I’ve been getting emails from awesome fans who are curious about THE ARRANGEMENT series. It has a huge fan base – hundreds of thousands of people – and lots of new readers. Many of you already noticed, but some haven’t so I wanted to make it clear.
Yes, THE ARRANGEMENT is a series.
There’s some confusion over what that means. My serials are not one book slashed into pieces. I know some writers do that, but I don’t. I’ve actually been asked to speak about the construction of my serials at several writer’s conferences next year, because the way they’re written is unique. Quite frankly, if I took CURSED there and slashed it into pieces, it would suck. But, that’s another topic, so I won’t go into that right now.
Pictures help make it more obvious that THE ARRANGEMENT is not one book broken into volumes. For one, it’s too big. eBooks are amazing, but the tactile sense of reading is lost. If a book holds my attention and I love the story, the time taken to read it flies by and I have no idea how many pages I read. That doesn’t happen with paper. It’s easy to see how much I read and where the end is, so I took a few pics for the ereader fans.
The stack of books on the left is the Arrangement series 1-9. Cursed is on the right, and is one of my full length novels. It’s the 2nd book in the Demon Kisses series and is about the same size as Damaged and Stripped (both are novels). Some of my novels are a bit longer, some are shorter, but it’s average novel length for me (and most romances.)
So, if THE ARRANGEMENT series were presented in novel format, they’d be onto their 4th novel at this point in time. Every 2-2.5 volumes is about novel length. The Arrangement is a series the same way DEMON KISSED is a series. Multiple books tell the story, but these come out way faster.
Why was this story written as a serial? Because there are readers who like this format, a lot. It has perks that novels don’t have.
Here are the main serial novella perks:
- They come out faster and the reader only has to wait 4 weeks instead of 4 months. Waiting 4 months for the next title from my favorite author sucks. Most of my fav authors put out 1 novel a year. I hate that. I want more. Now. Series like THE ARRANGEMENT offer that desire for new titles.
- Serials are less risky for the reader. If I like it, I keep reading and one book didn’t eat up a ton of time.
- They give the reader the option to read something new between novel releases.
- Serials are less daunting. If someone hands you a huge ass book, it can be intimidating. Novella length books don’t typically present that apprehension.
- They’re fast and fun. This kind of book is supposed to be fun, and not take a lot of effort, which is why lots of people love them.
THE ARRANGEMENT series was originally written for fans to have something to read between novels. Then it became a fan-driven series where the fans’ comments are actually affecting the story line. It’s become an organic story, and is way cooler than anything I dreamed up when I started.
A note about it from a fan:
“Ugh!!! Okay, I’m going to get serious a little bit here and defend our girl Holly, ’cause let’s face it, she’s the best! I’m getting ready to post my amazon.com review for The Arrangement 2 and I’m reading other people’s reviews…I respect other people’s points of view and sometimes I will dislike stuff that other people like and that’s okay. That’s why there are so many diverse authors out there publishing.
The one argument I have trouble with is when people call The Arrangement series a scam. I did the math. It costs approximately the same price PER PAGE for an Arrangement serial (in e-format) as is does for a 50 shades novel (in e-format). Considering that you can fit about 4 Arrangement serials into one 50 Shades novel (page count and total $) and that 50 Shades was a trilogy, we can EASILY make it to 12 books and reach the same total price and page volume as 50 Shades… no one called it a scam!
If you think of books like the Crossfire series, which will probably go onto 5 books (and is more expensive per page), we could make it to 21 Arrangement serials and not go over the Crossfire budget!!!
I may be completely off the track by using this argument & it may not be right to compare series and novels in this way, but it just gets me upset when people write hate reviews and don’t take the time to get their facts straight or even bother rating their review based on the material they’ve read (’cause most of them even say they liked the book!).
Needless to say, my review will be a lovely one full of praise and flowers! ;-)” -MelanieAnne
People ask if these will be bundled at some point. Right now there are no plans to bundle, but there are plans for the series to go on sale like the rest of my titles. The entire Trystan Scott series was on sale recently. All the titles go on sale at some point, so keep your eyes glued to the facebook page to make sure you don’t miss it. Massive sale alerts also go out via email, so make sure you’re on that list. (Text AWESOMEBOOKS – 1 word – to 22828 or click here to get on the list).
