so much deeper and they will miss out.
As an aside, the book pushing ability of the BDH is without equal.
So, KD is very loved and we are very lucky authors. But this just goes to show you that people do hesitate picking up a spin-off from an existing series because of the fear of missing out or being confused.
So no, it’s can’t be anything related to an existing series. Because every professional review will start with, “This is a spin off” and new readers will skip it, which defeats the purpose.
But Roman and Arabella and …
No. New. New thing. Not spin-off from old thing. This doesn’t mean we won’t write spinoffs. It just means we need something in addition to them.
But I know this author and they did…
Each author’s career is individual and unique. What worked for that author will not work for us. We are doing our best to continue to deliver cool stories to you in the best way we know how.
Does this mean we are not getting the sequels we want?
No. We are planning on concluding the hanging arcs of our other series in the next 2 years, hopefully, if nothing catastrophic happens. Remember how Hidden Legacy came out, and we still finished KD and wrote Innkeeper? This is “in addition” to existing stuff, not instead of it.
Does this mean you are not inspired to write in the existing worlds?
If we weren’t inspired, we wouldn’t be writing in them. We only work on what we want to work on.
If you have two years of work planned, why are you worrying about it now?
Because we would like the anchor series to be traditionally published. That means 12-24 months wait for publication after we deliver a manuscript. We must think about 3 years in advance.
The end goal is to provide the BDH new cool stuff to read without a long delay.
Is it Maggie? Will Maggie be the anchor series?
No. I went into in the previous post, but basically Maggie might be too niche to have a wide appeal. But we love it and we are going to work on it so we don’t regret it in the future. It is a challenge and challenges are good for the creative soul.
For the sake of all that is holy, tell us what is next? Tell us something!
After Maggie, it’s either Iron and Magic 2 or Wilmington 3. Both need to get done before Blood Heir 2. This doesn’t mean that we won’t put out shorter fiction of some sort or have a small side projects but in terms of novels, that’s what we are looking at.
Will you tell us when…
No. You will know which it is and when it is once we are ready for preorder date. We must be confident that we can deliver.
But why are you not writing the things I want right now?
Because we are not machines. We experience ups and downs, we have emotions, we have problems and sometimes we put off projects because we know we are not in the right headspace to do them justice. We don’t want to churn out crappy books.
I hope this clears things up and puts some questions to rest. Thank you so much for being enthusiastic about our work and kind to us as people even when we are sad sacks of sadness. We really appreciate all of you.
This is so exciting! So many new books to come in the future 💕
I get it about KD though, my little sister has been watching me read everything Ilona Andrews for years and now she’s old enough to dive in!
But! It’s a lot, she reads about 4-5 books, takes a break by reading other authors, then dives back in.
KD is huge, especially when you take all the novellas into account.
You are too good to us. We, the Horde are very demanding. I equate to you being Catalina and we just can’t help ourselves. Please create what makes you happy. We will love it. #patienceofasaint
When in doubt, don’t guilt and throttle the Authors! Reread instead! There’s so very much to reread!
Thank you for your patience with us.
I hope you find every aspect of creative inspiration necessary for the scheduled pace and product you want to finish.
I am sure so many of the BDH would rather you go at the pace best for you than have you burn out.
Good luck.
We will try very hard to not get on your nerves about this or that character we would like you to devote time to.
Have fun !
I think I can speak for many in the BDH that, for us, your “anchor series” is the the series of books that have “Ilona Andrews” listed as author.
*Digital hugs offered.* Thanks for this update, and thank you for all the written works you’ve shared with us. I’ll be buying whatever you all release, even if I don’t read it right away (I, too, have been a sad sack, and I’m having trouble with reading what I want to read).
*digital hugs offfered* to you too. Not being able to read because you are sad is just horrid, lots of sympathy *side-eyes pile of books started when I’ve been sad”
If you write it, I will buy it.
Sending hugs and love 😘😘😘
I have dropped countless series at number 6, 10, 12, etc., because I lost interest and, on occasion, because it seemed like the author had. To keep me engaged you have to keep the characters growing and changing but not so much that the changes seem “out of character” and there has to be an engaging plot.
You two are extremely talented at this and I am going to read whatever you write!
What about a weird western though? That would be fun. 🙂
I am so sorry Blood Heir can’t be your new anchor. I really love it-entirely and by itself.
