How to Write a Fantasy Series (+ Critical Mistakes to Avoid)
So, you want to write a fantasy series. Not just a standalone novel, but a multi-book saga that hooks readers, haunts their dreams, and leaves them refreshing your author page at 2 a.m. for the next release.
Ambitious? Absolutely. Worth it? You bet.
Whether you’re a seasoned author or just dipping your quill into the inkpot for the first time, creating a fantasy series is a monumental but incredibly rewarding endeavor.
In this post, you’ll learn why (and when) to opt for a series vs. a standalone fantasy novel, how to write a fantasy series in four steps, actionable tips to get started, pitfalls to avoid, and more.
Let’s dive in.
Why write a series instead of a single fantasy novel?
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of how to write a fantasy series, let’s address the big question: why write a series at all? Writing a series allows you to:
Dive deep into your worldbuilding. A single novel might limit how much of your intricate world—complete with its history, politics, and magical systems—you can reveal. With a series, you’ve got time to explore every fascinating corner.
Grow your characters over time. There’s something magical about seeing characters change and evolve over multiple books. Think about how Harry grew from a boy wizard to a war-hardened hero, or how Nynaeve from The Wheel of Time matured (and struggled) with each new installment.
Keep your readers hooked. If done well, a series creates loyal fans who will eagerly wait for your next release, ensuring long-term engagement.
How to write a fantasy series
1. Start with a strong premise (and make sure it has legs)
A fantasy series needs a solid foundation. Your premise—the story’s core idea—has to be compelling enough to sustain multiple books.
Ask yourself:
Does the main conflict span a large enough scope for a series?
Are there multiple layers to explore? Think political intrigue, romance, and personal quests.
Can your characters grow and change over time?
Example: In Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series, the premise—a mortal woman navigating a faerie realm fraught with danger, romance, and political intrigue—is both expansive and layered. It’s not just about Feyre’s survival; it’s also about uncovering hidden truths about the fae courts, mastering her newfound powers, and grappling with her evolving relationships and responsibilities.
2. Plan your overarching plot (but leave room for surprises)
When figuring out how to write a fantasy series, remember this: plotting a single novel is like navigating a river, but plotting a series is like navigating an entire ocean.
Here’s how to do it:
Sketch the big picture. Where does your story start? Where will it end? What major events will happen along the way? Use a beat sheet to map out these milestones.
Plan each book’s individual arc. Each book in your series needs its own satisfying beginning, middle, and end. Think of them as smaller stories within the larger saga.
Layer your foreshadowing. Drop subtle hints in Book 1 about things that will become important in Book 3 or 4. Just don’t overdo it—no one likes a writer who’s too clever for their own good.
Leave room to evolve. Even the best-laid plans might change as your characters develop minds of their own or you discover better twists along the way.
3. Build a world readers will want to get lost in
Worldbuilding for a series is like crafting a living, breathing character. It needs depth, history, and quirks that make it unique.
💡Tips for series-worthy worldbuilding:
Think beyond Book 1. If your series spans continents or decades, make sure you know how the world will evolve over time.
Set rules for your magic system. Whether your magic is hard and defined or soft and mysterious, it needs consistency. Check out How to Create a Unique Magic System for inspiration.
Don’t info-dump. Reveal your world piece by piece. Your readers don’t need to know about the history of the Elven-Fae War in Chapter 1 unless it directly impacts the plot.
P.S. You can use a tool like my Fantasy Worldbuilding Workbook (below) to keep track of all the details you’ll need to revisit over several books.
4. Develop characters who can carry the weight of a series
Strong, multi-dimensional characters are the heart of any fantasy series. Readers will stick with your story if they care about your heroes, villains, and everyone in between. Here’s how to craft characters with staying power:
Give them long-term goals. A character’s motivation shouldn’t be solved by the end of Book 1. Frodo’s goal to destroy the Ring wasn’t resolved until the end of The Return of the King.
Introduce flaws and arcs. Multi-dimensional fantasy characters aren’t perfect; they make mistakes and grow.
Develop relationships. Whether it’s camaraderie, rivalry, or romance, character relationships should evolve just as much as the characters themselves.
Actionable tips for writing a compelling fantasy series
Start with a clear endpoint. Even if you’re a discovery writer (aka pantser), knowing where your series ends will keep you grounded.
Write with the future in mind. Drop seeds for future books early, but make sure each book is satisfying on its own.
Track everything. Keep a spreadsheet or use these fantasy writing templates and workbooks to manage details about your characters, plot points, and worldbuilding. Trust me, by Book 3, you’ll forget whether the villain’s castle had seven towers or eight.
Use subplots strategically. Subplots aren’t just filler; they can add depth and complexity to your series (e.g., romance).
Take breaks between books. Recharge your creativity, read widely, and approach the next installment with fresh eyes.
Develop a flexible timeline. Even if your story spans decades in-world, creating a timeline of events ensures everything unfolds logically. Flexibility allows for adjustments as your narrative evolves.
Test your pacing. Each book in your series should have a rhythm that keeps readers engaged. Avoid dragging in the middle or rushing crucial moments; beta readers can help identify pacing issues.
Pitfalls to avoid when writing a fantasy series
Overstuffing Book 1. Save some of your good ideas for later installments.
Ignoring continuity. Readers will notice if your hero’s eyes change color between books without explanation.
Losing focus. Every book in your series should contribute to the overarching plot. Don’t write filler.
Burnout. Writing a series is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and give yourself grace.
Relying too heavily on cliffhangers. While a well-placed cliffhanger can keep readers eager for the next installment, overusing them can lead to frustration. Ensure each book resolves enough of its own story to feel satisfying.
Introducing too many characters too quickly. Readers need time to connect with your characters. Overloading them with names, backstories, and relationships early on can overwhelm and alienate them.
Failing to evolve the stakes. Each book in your series should build upon the previous one, raising the stakes and expanding the world or conflict. Avoid rehashing the same challenges without progression.
Forgetting to wrap things up. While you want to leave some threads for future books, ensure each installment concludes with a sense of resolution. Readers should feel like they’ve completed a chapter of the story, not been left hanging unnecessarily.
Final thoughts: How to write a fantasy series readers will love
Writing a fantasy series isn’t for the faint of heart, but with careful planning, deep worldbuilding, and characters who leap off the page, it’s one of the most rewarding journeys you can undertake as a writer.
Remember to use tools like my Fantasy Worldbuilding Workbook (below) to stay organized and inspired along the way ⬇️.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many books should a fantasy series have?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some series, like The Lord of the Rings, are trilogies, while others, like The Wheel of Time, span more than a dozen books. The key is to let the story dictate the length—write enough books to tell a complete story without padding for the sake of having more installments.
Do I need to have the entire series planned before I start writing?
Not necessarily. Some authors outline their entire series before writing the first word, while others figure it out as they go. It’s helpful to have an overarching idea of where your series is headed, but don’t be afraid to adapt as your characters and world evolve during the writing process.
How do I keep readers engaged between books in my series?
Engage your audience through newsletters, social media updates, or sneak peeks at upcoming installments. Share character backstories, lore, or exclusive content like maps or deleted scenes. A consistent connection with your readers keeps them invested in your series while they wait for the next book.
