Do you think it would be a good idea to do this?

[Corey]

Okay, so I had this idea for a book the other day. I've since started writing it, and I love the idea too much to quit.

So basically, I want to publish a book that's disguised as a very generic mystery novel (working title "Pensacola Sunrise") with a generic cover and summary and everything, though written under my usual pen name, so my readers aren't just stunned by what I'm about to tell you.

Inside the book, the chapter titles coincide with this "Pensacola Sunrise" book, but once the reader begins reading, I immediately tell them that "Pensacola Sunrise" isn't real, and that I'm writing them a personal letter that will save their life in the coming days from something evil that's trying to kill them. I use the duration of the book to explain to them how we used to work together before their memories were wiped, and that I had to invent "Pensacola Sunrise" as a way of secretly communicating with them, as they are constantly being watched and any personal contact wouldn't go unnoticed.

That's the gist of it, anyway. There's more of a plot to it, but I'm more interested in getting advice about the premise.

I'm trying to figure out how to do this without pissing off anyone who really wanted to read "Pensacola Sunrise" only to find this other story inside, but at the same time, I want to make it at least presented in a believable fashion that coincides with the "letter" taking place of the narrative.

If this is making any sense, I'd love some advice on how to go about this, as I really love the idea. I'm not even sure if Amazon would allow something like this.

[[deleted user]]

Love the idea, but I fear the reviews when they don't get what they think they are paying for?

I'm not sure how you would get around it to be honest.

[Corey]

Yea, that's one of the things I'm definitely worried about. I've toyed with the idea of, at some point toward the end, telling the reader to "review this book as if you would be reviewing Pensacola Sunrise, as to not draw suspicion from those watching the two of us". Which, in a perfect world, everyone would review "Pensacola Sunrise", keeping the illusion that the personal letter is special only to the reader's copy of the book (which is what will be said at the beginning).

I need a way to warn those uninterested in the subject matter, while at the same time, keeping the mystery for those who would get a kick out of it.

[Corey]

Yea, that's one of the things I'm definitely worried about. I've toyed with the idea of, at some point toward the end, telling the reader to "review this book as if you would be reviewing Pensacola Sunrise, as to not draw suspicion from those watching the two of us". Which, in a perfect world, everyone would review "Pensacola Sunrise", keeping the illusion that the personal letter is special only to the reader's copy of the book (which is what will be said at the beginning).

I need a way to warn those uninterested in the subject matter, while at the same time, keeping the mystery for those who would get a kick out of it.

[Longhare]

I would suggest burying the letter in what appear to be real chapters. So you would have a bare bones story (preferably a good one disguised as a throw away). The chapters would begin with a paragraph or two of "fake" story to deceive the authorities, followed by "real" story--the letter. You might even make it seem like big chunks of the fake story have been cut out (like a stash book) to make room for the letter. You could have a lot of fun with this, and I don't think readers would get mad. If they don't like it, well, I'm sure they've learned to manage their disappointment.

With a bit of fake story as a vehicle, you could write a winking blurb for Amazon that tells about the fake story with just a hint that all is not what it seems. I think reviewers would totally go along with it.

[[deleted user]]

That's another problem, would the reader get to the end of the book if it's not what they wanted to read?

If its not going to have too much in the way of profanity, or blood and guts gushing out of every orifice you may get away with it. I wish you luck, and if it's something you really want to do, go for it :)

[Corey]

Longhare, that's actually not bad. As of right now, I just have the opening paragraph of what the "real" book would have been, and then I skip some space and cut into the whole "disregard everything you've read" notion. But maybe you're right and cutting in with bits of the "real" book here and there could be fun, and it could definitely toy with reader a bit. I might just do that.

DM, that's precisely what I'm worried about. Like, if John Smith buys my book expecting the Floridian detective-thriller "Pensacola Sunrise" and gets two minutes in to find that what he paid for was more of a gimmick than a plot, well, he might not finish the book, if that sort of thing isn't his cup of tea. I mean, I'd love a surprise like that, but I realize that not everyone might. And it wouldn't be an issue (he already bought it), but he might leave a pretty damning review that could derail the whole thing.

All in all, it's a slippery slope. I'll probably still publish it, and hopefully most of the readers will like the concept. I appreciate the insight, guys :)

[[deleted user]]

Hello there!

I'm not a writer myself, but the whole metafictional idea sounds amazing. Another possible way to do it without scaring readers off:

You could write the full mystery novel and use the letter to your reader as a MacGuffin or plot device. Perhaps your message to the reader is part of a book that was stolen from a private library or is an actual series of letters that is left behind at different crime scenes, for example?

As stated before, I'm a reader, not a writer :).

Best regards

Ekel

[Terri]

Very original concept - just not sure how you do it. Someone out there who didnt get what they are expecting would likely send their complaints somewhere in the viral space....