Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion
II. Publishing & Marketing Tips
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Building platform for pen name
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Hi, Jenna. I'm probably not the best person to answer this (it's not like I have a huge "following"!), but I think you just have to acknowledge that it will take some time. I started with the people who know the "real me" and asked them to friend me (as my pen name) on FB, etc. Then I invited friends/acquaintances from my writing groups--both the local groups and the online groups. Add your "identities" to your signature line on e-mail (where appropriate). Join in discussions as that persona so others get to know you. Sounds like you're already doing much of that, and I'm sure it will build...at least that's what I'm hoping for myself! :-) Best of luck to you!
Best of luck with your book Jenna. Maybe it was a mistake using a pen name. I'm guessing you have to start from scratch now and build a new reader list and fan club.
I did freelance work and published non fiction before concentrating on my novels. But I've never used a pen name. I think the only reason I would is if I published an erotica. lol
Thanks Leah. It sounds like I'm on the right track. Karina, it's not erotica. I just thought I'd want to keep the two "jobs" separate. Perhaps I should reconsider. Thanks Ladies;)
I agree with Karina about an erotic book. I would use a pen name for a novel I don't want my grandchildren to read. I already have a pen name picked out. LOL.
Jenna, when you write your next book, on the list near the front of the book add the other name you have published under.
Jenna, when you write your next book, on the list near the front of the book add the other name you have published under.
I once met a romance writer who's kids wished she used a pen name...lol. At any given moment I'm leaning towards one option ...pen name... and the next I think I should use my real name... why start over especially since many people know my hobby is mystery writing anyway. I have the same vacillation over trying to traditionally publish (waiting to hear from 3 agents) and self-publish. Thanks again.
My real name is the same as a professor at one of the Ivy League schools who writes literary fiction. I write romantic suspense on the steamy side (sometimes very steamy). I don't think either of us would want to be confused with the other! :-)
I chose a pen name to protect my family's privacy. How well that has worked I don't know, but I've managed to build a small following for my pen name. Additionally, I immediately branded my sites with the "Texas Druids" title of my western historical series. I think that has helped make me more visible. However, it has taken time, about a year and a half since I set up my first blog site: http://texasdruids.blogspot.com/ -- and I have a long way to go.
LOL Leah... I wonder how many readers you've stolen:) Lyn...can I ask how you started getting traffic to your blog?
I guess I have never thought of using a pen name before. Reading the comments, however, raises some in my head, though.
I went for the middle road and my pen name (Nicki J Markus) is a slight variation of my real name.I agree with some of the others, it is probably best to start with friends and go from there. My Facebook author page initially just had friends and family 'likes', but then I linked to it on my blog and in interviews etc and I'm gradually getting additional 'likes' from strangers now too.
My blog is also coming along well.
Jenna, I suggest joining in some of the Friday blog hop memes like Follow Friday (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read are the hosts). That's how I started to build up some followers. The odd giveaway also helps. I don't sign up for every giveaway hop as I'm not rich enough, but now and again I'll do one, offering a book from Book Depository up to $10 or else a copy of my own book if I have giveaway copies to spare.
Hope that helps.
Thanks,
Jenna