Decide which side works are essential, optional or better saved for later.
Not every numbered item is a main novel
Retail metadata may count short stories, digital exclusives or bundled editions.
Prequels can contain later knowledge
A story set earlier may still be written from the perspective of readers who know future events.
Spin-offs vary in dependence
Some introduce independent leads; others rely heavily on the parent series.
Use a three-tier list
Mark items as main, recommended extra or optional. This makes the plan usable instead of merely complete.
