When is it a smart move to add another pen name?
This question came up for me with the completion of my latest wip a paranormal romance. It’s something outside my norm and I don’t want to confuse readers – all five of them. LOL
My readers are used to getting contemporary romance. When I posed this question to my editor there was mixed answers. One that struck me was readers will forgive genre jumping. The biggest concern for the publisher is they want me to have a website and possibly a blog for this new persona. So the big question is do I have enough time to invest in another alter ego?
I’ve considered changing my name on my m/m, because I feel that should be separate from my m/f books.
What is your take on this subject? As a reader would you be okay with an author switching genres? Would you continue to read the author?
I guess I have a lot to think about while I wait to hear if the story will even be contracted.
In other news I'm not sure if I shared this here. (If so I apologize) - I Wanna Sext U Up received a 4 star review from The Romance Review! YAY. You can read it here: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=4798
.jpg)
I appreciate all comments! :)
ReplyDeleteAmber, you know I'll read anything you write:) But then again....I'm a little biased!
ReplyDeleteOne of your (many, not just 5, lol!) loyal readers:)
A simpler way to deal with it is to have one website with a separate page for your new persona. That is what I would do if I added another name. That's what Nora Roberts does for her JD Robb books and also Jayne Ann Krentz for her alter-egos...
ReplyDeleteAnd you could explain how your books differ when you use that name... Just a thought.
Awww, hugs Molly. I appreciate your kind words.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anny. That's a great idea I hadn't thought about. :)
Congratulations on a great review!
ReplyDeleteWhatever name you write under, readers will find you and cherish your work.
XXOO Kat
I like Anny's suggestion, if you do anything. I genre jump and I also do not have time to maintain multiple pen names. Some authors do make it work, but I'm not one of them.
ReplyDeleteYay for the review! I don't think you have to have different pen names for the different genres. People know that as a writer, you might try something new. I think people will read whatever you write.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the fantastic review, Amber!!
ReplyDeleteAs a reader/fan, the most important thing for me is to know where to find your work.
As an author, the thought of maintaining more than one alter ego is beyond daunting.
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. It truly helps. :)
ReplyDeleteThere are pros and cons for this; it's all up to the author's personal preferences.
ReplyDeleteCON: For each pen name you have, your promo doubles. Add another FB page, Twitter page, Website, blog page. Lots more work. Less time to write. Ugh.
PRO: If you dont' want your YA fan base (or your family) to know about your erotic stories, this is one way to keep that kind of writing private from them.
CON: It's harder for the fans who DO want to read ALL your stories to find you, which reminds me, you better let me know if you have other pen names out there I need to read!
PRO: On each name, it'll be easier to taylor a website to one genre. A m/m name could have sexy guys pics all over the blog. A paranormal author can have a really dark, other-wordly website. When you write a couple different genres under one name, your brand has to be more generalized.
So yeah, lots to consider. Good luck. Let us know what you decide!!!