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- Rank: Eccentric Mentor
- Total Posts: 1379
Hey KeePers!
So I have a question about publishing and genre.
I’ve heard the rule that you’ve got to stick with specific genres throughout your career if you’re going to build a strong following, get the best chance at traditional publishing, and succeed in the novel-writing industry. And I highly agree with that advice since it’s expertly proven and makes a lot of sense.
I mostly write Biblical fiction, but as you guys know, I am also an avid reader and lover of historical fiction. My two favorite books are historical fiction, and I think it’s just an incredible genre. I would love to write historical Christian fiction as well.
I recently read an article saying that if you want to write in different genres, you need a pen name unless the genres are similar enough to share an audience. Like Roseanna M. White, who writes Biblical fiction and historical romance, which are similar enough that she doesn’t need a pen name – those two genres share an audience.
So I basically want to know if Biblical fiction and historical Christian fiction are similar enough that they would share an audience, because I would personally prefer to publish under one name, my real name.
I’m going to tag some people who I think may be more knowledgeable about the traditional publishing industry than most of us, but anyone is welcome to answer if you’re knowledgeable about my question!
@gracie-j @r-m-archer @godlyfantasy12 @kayleigh-idea @kathleenramm @e-k-seaver @devastate-lasting
@joy-caroline Yeah, I think they’re similar enough. They’re both part of the Christian genre, which I think is broader.
Lately, it's been on my brain
Would you mind letting me know
If hours don't turn into days- Rank: Eccentric Mentor
- Total Posts: 1789
@joy-caroline Psh, girl, they’re like siblings! You could totally write both with your real name – I wouldn’t sweat that at all! (Plus, if you choose to go trad, your publisher will decide all of that for you.)
I’ve actually been doing some research and over-thinking on this subject myself. Me, I write multiple genres – Christian historical romance, contemporary YA, fantasy, etc. – and so far, what I’ve published has all been under the same name.
But, as time goes on, not only do I intend to branch into more genres, I intend to write with different styles. I think THAT is where your image, marketing, followings, and pen names come into play.
For example, if I were to write my his-fic romances with lots of preachiness and romantic gushiness and rambling descriptions, and then write straightforward, inspirational contemporary fiction, I’d be writing two different styles. In fact, I could write all one genre – historical romance – in three different styles (which I do, come to think of it). And for each style, there’s a different group of readers for them, a different image I present as a writer, and a different market I want to cater to.
I digress. My point is that you can write three different genres – biblical (which actually counts as historical, so there’s that too), historical, and contemporary – under your real name, as long as your style (how you write, what you write about, etc.) remains the same. Francine Rivers is another one to look at – she’s writes biblical, historical, and contemporary – all under the same name and in the same style.
I wouldn’t worry about historical and biblical being too different at all – nor having to use a pen name. Besides, most of that will be decided by your publisher.
If, however, you decided to start writing epic fantasy in poetry form, I would probably consider getting a pen name. 😉
@joy-caroline Those are definitely similar enough!
I plan on writing all of my fantasy/sci-fi/dystopian/post-apocalyptic stuff under the same pen name, because it’s all fantastical speculative fiction and I have the same recurring themes and focuses throughout (worldview, family, community, etc.). Plus, all of my worlds are connected in some way or another, despite their disparate genres. A lot of the Phoenix Fiction Writers (a group of Christian indie authors) write both fantasy and sci-fi, too, and they do well with that even though fantasy and sci-fi often appeal to overlapping-but-different reader groups. So I don’t think the advice necessarily ought to be as strict as it’s often presented; it just depends on how well you think you’re going to appeal to the same audience and how willing you are to branch out a little bit.
Speculative fiction author. Mythology nerd. Singer. Worldbuilding enthusiast.
- Rank: Eccentric Mentor
- Total Posts: 1379
True. Thanks!
@gracie-j
Thanks for all your help! You put my fears to rest. It totally makes sense that you would consider using a pen name if you’re going to write in different styles. Now I know why you were asking about pen names on your blog feedback form. That’s smart to consider. I intend to keep my style consistent and recognizable all across the board, so that’s very helpful to know. Again, thanks so much!
Thank you so much! I’ll stop worrying about that now. Your point about the themes totally makes sense, too. In all my writing, the themes tend to be equality, redemption from guilt, suffering, self-sacrifice, faith and trust, and love for the family of Christ.
Good, solid advice in your response. I’ll definitely be taking it!
- Rank: Eccentric Mentor
- Total Posts: 1789
@joy-caroline I’m glad that helps! Definitely don’t worry about it!
Haha, yeah. The secret is out now. XD I think I’ve decided against it, though – because, honestly, the extra time and work that goes into a pen name? Not worth it. Hopefully plain old Grace A. Johnson will be enough to maintain following, no matter how or what she writes. 😉
Anyway, happy to help, girl!
- Rank: Eccentric Mentor
- Total Posts: 1379
@gracie-j
True. That’s an advantage to indie publishing that you get to decide whether you want to go by a pen name or not.
Yeah, thanks! 🙂
@joy-caroline
I definitely think they’re similar enough! 😀
I'm a Kapeefer 'TIL WE'RE OLD AND GREY!
www.jennaterese.com- Rank: Eccentric Mentor
- Total Posts: 1379
Thanks, Jenna!
- Rank: Eccentric Mentor
- Total Posts: 1789
@joy-caroline I definitely is, so I always have that option!
You’re welcome!
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