Question for Readers
I have two Regency historicals, one with paranormal elements (telepathic twins), and one not.
I've been thinking of putting them out under a pseudonym because they aren't much like what I write now (no animals!), so would you rather see something like that under my name, or should I go with a pseudonym? I really don't want to upset my regular readers, but I do have some name recognition.
Confused,
Robin
I've been thinking of putting them out under a pseudonym because they aren't much like what I write now (no animals!), so would you rather see something like that under my name, or should I go with a pseudonym? I really don't want to upset my regular readers, but I do have some name recognition.
Confused,
Robin
posted by FantasyAuthor RobinDOwens | 1:00 AM
10 Comments:
I have no problem with a pseudonym, as long as you don't keep it a secret.
And please don't add " Robin D Owens writing as" to the cover, since that is the best way to get me to not buy the book.
I'm good either way.
I also agree with Mikaela, I don't like when the covers have """"writing as """. If an author is using a pseudonym for that book, it doesn't should be using their other Pen Names on the cover only to sell more books, either use one or the other not both.
Also most times the different Pen Names, represent different genres that the author writes, not style.
You should decide which path makes more sense for you; create a new persona and write different books, or use your own name and introduce your readers to a new side of your writing.
That you may continue to write for a very long time. Hope you will be happy with either decision you make.
Kristal
I prefer a single author name. It's simpler, and readers are much less likely to miss one of your books. Usually the cover alone is a good enough indicator to genre, anyway. My tastes are so varied it takes more than a different genre to scare me away =) And often it's not just the story people like, but the writing style.
The best case I've seen for using different pseudonyms is Jayne Ann Krentz, but I read them all anyway.
I could go either way as long as I know who you are.
I like that Nora Roberts has a 2nd pen name. I know what I am getting when I read JD RObb.
Use your name recognition and keep your name. You've earned the reader loyalty! And only a few vocal few will care if you are writing outside of expected genre. Most of us will just be thrilled to get a new book from you.
Use your regular name. I'd hate to miss anything you write because Robin D Owens was not listed as the author. Your readers will love anything you write.
Use your name. A note on the cover clarifying that it's a stand alone book, or a different series, genre, always helps.
Hate it when some "clever" publishers try to sell a book by implying its part of an ongoing series or in the same style, subjec or location as previous ones. May initially sell, but being misguided produces disappointment, even if the book turns up to be excellent, as it never can meet with preconceived expectations. Creates mistrust & I never buy a book by that author again, unless I read all the reviews, where before I'd pre-order.
Ok, it came in as "use my name." These are 2 mss that I wrote before the Heart series so may not technically be as good -- though they finalled or won awards.
And I'll make sure I have a Regency Historical couple on the cover -- that should take care of the genre, and maybe an Author's Note.
My Wild At Heart novella will be contemporary shapeshifter (with a heroine who has had a near-death experience and is now telepathic with cats), but I have deliberately made the novella very much like the Heart series voice. If you like the Heart series, you should like Wild At Heart.
Robin
I agree with using your own name!
I have decided to publish it under Robin Owens. No middle initial. And I will put an author's note up front.
Betrothal and Blackmail has no animals and no paranormal.
Shades of Honor has no animals, but does have paranormal.
Both finaled/won awards.
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