You could join the over saturated Isekai (reincarnated or transported into another world) market. Totally mass market appeal mixed with comfort reading vibes. While I’m joking about this I think you could actually pull it off.
Whenever you are ready to put something out, I’ll be here. 🙂
I sincerely hope that you publish Maggie because I’m already invested lol. I’m delighted that you guys are not machines, because it shows in your books. Each one is magic. I’ve never regretted reading anything of yours (even the stories that you started and never finished that you say are horrible). Thank you for sharing your words and worlds with us.
Y’all do y’all and I will read anything you publish when you can publish it. Love everything y’all have written.
“If you write it, we will come’- and read it!
I am a bit confused about Maggie. You said you’re working on it. Does that mean you still plan to publish you just don’t plan on having it be an anchor series?
I love your books. I anticipate whatever you plan to publish anytime.
You can find the more detailed answer in the previous post here https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/biggest-mistakes/ , but yes- Maggie is still in the works, with the hopes that it will be published, even if it’s not likely to become the new anchor series:
“ So to answer some of your emails and comments, we know that Maggie will not be the new anchor series. It’s too complex, it’s dark in parts, but it also strangely has the potential to be a comfort read for the right person. It’s not a career stepping stone move. We are writing it so we don’t regret abandoning it in the future.”
Can’t wait for a new anchor series (i mean i can wait 3 years, but am excited for a new world)! Love everything y’all write.
Also, adding here: i started with I&M as my first book in the KD series, and that inspired me to read the rest. (and I read it backwards, last book to first book). You’re writing can be read in whatever order IMO.
Write whatever you want, release whenever you want, repose in happiness for all the joy your writing has given us.
I’m a longtime lurker who religiously checks your blog for updates multiple times per week, though I don’t often post… I have been having all the feels for you guys as you move into new territory and work on Maggie. Having to carry the hopes and hunger of the BDH is a heavy thing and not for the faint hearted! That being said, like many of the BDH, I will buy anything and everything you write (and have done so for years – I even bought Fated Blades on kindle though I’m a staunch kobo reader, lol).
Your explanation of entry points to series is pretty accurate for my experience- there was a time when I didn’t read IA books (horrors!). I would look at the books, think about it and then pass because KD was ‘too long’ to get into at that point (too long??? What was I thinking?). I didn’t want to start a series that was already so many books published (🤦♀️). I ended up taking a chance on the Edge books, liking those, then reading Andrea’s book before diving into the rest of the KD series… now I reread the KD books every year! However, I can totally understand how new readers might get concerned when the BDH gallops up and shouts about reading everything in order! 😂
Although I’m a bit sad that Maggie may not (never say never?) be an anchor series, this post makes me super excited about what else might be dreamed up! Your worlds make so many people happy, including me. Hopefully the sad sack of sadness feelings go away soon… wishing House Andrews lots of happiness and creative passion!
yeah, what if it ends up a galloping success and draws in another horde of devourers? i’m sure IA would be happy to have that egg on their faces if it happens hehehe
Again, thank you for your collective commitment to quality books/stories. Not like a good portion of the KU crud I have tried to read. Your stuff is very re-readable, and I often dip back in to one of the series when some hopeful new book does not deliver the goods.
Now go set fire to the BDH’s white picket fence and write what inspires (or pleases) you to write. (That was a joke and in no way do I wish to incite anyone to actually set fire to any fences …)
In all seriousness, while I would love a story about ANY of your established characters (main or side), I’m low-key excited to see what comes out of your heads next. I’ve loved the Maggie snippets, I’ve loved what you have published so far, and I just love the way both your brains work. The stories and worlds you create are endlessly fascinating. About the only time I don’t trust you is just before release when you sometimes second guess yourself (glances at sweep of the blade). Then I just to tell you to trust your past self and remind you that you do amazing work.
I feel like things are a little rough right now because you are a little unsure of the future and the BDH is trying to be supportive, but don’t really understand so it comes off as well meaning but ultimately unhelpful (and maybe adding to the stress).
Just know there are a bunch of us that are just excited to read whatever you write next and tell everyone we know about it. Good luck figuring out the next anchor series!
Please write what you want, when you want, and I will buy it. And thank you for the hours of pleasure I have gotten from your books.
