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.
The “no, you need to read the other umpteen books before picking up the spinoff” problem made me laugh, as a long term sff reader. So many series that are promoted by other readers as “but the payoff in book 3 / 7 / 22 / the fourth subseries is worth it, but you HAVE to read all the others first!” “If you’re not enjoying it 5 books in, keep going!”
If someone might like book 6, tell them to read book 6. Or to start with subseries 4, or whatever. Unless it’s totally disorienting to the point that starting with book 6 will be actually repellant… most readers will be fine starting there, and going back to fill in the details one they’re hooked or have confirmed that, yes, this is actually something they enjoy.
I read mostly for fun. If something looks appealing now, but you tell me that I have to put in several thousand pages of work before I get to that appealing thing, no. If I read the first book and it doesn’t appeal, I probably won’t read the next. If I’m looking for dragons and you tell me that there are dragons in book 27, but I won’t enjoy it properly unless I read the other 26, I will find another way of scratching the dragon itch.
Too many readers forget that there are multiple ways to enjoy a good book. Starting midseries often isn’t the absolutely best way to get the most possible out of a given book – but often it’s fine, and fun, and has dragons / low investment / whatever the new reader is looking for.
You’re all awesome. I love your answers. I love your books and I’m very happy to reread what you’ve already released while patiently waiting for the next books. Your books are my happy place.
Thank you for writing anything you want to write. I have enjoyed your books and stories so, so much, and can’t think of anything I haven’t re-read.
Just to add, if you ever decide to write about some dragons, I would buy your dragon books. I would buy your books about sentinent cabbage slaw.
Oohhh, sentient cabbage slaw and Orro!! Would that cross Dana’s line about eating sentient beings?? I mean, it’s cabbage slaw!!!
And yes, I’d read it too. IA writes it, I’ll read it. And probably re-read it.
I love your work. I’m currently listening to Hidden Legacy AGAIN because I love your work even when I’ve read it before.
I just wanted to chime in because, as a reader of long series as a hobby, I love the Kate Daniels series… I found them by first reading Blood Heir. I was a tiny bit confused as to why I wasn’t getting the references in the book at first. I powered through and loved it. When I was done I started looking for more Julie books and found Kate… I miss Julie. More Aurelia Ryder books! New is cool too. Thanks for writing Ilona Andrews you guys are great.
I will read anything that you write.
Dear HA, over the years I have realized how very much I enjoy and value your skills as writers – your brilliant usage of language, your humor, your abilities to interpret, twist and turn a story unexpectedly, the feeling of warmth and humanity from your books.
Usually, I read very fast, because I am curious what will happen next. Your books, I cherish. I want to see all those little details – exactly that verb from that character in that speech in that situation, yes!
That’s why I happily join the BDH chorus – “I will read whatever you write! At whatever schedule that suits you!”
If Maggie is significantly more popular than expected and does draw in many new readers, could it become the next anchor series?
Of course, it would then have fulfilled the conditions of an anchor 🙂
I came here to say what a lot of others probably said: I’ve read everything you’ve written and will continue to do so when the next thing comes out.
I want to encourage you to not give up on your goal in creating a new anchor series, how ever long it takes. I know you will have ups and downs. But you have a lot of fans who are rooting for you both. As a librarian, I’ve had the joy and pleasure of introducing your books to others. Not one I heard back from was ever disappointed.
One (gentleman!) was a bit skeptical of Hidden Legacies, but I thought he’d like the magic and world, since I knew his reading tastes. He came back and took home the whole series and read them in a week. So, as I’ve said to other authors I know from my library career: #KeepWriting. Your words and worlds are unique and worth the wait.
House Andrews will not give up! 🙂
Hugs! I don’t care what you guys write, I will read it. Do what makes you happy and enjoy the road. Otherwise, what is the point. Really?
The BDH is with you…
Dear Ilona and Gordon (or should I write “House Andrews”?),
I love whatever you write, and I am grateful for it.
