Combining authors: Goodreads authors

[Cait]

Does anyone know how author combining works on Goodreads authors? The Goodreads author Ashok Banker is using "Ashok Banker" as his name, but most of his books are appearing on the site under "Ashok K. Banker". Is it even possible to merge those two profiles? I'd like to drop this author a note letting him know how to claim the rest of his books without having to edit each one!

[rivka, Former Moderator]

It is possible to merge them, if he edits his profile (the way any librarian would with a non-GR author) to the longer version. Which does appear to be what on all the covers I looked at.

[Cait]

Thanks, rivka! I'll let him know (and Tobias Buckell, who appears to have the same trouble).

[JG (Introverted Reader)]

I tried to combine this author: Neil Gaiman (sarjakuvaksi sovittanut P. Craig Russell) with GR author Neil Gaiman. I go into the edit author data page for the weird one, erase all the extra stuff and hit enter. I keep getting this message: "Sorry, this author is on Goodreads and is responsible for editing their own data. Data for other author's can be edited if you have librarian status." Can someone else get it to work, please? Thanks!

[Lisa]

JG, The same thing happened to me. I'd suggest messaging Neil Gaiman with the link and asking him to do it.

[jenjn79]

I had the same problem yesterday. I don't remember this happening before...

What I did do, though, when I came across it was I went to the individual book page, edited the author there (which works)...so it moves to the right author. Then if you want to make sure the bogus author page (that no longer has any books) goes away, just merge it any other non-GR author.

[JG (Introverted Reader)]

Ooo, good work around. Good thinking, Isis!

[rivka, Former Moderator]

Indeed. I'll have to use that.

[Lisa]

Isis, Terrific idea. I'll have to remember that process as I'm sure it will be useful at times.

[jenjn79]

You're welcome! :)

[Carolyn]

I agree - excellent work around Isis!