Ordering Books Within a Series
Learn how to reorder books within a series using drag-and-drop, including strategies for prequels, companion novels, and non-linear reading orders.
The order of books in a series directly affects how readers experience your catalog. Whether you're managing a linear trilogy or a complex universe with prequels and side stories, this guide covers every ordering scenario.
What You'll Learn
- How to use the drag-and-drop reorder interface
- How to handle prequels, companion novels, and non-linear orders
- How book order appears across the platform
- Best practices for recommending reading sequences
Using the Drag-and-Drop Reorder Interface
- Navigate to Content > Series
- Click the series title to open the series editor
- Locate the book list — each book shows its current position number, cover thumbnail, title, and status
- Grab the drag handle (⋮⋮ icon on the left side of each book)
- Drag the book to its new position
- Release — all position numbers update automatically
- Click "Save Order" to persist the changes
The reorder takes effect immediately across all platform surfaces: book detail pages, your author website, and series pages.
Common Ordering Scenarios
Linear Series (Most Common)
Books read in a single chronological order: Book 1 → Book 2 → Book 3.
Simply order them as they should be read. The position number doubles as the display label ("Book 1", "Book 2", etc.).
Prequel Published Later
You published Books 1-3, then wrote a prequel (Book 0.5). Options:
Option A: Publication Order (keep original numbering)
Position 1: Book 1 – The Beginning
Position 2: Book 2 – The Middle
Position 3: Book 3 – The End
Position 4: Book 0.5 – The Prequel (labeled as prequel in title)
Option B: Recommended Reading Order
Position 1: Book 0.5 – The Prequel
Position 2: Book 1 – The Beginning
Position 3: Book 2 – The Middle
Position 4: Book 3 – The End
Pro Tip: Option B (reading order) typically works better for new readers discovering your series on BookAuth, because they see the recommended sequence immediately.
Companion Novels & Side Stories
For books that can be read independently but are set in the same universe, place them at the point in the series timeline where they make the most sense.
Box Sets / Omnibus Editions
If you have a box set that collects Books 1-3, place it at the end of the series to avoid confusing the linear sequence.
How Order Appears on the Platform
| Location | Display |
|---|---|
| Series Page | Books listed vertically in order with position numbers |
| Book Detail Page | "Book 2 of The Dragon Chronicles" with prev/next navigation |
| Author Website | Series section shows books in your defined order |
| Reading List | Series context shown next to the book title |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a "Book 0" or "Book 0.5" numbering option?
A: BookAuth uses sequential position numbers (1, 2, 3...). To indicate a prequel, include it in the book title: "The Prequel (Book 0.5)" and place it first in the order.
Q: If I reorder, do readers' reading lists update?
A: The series ordering on your series page updates. Reading lists show the book's current series position.
Q: Can I hide a book from the series page without removing it?
A: Set the book's status to Draft. Draft books are hidden from the public series page but remain in the series for your planning.
Related Articles
- Creating & Managing Book Series
- Managing Book Metadata & Details
- Book Status Lifecycle (Draft → Published → Archived)