I think its been a few years since Game of Thrones ended and quite frankly I’d love to read a series with dragons by the two of you. You tend to come up with a fresh take on things (e.g. vampires are mindless creatures piloted by someone miles away sipping a latte or are aliens from outer space). And frankly as diverting as Game of Thrones was, the only take home message I got from it was no one really wins the game of thrones. its a very dark universe. I like your characters better. But whatever your new anchor series is, I will happily read it!
I imagine whatever you come up with for your next anchor series will be wonderful. I have loved all your stories so far. whether they were anchor series, novellas, spinoff, niche novels (can’t wait for maggie), short fiction, or povs. as part of the BDH, I can’t wait to devour more. I hope you both continue to enjoy writing, as much as we enjoy reading. Thank you for all the entertainment, past, present and future.
I appreciate these kinds of posts from you, even when they come from a place of sadness/frustration. They’re helpful in understanding the professional side of writing, which can be difficult to understand when you’re a reader. I wish you the very best as you sort out all the projects. I also hope you get some much needed rest!
It is one of my favourite things when a much-beloved author writes something NEW. Not because I don’t love their continuing series, but because I want the authors to write something they are passionate about, not just continue churning out books because it’s a guaranteed money earner.
House Andrews’ short stories are a testament to this. So exciting and each one gets us gnashing our teeth and begging for more!
Innkeeper is “finished”? But Maude is supposed to see the long lost brother Klaus. What about their parents and Sebastian North? Tony, Dina and Sean are on Daesyn, after Magnolia Green.
I’m confused.
The Innkeeper series is not finished 🙂 – we can expect further stories from it.
But books in the series were written and completed whilst still writing Kate Daniels, the anchor series at the time.
But I loved blood Heir,……
A lot of people loved Blood Heir and it sold very well 🙂 . It did not fail as a book, only as a new anchor series- it did not become the hook for new readers.
How do you know if a book is bought by new or old readers?
Do you get statistics from sellers about the average number of previous IA books bought by the buyers, or are there surveys? I’m genuinely puzzled where you get this information from.
We know everything, Pyrokar. There is no escape. All your secrets are belong to us.
Yes, there are obviously sales numbers for each book which can be compared, as well as rankings in bestseller charts, numbers of readers as it was serialised on the blog etc- several markers which allow for business observation in regards to readership increase, stagnation or loss. Otherwise, no one would ever be able to gage if a series is popular or not 🙂. House Andrews’ agency do an amazing job keeping track of all.
Perhaps the most immediately obvious effect of an anchor series attracting new readers is a boost in sales to the back catalogue of the author, aka the books which aren’t being the focus of marketing and publicity atm. The anchor increased the author’s dicoverability and the new fans wanted more of their work 🙂
What Mod R said. We track sales per title and we provide targeted advertising, correlating it with our promotions and traffic numbers. For example, Fated Blades attracted new readers, because our other Kinsmen titles sharply went up in correlation with Fated Blades release and promo.
Haven’t met a series I didn’t like yet. Bringing Kate and Dina to the next generation now.
I am totally on board with anything you guys write. If there is a long time between books, I just re-read the ones I have and know that the time you are taking to craft the next book will result in something special that I can re-read while waiting (always and again) for the next book.
Every world you create and every character you introduce have enchanted and enthralled me and I look forward to new works about old favorites as well as new protagonists and new opportunities to read wonderful well thought out and well written stories.
Since everyone is sharing their House Andrews stories, I’ll jump in too…
Started with Innkeeper and loved it so much, only went to others to fill the gap while waiting for more Innkeeper (after multiple rereads).
My next ones were one or two Edge books, and some Kate books, mostly out of order after the first book of each. I liked the Edge ones, and gave Kate a second chance after being creeped out from the end of book 1.
I was put off Hidden Legacy for a very long time because of the covers, even knowing how reliable House Andrews was an author. Finally only gave them a try when they were on sale and as a last resort.
They were great, I’m just sad their covers don’t do them justice.
I’ve recently completed a Kate reread in order, and I love the Wilmington books.
I loved Fated Blades as well – nice little novella!
Definitely looking forward to whatever comes next, whether it’s Maggie or something else, but I’m also holding out hope for Puffles!!!
any chance of a space opera?
I realise Kinsmen is in this realm.
