How to Write a Book Series: 3 Different Types of Series in Fiction

Some stories (and characters!) can’t be contained in one book. When a world is rich enough, or a hero compelling enough, to outgrow a single story arc, a book series might be the perfect fit. Many beloved stories, from epic fantasies to cozy mystery series, stretch across multiple books, each installment building on what came before. But how do you know which type of book series is right for the story you want to tell?

Whether you're a self-published author or pursuing a traditional publishing path, this post will walk you through the three types of series you can write, how each series type works, and how to decide which one best suits your idea.

What is a book series?

A book series is a collection of individual books connected by shared elements such as characters and settings, themes, conflicts, or an overarching story. Depending on the type of series, the books may follow a single long chronological journey, or each book may function as a standalone story set in the same world.

Most series fall into one of three types:

• Dynamic series
• Static series (also called an episodic book series)
• Anthology series

Each kind of series offers unique storytelling opportunities, and each series follows a different structure that shapes how readers move through the series as a whole.

Dynamic series

A dynamic series features a single overarching storyline that unfolds over several books. Instead of resetting between installments, each book in the series drives the central conflict forward, gradually revealing more of the world and allowing for deep character development. Popular dynamic series include The Hunger Games, The Wheel of Time, and A Song of Ice and Fire, all of which follow a central character or group of characters through one continuous journey.

Because the plot progresses from book to book, you must read them in order, starting with Book 1, which establishes the world, the cast of characters, and the central conflict that evolves throughout the series. Dynamic series often end on cliffhangers or unresolved threads, encouraging readers to read the next book immediately. This type of book is ideal for writers who want to explore long, emotional character arcs, build immersive worlds, and craft a narrative too big for one book.

Many writers find a series bible helpful for keeping details straight, especially when revealing key information later in the series or tying events together in the last book.

Static series

A static series, also called an episodic series, provides a different reading experience. While it features a recurring set of characters and a consistent setting, each book in a static series tells a self-contained story with its own beginning, middle, and end. Readers can usually start anywhere without confusion because each installment includes all the context it needs.

Classic examples include the Sherlock Holmes stories, Nancy Drew, and the Jack Reacher novels. Many mystery series follow this structure, offering familiar protagonists and worlds but fresh puzzles or adventures in every book.

Because each book stands on its own, the entire series can generally be read out of order, making it appealing to readers who like flexibility. It's also ideal if you want to write a series with many entries but don’t want to manage a massive, multi-book story arc. This structure works especially well for writers who enjoy focusing on plot-driven tales, allowing readers to jump to the next book in the series without needing the previous book.

Anthology series

An anthology series is the most flexible option. Instead of following the same characters or a continuous narrative, each book introduces different characters, new plots, and often a new tone or subgenre. What unites the books is a shared theme, concept, or world. A popular example is Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novel series, where each book follows a different sibling, resulting in a collection of standalone novels that still feel connected.

Some anthology series take place in the same world, such as a magical town or a shared universe, while others are connected only by theme, such as holiday romances or folklore-inspired tales. Because each book is a standalone series entry, readers can read in any order. This kind of series is wonderful for writers who have multiple story ideas they want to explore, but also want the marketing benefits of a cohesive world or concept. It offers tremendous creative freedom while still allowing you to build a recognizable “brand” across several books.

Tips for writing any type of series

No matter which type of series you choose—dynamic, static, or anthology—specific strategies will help you craft a strong, cohesive series as a whole. One of the most essential tools is a series bible, a centralized document that tracks characters, settings, timelines, and world details. This helps ensure consistency, especially when you return to a character or group of characters in a later installment or reference events from a previous book.

It’s also helpful to think about how each book in your series stands on its own while still contributing to the overarching identity of the series. Even in a tightly connected sequential series, each book should have a satisfying internal arc so readers feel rewarded at the end, even as they’re eager to read the next book. For episodic and standalone structures, make sure each book offers a fresh hook while maintaining the tone, world, or themes that keep the series feeling cohesive.

Another key tip is to plan ahead, at least a little! You don’t need to outline every beat of the entire series, but having a sense of your world’s rules, your central conflicts, and how your story arc or themes will evolve helps prevent contradictions later on. Think about how secondary characters might grow over the whole series, what threads you might pick up later in the series, and how each type of book supports your long-term vision.

Finally, make sure every book delivers something new. Readers return to a series because they love its familiar elements, but they stay engaged when each next book in your series deepens their understanding of the world or surprises them with fresh stakes, challenges, mysteries, or emotional turns. When each book offers both continuity and novelty, your series will feel satisfying from the first page to the last book.

Ready to start writing a book series?

Whether you're dreaming up your first trilogy or planning a sprawling saga, the key to writing a book series is understanding the series type that best fits your vision. Once you choose the structure, you can start outlining, planning chronological order (if needed), exploring secondary characters, and building a world readers will want to revisit again and again.

No matter which of the different types of series you choose, the right approach will help you craft a compelling next book in your series and keep readers eager for another book after that!