Now, it’s not that I don’t love some of your series (or even particular books within series) more than other, but, as a bona fide member of the BDH (emphasis on “devouring”), I will take whatever you two give us with deep thanks for all the blood, sweat, and tears (with apologies to Winston–I think?) you have spent on our behalf.
You two rock! Do what you need to do, we, the BDH, will be here when you are ready to give us your next piece.
Most warmly,
Mary Kate
I love space Opera. As Richard Dean Andersen said of Stargate SG1, I don’t love space opera, per se, I just love a good story, and Space Opera is just a story with an other-worldly setting.
I love other-worldly settings! I love the innkeeper series and i loved it when the story went off planet!
More of that Off Planet stuff,Please!
I love everything you write. I own every single thing you’ve put out for sale in multiple formats. If anyone ever asks for a recommendation, there’s almost always a HA book to suit and it’s the first thing on my tongue.
This is all to say that you are incredibly talented and I look forward to seeing where your imaginations take you — and us — next. I have every confidence it will be amazing. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
I was reading another authour and (Nalini Singh i think) and she recommended you. I read Burn for You, and was hooked, then the Innkeeper series the reeled me in there my personal faves. I think you’re fabulous authour’s and thank you for the solid work you do 🤗
I just love how you always manage to be stern and loving at the same time! 😂
Thank you for updating all of us. I read this and what I come away with, is that as a whole, the BDH is… 3 years old and in the “Why?” stage of life. ModR, you could never be paid enough to live with that 24/7… but I appreciate you!
I will eagerly await to read anything you guys are putting out there. Thank you for the great adventures in the KD universe. I am positive the next universe we get to go and explore with you will be amazing.
Whew! I’m just glad that Iron and Magic 2 is still a possibility.
I wish for more Maud, Arland and Helen though! And I’d love to find out what happened to Maud’s parents…and what her brother is up to…
I would absolutely recommend another INNKEEPER’s INN BOOK! LOVED ALL OF THEM READ THEM SEVERAL TIMES AND NEED SOMETHING NEW TO READ PLEASE. 😀
We of the BDH love and appreciate all the wondrous books you give us.
While we hate to wait we understand that House Andrews are human and have actual lives. We will wait, not very patiently, but wait we shall.
I just came here to say, I read Blood Heir, all by itself. It was my first book. I loved it, understood it just fine, and moved on to reading the Innkeeper series, now, I am reading the Kate Daniels books. I had no trouble starting with Blood Heir, and having no prior knowledge of this world.
Thank you, for not underestimating me as a reader.
“Thank you, for not underestimating me as a reader.”
That’s the mark of any author I’ll read more than once.
Long series are not a hurdle for me, but I’m well aware that I’m an anomaly among book readers, averaging a book or more per day, and having read 425 books last year. Thank goodness for kindle unlimited, or I’d be in debt past my hairline. Looking forward to whichever books you put out. Just remember to take care of yourselves as well. I want for you to still be writing as a happy team in seventy years.
Ahhh, a kindred spirit!! Kindle unlimited, 350+ books a year, anomaly… Good to know it’s not just me! I can’t imagine going a day without reading! I’ll read on my deathbed! Probably Innkeeper….space chickens and Orro…what else do you need??
At this point I’m pretty sure that anything the two of you write I’ll love, so … whatever you’ve got at the table I’m in !
That said I consider myself a member of BDH, therefore not so good at generating NEW revenue I suppose.
One thing I didn’t see mentioned is Innkeeper (or other project released in bits over time, as said I’m not picky) is that on hold/ to much right now ?
There was an Innkeeper novel release earlier this year https://ilona-andrews.com/innkeeper-chronicles-books/#soth , so for now it’s other projects’ turn to be in the limelight for a bit 🙂.
The Innkeeper series will continue, however- based on answers during the SotH release events, we will most likely see either short stories and novellas or a novel from Maud’s POV.
But we will have to see what official announcements come from House Andrews when they are ready to know for sure 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful stories wether they are actual books or descriptions of everyday life. I will certainly give anything you write a chance. After reading Hugh’s book and enjoying it whenI didn’t want to 😁
Good Luck on deciding on an anchor series
in reply to your post, you are writing what I want, because I enjoy reading spin offs, anchor series, or something brand new. your writing style appeals to me and all the stories are grand. so whatever you write, I will want to read it.
