How do you write a perfect sequel that’s just as loved as the original story ?

You plan it before you write the original.

The problem with many failed sequels is that they are never supposed to exist. The original was written as a self-contained standalone. The world is saved, the character growth complete. It was called “happily ever after,” not “happily until sequel,” for a reason.

However, the standalone became an unexpected hit, and the publisher was asking the author for another one. It sounds easy in theory. The author is already familiar with the characters. The readers know what they’re getting. It’s low risk for publishers because, well, “proven success.” Even if the sequel is panned, the publisher is probably still going to make money, so what’s the harm? Other than, it’s a bad book and we all waste our time, and occasionally it ruined the original. But hey, the publisher got their returns.

Some authors go with the share universe route. Instead of writing a sequel of the same characters, they wrote a story about another character but happened in the same universe with the beloved original characters being supportive characters or making cameos. But then again, worldbuilding doesn’t attract people. The characters do. If you love Star Wars because of Luke Skywalker, you probably wouldn’t care about a story featuring C-3PO. (I’m not saying C-3PO can’t be a protagonist, I’m simply saying for someone who wants more Luke story, they wouldn’t be satisfied with C-3PO story with Luke making 2 cameos.)

I understand why authors and publishers do it. I don’t blame struggling authors to roll out a sequel for quick money, unless the sequel is egregiously bad (building on an already subpar original. Yes, Rebecca Yarros, I’m looking at you. That sequel of yours is a pile of hot garbage cash grab.)

So, how to write a good sequel? Plan ahead. If you think your book has sequel potential, plan it as a duology, trilogy, or series. Plan your plot, plan your character growth with series potential in mind. Give your characters a temporary but still significant success. Let the Big Bad retreat instead of defeated, so you don’t need to resurrect Palpatine and make him a zombie.

Plan it as a series, or keep your standalone as a one-and-done.