If you write it I will read it. Just keep writing. Anything you want. I will gratefully by your books. They give great joy. It will be exciting to read whatever you do next.
As thrilled as I am for Iron and Magic 2, anything Ilona Andrews jumps to the front of my read list, even stopping other books mid-read.
I want to tell you how much I appreciate your generosity in taking the time to write about the writing! It has to be a burden to “feed the beast” of the BDH when your living is made by writing. However, knowing some of the background and thing involved in the process, delivered in such an entertaining and person way, is a gift! You both are absolutely in the top 3 of my favorite authors, ever! Thank you!
Dear Ilona and Gordon, You are so fabulous, I will be with you, and love you forever. Warmest regards, Mary.
I see the comments wishing you could be paid when we re-read your books and the KU discussion etc.
What about a tip jar link so readers who want to pay you something when they re-read a book or entire series can tip you to their hearts’ content via options like paypal, venmo or others? They can even list re-read of x book as the reason for the payment if they like. That would give you some stats over time.
House Andrews have spoken about this several times previously, and they don’t feel comfortable with the idea https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/subscription-to-friinnday/ . The best way to support them is buy the books from retailers or borrow the books from the library instead of pirating- and of course leave reviews and tell your friends about them 🙂
I feel like that was a separate discussion of content behind a paywall and I’m glad for their decision on that. I had to stop Patreon because there were just too many authors I felt I had to follow there.
Readers have mentioned in response to this post that they wish they could pay when they RE-read books they already have like actors getting residuals for shows that are in syndication.
On a completely voluntary basis, a tip jar is just “Hey author I feel like I want to appreciate you today yet again as I re-read this book for the tenth time when I’m feeling down.” No obligation implied, no paywall, just a tip jar. Lots of people have them now. No promotion needed.
It could even be labeled “by reader request, no obligation, tip jar.”
No extra writing required.
Thank you for appreciating our work. 🙂
One time, over a decade ago, we tried a tip jar. It lasted for 48 hours. Someone put $100 in and refused to take it back. Large financial gift or contribution, even given in appreciation, could lead to feeling of obligation and, in some cases, entitlement. We don’t want to open that door.
Oh wow, I’ve never heard of someone doing that before. Most people do a few dollars here or there. I can see how that would feel weird and even worrying.
The problem is digital devices!! If this were 30 years ago, I would have had to have bought 5 new copies of all of my KD, HL, and Innkeeper series’ books by now because I re-read them so much the books would have fallen apart! These digital books kill wore-out-the-book resales! I use to wear out cassette tapes too! At some point, they’d just eat themselves and I’d have to buy yet another Bon Jovi tape. Oh, I’m really showing my age. Shutting up now!
(But it’s true, you know!)
You have a limited number of device downloads of a e-content before you have to buy it again 🙂.
I believe it’s usually around 4 devices before you exceed the licence limit- for textbooks it’s even lower. Both platforms and publishers can set/influence this limit.
I’m rather rough on my Kindles and like to update to more recent models often- plus I need the content also on my phone on the Kindle reader app for quick reference checking when the BDH asks questions hehe.
So the most recent time I bought Kate Daniels ebooks was January. I got an email to congratulate me on discovering a new author, which made me giggle! 🤭
Why readers drop long-running series…
I don’t do this often but when I do it’s because the author seems to be phoning it in because they’ve lost interest. They recycle all the old jokes and after 15-20 or more books they are r-e-a-l-l-y old. Plot points are also recycled and we circle around the same tired romantic triangle. Eventually they forget the history and mistakes multiply–easy to do I’m sure. Plus it’s necessary to orient readers jumping in to a later book so you get character and setting introductions all over again and no matter how you try to freshen up the wording, long time readers’ eyes glaze over.
It only works, in my opinion, when characters change and grow (as in Kate Daniels who is not a twenty-something single merc anymore). If they’re just doing the same things they always did I can’t stick with it. But I understand if a series has had phenomenal popularity and has brought in Big Author level money you don’t want to kill the formula that created it. Authors have college tuition, home mortgages and retirement funds to worry about too. Just wake me up when that ancient love triangle ends with a wedding and I’ll check back in.
I’ll never argue with numbers because as an auditor that’s how I roll, but I dream of finding a new multi-book series to get stuck into. It’s strange how we all approach reading differently.