Yay! New things!
puffles as an anchor series? with the success of fourth wing, I would think this would be a good niche for a bit.
Blood heir was the first IA book I read. I read it during the pandemic on Libby and waited a while for the sequel before researching more on the series and starting to listen to the kate audiobooks. And then I read blood heir again after kate. I have now read/listened to all things IA have ever published. But I wanted to say that if a new reader comes in with a later book, if it’s a good fit for them they will probably want to read other books in that universe. I was so happy there was more for me to read in that universe after I fell in love with blood heir. I do think having blood heir be my first book has made the wait for #2 feel longer. But no complains here, I’m so grateful to escape into any of your book universes
A number of us talked about re-reading House Andrews books.
When times are hard, sometimes it’s soothing to re-read a series, especially when you feel like you can’t focus on a new-to-you author and book.
This year we lost our 43-year-old daughter and our four grandchildren lost their mother. Two are minors, two are adults. The minor children were scooped up by Social Services from home where they waited for their mom to return and their father from Utah came to New Mexico to get them. We were far away along with the two adult children. I feel like her youngest bore the worst shock in the aftermath of her death.
CN: gun violence and death
Just a few months later one of her adult children was shot at by a minor in an effort to kill a passenger in his car. (His late mother’s car.) The passenger was killed; the car was totaled in the effort to get away. He’s grieving the fifteen-year-old friend who was murdered along with grieving his mom and recovering from the trauma of being shot at.
It’s a dreadful year so far and I’m grateful that early in life I learned to deal with trauma by reading and that I have a few authors I can re-read as needed when I’m under this much stress.
So thank you, House Andrews, for creating characters and worlds I can hang out in when I need a break from the real world. After a reading break I can get back to the work of grieving and helping my grandchildren with their needs. I’ve had difficult years before but this is in the top three.
If it were not for amazing books to help through difficult times, I am not sure where I would be in life.
I am so so sorry for you and your family. Wishing you and yours healing and time.
Thank you! I know I’m not the only one who relies on reading during hard times.
I’m so sorry for all the traumatising losses and events you and your family went through this year. Big virtual hugs!
Thank you, Mod R. You do an amazing job that enhances our reading experience. I’m so glad House Andrews found you!
That is a lot to bear. I am so sorry. That is just a lot.
I sincerely hope that life will bring you and your family peace and happiness in the near future.
Thank you, Ilona. I hope for the best for your family here and abroad too. These are hard times for many.
lol! You guys write it and I will buy it. I have not been dissatisfied with an Ilona Andrews book yet. I WILL say I MIGHT have gotten a tensy bit spoiled. You guys strike a really good balance in your books. IA books are like the best soup, no two are alike even though they do have some ingredients in common, the hint of a new book in the air whets the appetite, and they are absolutely delicious!
I am always very grateful for any books that you guys publish. You guys are the best! Seriously the blog content is great. Snippets are great. Books are great. Absolutely no pressure from me. Quality >>> quantity. Thank you thank you!
Hope you guys are doing OK with the heat wave too.
Everything you write is amazing. I’ll read anything you write! Innkeeper is my all time favorite – Orro is my favorite character ever, so if you don’t mind…. But new is good too!! More characters to fall in love with!
Thank you for sharing this with us. We are privileged to see your writing process. ❤️
I pray you find a new anchor series. I believe you will.
I am patiently waiting for next Iron Magic. And Innkeeper. And Hidden legacy. And Roman!
Sending positive energy!
Oh, dear, why did I have to reread Man on the road? Now I am jonesing for her adventures! And there has to be palace intrigue and a seedy master of the underworld and cut-throat criminals and DRAGONS…. I might seriously cry!
still sad about Puffels, but I understand where you’re coming from. The BDH will do what we do best: devour. But if you’re trying to pull new readers… I have confidence that whatever you produce will be awesome but that confidence was earned over years of reading your work. New readers might be like, ‘omg, dragons again? hard pass.’
