Hi, I recently have read a few stories about writers who have sent off their manuscripts and met rejections only to change their name, to a pen name of sorts, and been accepted. I was wondering if anyone else had encountered a similair story, and whether having a catchy name is very important in getting your manuscript even seen. I am aware that it is possible that a publisher/agent will change your name around a bit (JK Rowling) but I did not think about the effect your name could have in getting your manuscript read.
Hello everyone
I think names influence people on a subconscious level, but I have to agree with Louise that agents know that people can use a nom de plume.
I like Victoria Limbert because Limbert is quite unusual but the two names together sound melodic and rhythmical. One of my best friends is an artist, Victoria Lambert, but her artist name is Tia Lambert. I quite like Tia Limbert but my preference is Victoria Limbert. Ruth sounds quite a solid but fairly 1950s/60s name and while there's nothing wrong with that, I've read your shared story and I don't feel it fits with the genre of that incredible opening.
I like Gayle Bentham (without looking up at the thread of answers - it stuck in my head as soon as I saw it. It definitely works as an author name for me.)
I like Mark Rudd because it sounds strong and it too stuck in my head. I like Mark Armstrong but I would forget it quite quickly after hearing it because Armstrong is a fairly common name.
I like T.O. Buhrer - it's really unique, but how do you pronouce your last name (sorry). I also like the look of it in print. It works visually for me.
How can Christopher Demetriou think of changing his lovely Greek name? I think it would stand out on a book. I don't feel Fenix or The Fenix would work for me. I would always be feeling that someone mis-spelled your name.
It just goes to show that we all feel there's something in a name and that names are so subjective!
Anyone with the surname Armstrong always makes me think of Neil Armstrong, whereas Mark Rudd makes me think of... well, Mark Rudd ;-)
Lol thank you :)
Mark Armstrong does sound good, but I like Rudd also :) actually the more i say it in my head the more I like Armstrong x