I feel like a frog lately, readit readit readit 😁
the questions that youve had to answer make me very sad. I cannot comprehend the discourtesy “why aren’t you writing the things I want right now” Like Really????????
the entitlement astounds me.
I’ve been reading (aka devouring) all Ilona Andrews series – but for some reason I don’t remember anything about Maggie. Can someone point me in the right direction for me to know this very important piece of info I missed?! I love all of your writing/worlds – and even your real-world thoughts! 🙂
Maggie is the new project House Andrews are working on 🙂. We received an update on its status on Friday, which created further questions https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/no-content/
Here are some of the snippets shared with us https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/maggie-maggie-maggie/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/bdh-the-best-fandom-ever-and-snippet/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/busy-week/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/meow-meow-is-okay/
I think I’ve read your entire book list. I really enjoyed the KD series but I reread the Innkeeper series. I hope more Innkeeper books are on your to-be-written list!
You make my life SO happy and I am thrilled to get anything and everything you write when you are ready to share it with us. I am disturbed (for you) that you get those kinds of questions from the BDH – I thought we are all loving and supportive of you.
BDH – always hungry, always wanting more.
New series, old series, whatever it is I am in. Sometimes I wish I was new to the KD series and I could discover it all over again.
Now I just settle for re-reading once a year, even though I know how it turns out, because it is that good.
Thank you for sharing your incredible imaginations with us across so many series. I will buy and read and enjoy anything you write. I look forward to spin-offs and totally new works both. You’ve built up an overflowing trust bank over the years. Blogs like this aren’t necessary, but they are very welcome. Thanks for maintaining the connections. Please take care of yourselves (this most definitely includes ModR). When you build it, I will come.
How exciting! I love all the existing work but I am also craving for some thing new, so I am happy with this announcement even if I need to wait 3 or more years for it to come. Thank you!
I am sorry that self-publishing does not work for you sufficiently so that you have to look for a publisher again. I hope you can find one that allows you to write at your own pace so that you do not have to write a book where you are stuck (like with Ruby Fever, that seems to have been a rather unpleasant experience).
Self-publishing is something House Andrews have done since the early 2010s and have been extremely successful at it.
Wanting to shop a project around to publishing houses does not mean that they have failed self publishing or will abandon it 🙂. It’s not likely to be something that will end, but as they had a phase when they wanted to be exclusively self-published without it meaning they “failed” traditional publishing, so they are now nearing a business plan where they want to become hybrid authors again.
There are undisputed advantages to both self and traditional publishing- more affordable print copies, larger marketing and publicity budgets etc are some of the few they’ve mentioned in the past. Here is the most recent post on the topic https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/self-publishing-yet-more-questions/
I did not want to imply that they failed, I am sorry if that is how it came across. I just remembered a post I think after the release of Blood Heir where House Andrews wrote that Blood Heir was so successful that it seemed unlikely that they would look for a publisher again, seeing as the money earned per copy in self publishing is much higher.
I guess what I am trying to say is this: it is a shame that self publishing does not have enough advantages that it makes a publisher obsolete, even when you have a large fanbase already. I just wish for them the most money and the least preasure possible for their awesome work 🙂
I devour pretty much everything you write. At one sitting. To the extent of forgetting all else. Even ignoring the husband starving to death in the corner. HAHA
That being said, writing is also a business. Unfortunately, it has to be approached, somewhat, that way.
Again, that being said, you write it, I’ll ready it.
Thank you for this post!
A little insight as to why a new reader avoids a 3+ series. I LOVE series because the characters develop. Once I found House Andrews, I has a blissful time reading EVERYTHING non stop until I was finished.
However… I am finding that more than 50% of new authors/series is really a decent novel that the author has then divided into 2-3 books. Then put in some fluff to recap previous novels. A lot of KU is like this.
Obviously you are not doing this, but new readers that have been burned will not be as likely to try the KD series.
A little humor to close:
First it was Clams. Now it’s Anchor. I can see it coming.
Well, Wilmington is situated at the seaside after all, no?
Good catch!
Sounds fishy to me.
look, we’ve been building ships for YEArS. I mean, ship MetalRose is in the harbor ready to set sail. We might as well start making anchor ls before we build the ship, we’ll need one anyways lolz
At this point of life, I would read anything if it comes from you.