Pitching a series

[DelectableWords]

How would you go about pitching a MG series whose 7 planned books form the basis for a YA series with 7 planned books?  In other words, each of the 14 books is a story all by itself, but both series together form the entire story I want to tell. 

--Delectable Words

[Tabris]

You write the first book and pitch that book, and when the agent calls you to discuss representation, you mention the next six books in the MG series.  You can then also mention that you have ideas for a related series written for YA readers.

[sarah_biglow]

Basically what Tabris said.  Pitch one book at a time.  if you want to hint at series in your query, you say "X is a standalone with series potential".  Just because you want it to be a series doesn't guarantee that it will be.

[Magic_Seeker]

with Tabris and Sarah. 

[LisaAnn]

Agreed.  From what I've heard, it's better to pace yourself and try to sell your first novel as a "stand-alone MG novel with series potential," especially if this is your first book.  Publishers will base series potential on how well your first novel sells, so your work really needs to stand alone and speak for itself. 

BTW, I am sooo jealous that you've already got so many big ideas...  I just started the second book in my (hopeful) two to three part series, and I'm already wondering how exactly I'll fill up the next books...  Hahaha, I'm hoping they magically fill themselves in like my first book did.  Best of luck to you! 

[DelectableWords]

I'll do it.  Thanks. 

LisaAnn--no need to be jealous.  I've been writing thoughts about this on envelopes, in journals, on napkins, and in the computer for years as so much of my time has been blessed with raising children.  I'm just finally organized enough to take on the project(s), though the querying is very daunting.