I got my sister hooked with Inkeeper, but you are right about existing series lengths being a barrier; she has limited time and finances so she hasn’t read the KD series at all. Which is a tragedy, but an understandable one as well.
You are just the best. Thanks for all the explinations… we can be a handfull. 🙂
Anyhow… happy to hear the plans !
I think the BDH should start a “new reader” campaign. Our goal should be to bring in at least one newbie to the BDH every couple of months (monthly?). Start them off with Kate or Dina or Rose or Nevada (gracious, that list was longer than I really thought when I started typing). And then there’s Curran, Sean, George, Jack and Delcan (and Gaston!), Rogan, and and and and and…
We should CERTIANLY not be telling anyone that it’s too complex at any point. The joy of the HA word-craft can be experienced at all points. Grocery lists, remember?!? How many of us pick up one of the books mid-series and just start reading? I know I do. My re-reads don’t always start at the beginning.
I’ve been working on my niece and sister…GA was the gateway drug for my sister. 🙂
When I am searching for new reading, I am excited when I find a series exists. I’ll read the first one and if I like it, I turn around and order all of them. To me there is no feast better!
I admit I have lost my way….. (because of shutdown), I lost track of all the Ilona books I was reading and the order of them except for KD. So at some point I shall have to dig them all out and find out where I was with the other series.
There’s a handy complete reading list divided by series on the Release Schedule page which could help with that worthy mission 😊 https://ilona-andrews.com/release-schedule/#booklist
Iron and Magic 2 : YES!
Wilmington 3: YES!
Blood Heir 2: YES!
New anchor series: YES!
I love all of these and need them in my life 🙂
I am so happy to hear that you are looking for another anchor series! I love your work and so another series sounds wonderful! You are so right about long series, it’s hard to keep going sometimes. There was a series I really liked, not loved like yours, but I liked it and about book six it began to feel like repeats. The entire world is in danger, she saves the world, again and again and again. I get it’s hard to top saving the world but who wants to keep reading the same story? Another that has gone on way too long that initially I loved involved a love triangle that almost every book she flipped back and forth between the two. I got mad at her and dropped the series, because as a person the character never grew, always the same. It’s one of the reasons I am really loving Wilmington. It’s new, everyone is reacting differently, it’s not the same cast of characters or same locations and I am enjoying the new ones.
Thank you for giving us insight into the process. I hope you find your new anchor series soon. I look forward to reading it.
In the meantime, I guess I’ll just re-read it all…again! 😀
I Would enjoy a small new series in the edge world tho not specifically in the edge just the existing world, somewhere else and even if kept separate from old favorite characters. Can you not use the existing world and have a new story with new people? Just an idea.
Good luck
I just read Alphas. Apparently I bought it and then thought I had read it, but turns out I didn’t. I’m sad to realize that it won’t continue. I was loving the whole concept of different species and worlds. I hope your muse talks to you and nudges you to continue it.
What I see from this is that we are going to get more books. I am happy. That is all.
I must admit I am regular re-reader of your books. Thank you 😊 💓
Gee wiz I’m sorry you were put in a position where you felt you had to write all that. I love all your books. I am patiently waiting for the next Inn Keeper book. “The tree man THE TREE!” 🙂 Any who try and stay cool and enjoy your down time everyone deserves down time!!!!
Respectfully your devoted fan.
No one else wants a series on the Arbitrator’s Office? Or a stand alone on George DeMille? I love the other series, but the Innkeeper series is my beloved go-to happy place. There are so many stories there yet to be told!
I have read all you have published (that I know of) and have done so multiple times over.
Creativity and inspiration cannot be forced and I am so happy that you do take time for yourselves to just exist.
On that note I am happy you are finishing the pre-existing stories, but I do hope we get to see more of Maggie’s story. She intrigues me!
I will read anything you publish but I am pulling for Iron and Magic 2
🙂 I can wait for anything you ever write. No pressure. You two are so awesome and I have had so much pleasure from you. Thank you.