Is branding a help or
hindrance to writers? There’s been a lot of discussion among writers as to
whether it benefits authors to be branded--by that I mean that writers want to
market themselves by promoting their name, associating their name with a
particular type, genre or style of writing. The premise? This is the best way
to build a readership. For instance, when we see the name Nora Roberts we immediately think of romantic suspense. (“Nora
Roberts” real name Eleanor Marie Robertson , also
writes under “J.D. Robb” for her mystery series) The name Stephen King is immediately associated with horror, but he has
chosen to write under other pseudonyms as well. Jayne Ann Krentz writes her
contemporary romances under that name, her sci-fi/fantasy under Jayne Castle,
and her historical romances under Amanda Quick. The advantage is that fans know
what to expect. Familiarity encourages sales.
Many writers choose to use
pen names. They write in a variety of genres and assume a different nom de
plume for each. The theory is that it will confuse readers if writers use the
same name for different types of work. There is also a tendency for publishers
to try to place writers in neat categories. It’s more convenient to connect a
name to a particular format.
But what if you resist
branding? Are you destroying your chance to be taken seriously as a writer or
build a readership? I don’t have the answer to this question. I can only admit
that I don’t limit myself to one particular format in my writing. My books are
not “in the box.” I have written
romantic mysteries, historical romances, YA mysteries and romances, as well as
children’s books and stories. All of these appear under my own name.
My latest novel for Five
Star/Cengage, THE KILLING LAND, an historical Western which I wrote under my
own name, has elements of romance and mystery as well as being a suspense
thriller.
However, when I write mystery short stories from a masculine viewpoint, I use
my initials. So, for example, my recent novella for SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY
MAGAZINE (Issue #19) entitled “Letter of the Law” is credited to “J.P. Seewald”
rather than Jacqueline Seewald. A lot of female writers do this because men
seem to prefer reading stories and novels ostensibly written by other men
especially when presented from a masculine viewpoint.
http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Mystery-Magazine19/dp/1479408239
Personally, I am very
comfortable writing from a male viewpoint. I also enjoy reading books written
by members of the opposite sex as well as other women. My husband and I had
only sons to raise which made me accustomed to the male perspective. However,
male readers may not find a female author writing from a male perspective
acceptable or credible.
There are also a number of
male authors who write women’s fiction/romances under female pseudonyms for the
same reason.Still, successful, admired
mystery writer and current two story Derringer winner, John Floyd, who also has
a story appearing in the current issue of SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY MAGAZINE,
wrote his short story from a female detective viewpoint.
What is your opinion. Does branding by name recognition benefit
writers or not? Is it important? Your thoughts and comments are welcome.
