Serial publishing isn't a new concept. It involves releasing a book in installments—typically one or two chapters at a time—over months or even years, before compiling it into a single volume. This format powered many literary classics from the 19th and early 20th centuries by authors like Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, and James Joyce. Yet, for much of the 1900s, its popularity faded.
The internet has revolutionized self-publishing, making it easier than ever to share your work directly with readers. As explored in guides like Your Guide to Desktop Publishing: From Print to Kindle and Beyond, anyone can turn their manuscript into a published book. Tools for web-based publishing and programs like Amazon's Scouts enable crowdsourced campaigns similar to Kickstarter. Check out 4 Quick Ways to Write and Publish Books on the Web and 5 Crowdfunding Sites Where You Can Raise Money For Your Next Book for practical steps.
This digital shift has sparked a resurgence in serialized storytelling, with Andy Weir's The Martian—now a blockbuster film starring Matt Damon and directed by Ridley Scott—leading the charge.
Andy Weir first shared The Martian chapter by chapter on his website, inviting reader feedback that refined its acclaimed scientific accuracy. Experts helped polish early drafts, contributing to its precision. The story follows NASA botanist Mark Watney, stranded on Mars after a mission gone wrong, as he fights to survive until rescue. As a avid sci-fi reader, I've devoured this gem—it's gripping, and the film adaptation has earned rave reviews.
Adventurer Alastair Humphreys, featured previously on MakeUseOf for inspiring microadventures (see Ten Microadventure Videos to Inspire You), chronicled epic journeys before pivoting to reflection. His book There Are Other Rivers: All Over India on Foot details a coast-to-coast walk across India, offering profound insights into pushing personal boundaries. Unlike traditional serialization, Humphreys released chapters from his existing book on his blog over the past month.
John Scalzi's The Human Division, the fourth in his Old Man's War series, was serialized by powerhouse publisher Tor Books. This military sci-fi saga features 75-year-olds enlisting for interstellar duty with youthful new bodies. The entire series is a must-read for fans of the genre. Its success led Tor to serialize the follow-up, The End of All Things, though both are now available in full.
Tech journalists Lyndsey Gilpin and Jason Hiner's Follow the Geeks profiles 10 internet entrepreneurs who ditched traditional paths, including Gina Trapani of Lifehacker (highlighted in 8 of the Biggest Geeks on Twitter). Each standalone chapter releases serially on their site—one free at a time—with pre-orders unlocking prior installments. I've read several; they're insightful and inspiring. Crowdfunding supports this clever model.
Amazon's Kindle Serials program delivers episodes straight to your device via automatic updates. Andrew Peterson's Kill Option, third in the Nathan McBride series, thrives here. McBride, ex-Navy SEAL and CIA operative turned private contractor, tackles global crises packed with action and cliffhangers—ideal for serialization.
Serial publishing is thriving again, blending seamlessly with crowdfunding and reader collaboration. Hits like The Martian, The Human Division, and Follow the Geeks prove its appeal for indie authors and major publishers alike. Not every book suits this format, but expect more experimentation ahead—The Martian is just the start.
Are you a fan of serial publishing, or do you prefer complete books? What serialized gems did I miss? Share in the comments.
