I'm almost finished with my fantasy novella, a humorous mystery in a medieval-type setting. What I want to know is this: Since this story is VERY different from my main work, should I submit it under a pseudonym? I want to avoid getting tagged as a writer of humorous stories, when my main goal is more heavy epic stuff. A Case of the Tumblebones will be my first submitted work. IF, and it's a BIG IF, it gets accepted, will it hinder me as a writer of more serious works later on?? Any thoughts?
Posted by Teraen (Member # 8612) on :
As far as I am aware, you always submit under your own name. If an editor picks it up and agrees to publish the thing, then you discuss using pen names. Your editor would be happy to discuss the pros and cons of doing so, I'm sure.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
I agree. Be who you are and let them decide on marketing.
My name is only a few letters off from a very famous author. If I ever make it out there, I wonder what the two names would look like next to each other on the shelf. I don't like the idea, but others have said it could be a benefit.
Axe
Posted by Kitti (Member # 7277) on :
I don't think you need to worry about it. A one-off novella shouldn't mark you in anyone's mind as someone who always writes humorous stuff. You see a lot of advice around that says you should write two or three novels of the same "type" before switching, because it takes a while for your reputation to form and for you to solidify a fan base.
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
Such is the need of my ravenous ego that I want all my stuff to be published under my own name---if I could ever get any of my stuff published.
If you haven't published yet, it's too early to worry about being typed as one kind of writer...better to show your range early on and then see about, er, type-writing.
Posted by Teraen (Member # 8612) on :
Oh, and as far as alienating a fan base goes, that usually isn't a big deal. In fact, I would submit that you peruse Brandon Sanderson's blog, who made an entrance with fantasy, but also writes a series for kids. He has said that the different genres helped him as an author.
Posted by genevive42 (Member # 8714) on :
I think there's a lot more freedom to move between genres than in the past. I'll be happy to publish almost anything under my own name. There could be exceptions but they would have to be more extreme conflicts in my mind.
Posted by andersonmcdonald (Member # 8641) on :
Thanks! Yeah, it's probably a bit premature to even be thinking of such a thing. I feel kind of like little Ralphie from A Christmas Story, dreaming about his Red Ryder BB gun. Just didn't want to be expected to keep up the same type work.
Posted by sholar (Member # 3280) on :
I spend a ridiculous amount of time dreaming about what name I should publish under. Should it be Tami or Tameson? Is Tameson too weird for people? What gender will people think I am? Does using Yip as a last name make me sound vaguely ethnic and thereby intriguing or does it make me sound like a loud, small puppy? I think dreaming of names and publishing is a favorite past time for most writers.
Posted by Smaug (Member # 2807) on :
I used to want to publish something under the pseudonym "Ehan Migdaine". Now, I just want to publish something.
Posted by andersonmcdonald (Member # 8641) on :
Darn! I was going to use Ihav Migraine, but it's too close to yours Smaug.
Posted by Smaug (Member # 2807) on :
Go ahead. I won't sue.
[This message has been edited by Smaug (edited April 10, 2010).]
Posted by Tricia V (Member # 6324) on :
Now I'll have to watch you two to see if there is evidence you are the same poster with two IDs, posting zingers off yourself. Posted by andersonmcdonald (Member # 8641) on :
Should it be Tami or Tameson? Is Tameson too weird for people? What gender will people think I am? Does using Yip as a last name make me sound vaguely ethnic and thereby intriguing or does it make me sound like a loud, small puppy? I think dreaming of names and publishing is a favorite past time for most writers.
