Author’s Dilemma – Which Book to Write Next?
The stakes are much higher when you’re the one creating the story, not just reading it. Deciding which project to commit to next is a massive decision, especially with unfinished manuscripts on the table and past projects that haven’t been as successful as you’d hoped.
Here are three strategies to help you decide which book to finish, or whether to make a fresh start. Watch this 60-second breakdown of how I choose my next book project—spark, strategy, or just finish it!
1. The “Spark” Test
Forget the past for a moment. Go back through the synopses or first chapters of your (insert your number of) unfinished manuscripts here — eight in my case. Read them as if someone else wrote them. Which one makes your heart beat a little faster? Which one relights that fire when you first started writing it?
💖Passion:
When the writing gets hard—and it will—the only thing that will keep you going is genuine passion for the story. If a project no longer excites you, it’s a grind. If you’re passionate about it, the hard work feels less like a chore and more like a challenge.
🪞First Impressions:
Think about what hooked you. Was it a unique character, a compelling plot twist, or a world you couldn’t wait to explore? That’s likely what will hook a publisher or reader, too. Focus on the project with the strongest core concept.
2. The “Marketability” Analysis
If your previous books have flopped, it’s smart to consider what readers are buying right now. This isn’t about selling out; it’s about being strategic.
🎢Identify Genre Trends:
What genres are in demand? Is it cosy fantasy, sci-fi thrillers, or something else? Look at best-seller lists in your target genre. Does any of your existing work align with these trends?
🕳️Find a Gap:
Is there a niche that’s underserved? Maybe one of your manuscripts tackles a subject or a sub-genre that no one else is writing about. This could be a unique selling point.
🪝A “New” Idea with a Hook:
Starting a new book allows you to write with the market in mind from day one. If none of your unfinished manuscripts feel fresh or aligned with what readers want, a new project might be the most viable path forward.
3. The “Completionist” Method
Sometimes, the best way to get over a creative block is to get a win, even a small one.
🏁Finish the “Closest to Done” Project:
Don’t focus on quality right now; focus on completion. The feeling having a finished manuscript—even a messy first draft—is powerful. It proves to you that you can, in fact, see a project through to the end. This can be the momentum you need to tackle the next, more promising project.
🔁The Practice Project:
View one of your unfinished manuscripts as a “practice” run. It’s a low-stakes project you can use to experiment, learn, and get into the habit of writing every day. It doesn’t have to be perfect. The goal is to finish it.
Final Thoughts on Choosing
Deciding what to write is the most critical step for an author. The right choice can be the difference between a manuscript that languishes in a drawer and a book that finds its readers. Don’t worry about leaving a project behind if it no longer serves you, and don’t baulk at having to start fresh if that’s where your passion and strategic sense lead you.
What’s the one unfinished manuscript or idea, from a gut-feeling perspective, you’re most drawn to?
