Ramblings of a Book Sniffer: Author Pseudonyms


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Why do authors need to have pseudonyms? I get that they want to distinguish the line between the various genres they write but honestly, it gets confusing for folks like me. I mean, when I see a book by Katie Reus, I know I’m gonna love it. So I immediately add it to my list. However, the first time I saw a “Savannah Stuart” book, I overlooked it. I had no idea who the author was and I’m not quick to purchase something if I don’t know what I’m getting into. It wasn’t until MONTHS later that I realized they were the same person. I think I was taking part in a twitter chat for Katie Reus’ latest book and people kept talking about “Savannah Stuart” and her books. That was when I did a little digging and put the pieces together. I’m not going to lie though, even though I know it’s the same author, I’m still a little apprehensive to just click the buy button on one of Savannah Stuart’s books.

My other issue isn’t just with purchasing the books but what about when I review them? I feel like I should let you guys know that the book is really written by a well known author as apposed to their pseudonym. It even says so in tiny print on the cover of the book but unless you blow the picture up or have a physical copy, you probably can’t even read it. Which leads me to question, why even have a pseudonym? I mean, if you’re going to put your other name on there anyways, what’s the point?

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” Your cover speaks for you (usually) and give the reader an idea of what’s inside. If it’s got two half dressed people dry humping, it’s going to be erotic. If it’s got ribbon, rope, or a very simple basic cover with like one item on it and that’s it, it’s probably erotica. If it’s got a head shot of two people making out, chances are you have a new adult novel. A rake and a lady? Historical romance. You see where I’m going with this? I know you’re not supposed to judge a book my it’s cover but in this case, judging can be helpful when cruising for books. Now there are the few that don’t fit the mold which may have an eyeball or something equally as uncharacteristic but those are few and far between. Let your cover tell your readers which book they are looking at. I don’t care what anyone says, the first thing you take in when looking at a book is the cover, then the synopsis on the back. Just like food, you don’t just blindly eat it, you look at it first, smell it even and then chow down. Books are really kind of the same thing.

Maybe I’m the loner standing in the corner of a crowded room all by themselves but I don’t like pseudonyms when it comes to the same author. I get confused, I miss out and end up just getting frustrated in the end.

 

How do you feel about authors using different pseudonyms for their books?

 

kRISTIN

5 Thoughts on “Ramblings of a Book Sniffer: Author Pseudonyms

  1. Years ago (gads I am dating myself) in the land before Indie, publishers often felt that an author writing mystery who then wrote a romance book would appeal to their marketed following. So, they created pseudonyms. Also some “genres” weren’t considered serious work and snubbed. *rolls eyes* Today some authors who have published works with a publisher write under a different name for genres and books not accepted by publisher. One of my favorite authors Jayne Anne Krentz has two pseudonyms and all are published through publishing houses. She writes contemporary romantic suspense under her name, historical everything under Amanda Quick and fantasy/futuristic novels under the name Jayne Castle. When I review a book by an author with multiple titles and names I always mention them in my review, usually in the closing since many peeps are like me and read several genres. Great post and great question.

  2. I don’t mind it… but I don’t understand it, either. Like Jennifer Armentrout writing her NA romances as J. Lynn. It clearly says on the cover ‘Jennifer Armentrout writing as J, Lynn.’ So I don’t understand why authors use pseudonyms if they’re going to use their real name on the same book.

    I thought I was the only one. Lol.

  3. Oh it drives me crazy. I can get it in a way wanting to separate genres from names like if you write erotica and then are doing YA books. But they almost always–like mentioned– will have right there on the cover So-in-So writing as Blah-Blah. Okay. What’s the point then?

    Then you have ones that have so many names it’s near impossible to figure out. Like Jayne Ann Krentz. I love her books. But I was so blasted confused when I first started reading because in that one series of hers she writes it as 3 different names. Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle. Plus she has a couple other pen names she’s used. Annoying when you’re excited about an author but then can’t figure out or find all of their books because of so many names. Ahhh Yeah. Good to get that off your chest. lol

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