And, I know you’re all going to ask, so here it is: THE ARRANGEMENT Vol. 10 will be out in the next couple of weeks. No, it’s not the final book in the series. I’ll make a huge post when the final volume comes out. This volume came out a little slower than usual because of Trystan Scott 5 and Stripped. Releasing 3 titles is one month is crazy, but I don’t want to make you guys wait any longer. So BAM! 10 is coming too!
Oh, and people are asking if they HAVE to read each series to know what’s going on in the novels. NO, you don’t. Each series is stand alone. That means you can read DAMAGED and skip STRIPPED and you won’t be lost if you pick up THE PROPOSITION (Bryan Ferro’s story) later this fall. It’s totally okay to know one brother better than the rest. If you hate cliffhangers, stay away from serials in progress like THE ARRANGEMENT.
I love all your books. Keep up the good work!
Been loving the series. Holly, is the Trystan Scott series finished? I read the last one, and see that Trystan is in the Stripped book. Will there be a resolution to his lady love from High School???
Hey! The TS serials are complete. Those are his backstory to the Trystan novel that is coming later this year. Yes, the novel will say what’s up with him and Mari.
I fall in love with tryston and mari as a hole. and I really want to read the novel. but I have to say if tryston and mari aren’t met to be to gethere I dont want to read it. dont get me wrong I love your books.
that won’t be addressed until Trystan’s novel comes out later this year. It’ll follow up with what’s happened to him and Mari. STRIPPED shows Trystan as Jon Ferros best friend. It’s a cameo, but it doesn’t give details about him, Mari, Seth, or Katie. There’s one clue, but that’s it.
Thabk you for the fupdate, I know that you have been ill and I hope that you are well on the way to recovery. I love novels and series. I hope that you continue with the wonderful job. thank again
I don’t usually write on author’s blog’s. But I have to tell you how totally in awe I an with your books. I think it would be amazing to spend time with you or be one of your friends. You have such amazing imagination, it must carry over into your personality. I am do addicted to all your books. I’ve read them all. Knowing you are going through some health issues, I wish you the best. Get better so you can keep writing. I look at my emails ..always so excited to see when your next one is being released. But knowing you are trying to get better, I’ve more than enough patience to wait. Get better, everything else can wait!
Thanks for the info just love The Arrangement series please keep them coming and also the Ferro Family waiting for all the new released you are such an awesome author thanks again
Love love all Ferro brothers can’t wait for more also when is the final book
of Tryston and Mari story will be out…I hope they still together ..by with I read on stripped it dint seem like they are together…….
You’ll find out in Trystan’s novel. There’s a clue in STRIPPED about Mari, but it’s not directly stated.
thanks for the info H M Ward, but please take the time you need to stay well. We will faithfully wait for any new book no worries!!!
I love all your books keep up the good work. Can’t wait for more arrangement and stripped.
Skip a book or series? I could not do that, I have loved all of them and I continue with my Ferro Brothers addiction! Looking forward to volume 10.
I can’t tell you enough how much I love your books, Avery and Sean <3
You could write till #244 about them. They are never boring.
I do hope you are feeling better, please don't rush back into work before your ready. Please take care of yourself, your in our thoughts and prayers daily. You are a great witer and we all enjoy reading your books.
I just re-read all your books until you release another one.
Can't believe what I gain re- reading them.
Well thank you and continue your series of " Arrangement"
Completely in love ……
This series was well worth it and cant wait for the rest a movie would be great too
please tell me when arrangement 10, broken promises, and divergent are coming out im dying here because I read a book a night its killing me I have read all your books GREAT
AR10 should be sometime next week. the rest are TBA
Pingback: Cover Reveal for ARRANGEMENT 10 | H.M. Ward: New York Times Bestselling NA Romance & YA Author
I’m going to have to re read stripped…I missed the clue…anxiously awaiting AR10…was loving on Sean but after stripped Jonathan is my #1 Ferro.
Pingback: New Release: THE ARRANGEMENT 10 (The Ferro Family) | H.M. Ward: New York Times Bestselling NA Romance & YA Author