with or without "M" :) - Iain Banks

[Kristi]

Dear all! I was just recently adding a new edition of Wasp Factory by Iain Banks. Unfortunately when starting to combine the editions it appeared there are nothing to combine as the original edition is listed here by Iain "M." Banks. However, if I am correct the author writes mainstream fiction under the name Iain Banks and science fiction as Iain M. Banks. I am quite a new member here and my apologies if the topic has already been thoroughly discussed. Otherwise, it would be great to know some other opinions :) Many thanks!

[Walter]

There is only one person, and Goodreads can choose how to represent his name. The publishers of his books can make their own choice.

The author page does explain that he uses two forms of his name for the different genres: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

I recommend connecting the book record with the author record and letting the Goodreads database take care of the spelling.

I guess there could be a pseudonym page, like for Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm (same person), but that seems a bit fussy for a one-letter change.

[Paula]

Kristi,

There are a number of reasns why this happens, the first being we have limited ways to separate authors with the same name, easiest way is to add middle initial in order to have the correct books for an author.

His author page explains this

Generally the standard is name on book cover, if more than onevauthor with name then add middle initial, then LOC is ultimate authority

Personally I would leave as Iain M Banks

[Kristi]

Many thanks Walter and Paula for your quick and thorough reply :) I will try and connect the book record with the author record.