Concerning Pseudonyms and other Publishing Perils - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

Teresa Edgerton · 8th March 2006, 10:49 PM

Some of you already know this because I've confided in you, and some of you may have guessed on your own, since there have been hints (for instance the user title "Woman of Many Disguises" which I've used on and off), but it was something my publisher asked me to keep quiet about, and I've only just been given permission to "out" myself.

I've been writing and publishing for several years under another name (my real one, actually). Yes, I'm one of those scarred and battered veteran midlist writers that publishers like to reinvent from time to time and market as brand-new writers.

Why, you may ask, do they do this? In fact, it's not meant to deceive the readers at all -- although it is necessary to keep the readers in the dark for a time, so that the people it is meant for don't get wind of it. It comes of an interesting publishing dichotomy, that while the readers prefer to buy books by authors they know, distributors and bookstore buyers would rather take a chance on someone completely new (who could turn out to be the next J. K. Rowling) than on a known writer whose previous sales have not been spectacular. More than that, as far as these people are concerned, you're only as good as your last book. So no matter how well previous books sold, if your most recent title went down the tubes, that's it for your career ... unless a publisher somewhere believes in you enough to give you a new name and another chance.

And this is what happened to me. I still think that my last book prior to The Hidden Stars was a good one. But it was a little too off-the-beaten-path for most readers, and not sufficiently so for those who usually go in for that sort of thing. Also, it was only published in trade paperback -- and that's a tricky format, which has killed other books besides mine. (And now you see why I was so relieved when THS came out in the mass market format last week!)

Of course maybe these are just excuses, and the book was a big mistake from start to finish. Anyway, it died, and after making writing my life's work for almost a quarter of a century -- and having some modest success with my early books, and gaining some loyal fans -- my writing career almost died with it.

But then came The Hidden Stars and the invention of Madeline Howard. And I really hope the book does well enough to breathe new life into my career, because frankly, at my age, I wonder if I would have the courage to try and reinvent myself a second time. (I actually know writers who are on their third or fourth pen-name -- and I'm not at all certain I could do that.)

Anyway, dear friends and fellow Chronicles members, that is my sad (or inspiring -- take your pick) story. If you are curious to know more about my previous writerly incarnation and the books and stories that came out of it, here is a link to my original website:

http://teresaedgerton.com/te-teresa.htm

Paradox 99 · 8th March 2006, 11:14 PM

Another fascinating insight into the world of professional writing! Thanks for sharing kelpie. Personally, I found the story inspiring. It shows that if you've got an unquenchable desire to keep writing, there's always a path somewhere that can bring you success.

It's excellent that you take the time to give invaluable advice to those here who have hopes of making a career out of it too. We're fortunate to have you here.

Lacedaemonian · 8th March 2006, 11:36 PM

Wow!! You are like three people. I am not sure how to address you now.

Teresa Edgerton · 9th March 2006, 01:02 AM

Thanks, Paradox. In fact, there have been a lot of stories I couldn't share, because they obviously weren't things that happened to Madeline Howard. Now I can, as and when the subjects come up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lacedaemonian

Wow!! You are like three people. I am not sure how to address you now.

Yes, it was confusing me, too. One reason I'm glad to get it out of the way.
It's bad enough as a writer going around with a lot of imaginary people inside your head, but even worse when you're supposed to be one of them.

GOLLUM · 9th March 2006, 01:35 AM

Well ,well the plot thickens....

I suspected something like this was the case as it was obvious to me you'd honed your craft to a reasonably high level whilst reading Hidden Stars.

I'm sorry to say I've not read any of your other books but I was most interested to see that they've been translated into German, which is kinda handy...

Needless to say I now feel a sudden urge to google and seek out those long lost gems...

I know you were quite proud of your previous book but is there one book in particular that you like more than any other?....

I realise each book will have a special memory or two but it would be fascinating to know if there's one/series you feel (other than Hidden Stars of course) that represents your best writing or most realised world or developed character.

Welcome home Teresa.

weaveworld · 9th March 2006, 01:42 AM

Teresa, I haven't read any of your work but I am going to make sure I do.

Keep up the good work and well done.

Teresa Edgerton · 9th March 2006, 03:21 AM

Well, I would be very pleased if you read them, Gollum and weaveworld. Even though I don't make any money off of those old books now that they're OP (more to the point, neither does my publisher) I do like to think of people continuing to discover them. They each represent a significant piece of my life. Thanks to the internet, it's not at all hard to find copies-- though some of them priced so low I suspect people are offering some fairly battered and dog-eared old rags of books for sale.

But as trite as it may sound your question about which book I like best, Gollum, is similar to asking which of my children I love best. Besides, I think they each have different strengths. The most realized world I would have to say belongs to The Queen's Necklace, even if reviewers were a bit cool toward it. The most developed characters were those in the Green Lion books, since I lived with them for such a long time -- it took me six years of rewrites before I felt the first book was ready to submit to a publisher. And then of course there were more years while I was waiting for it to be published and finishing up the trilogy. Even though I was still learning to write, there was such a deep emotional connection with the story and the characters, I don't know if I will ever be able to duplicate that.

On the other hand, the book where I most enjoyed the process of writing was almost certainly Goblin Moon. It's very much a fantasy, but not at all an epic or heroic fantasy -- it's more of an old-fashioned swashbuckler, and the fantasy elements are based on 18th century magic and science -- and the story took me in some very unexpected directions. I can truly say that the characters in that one surprised me on more than one occasion.

GOLLUM · 9th March 2006, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelpie

But as trite as it may sound your question about which book I like best, Gollum, is similar to asking which of my children I love best. Besides, I think they each have different strengths.

Well I suspected you'd reply in this way even as I asked the question (I'd probably do the same) and yes you're right it's probably not fair or realistic to single out a particular work as each has it's own set of charateristics but you can't blame me for trying hey?...

Having said that you've really really got me interested in Goblin Moon because of your reference to 18th Century science and magic. I love those kinds of inlfuences in books. You may be aware I'm currently researching the history of alchemy and whilst it's profile began to decline form the 18th century onwards as a "serious science" in the view of the mainstream, I love books with that or any other science pseudo or otherwise from that period. I'm going to try to track this book down I think....

Mark Robson · 9th March 2006, 06:55 AM

Oh, good! Hopefully I will no longer cause any more fires for you to run around putting out! A belated welcome to your own forum, Mistress of many Guises. Having read 'The Queen's Necklace' a short while ago, I think those here who enjoy really well written epic fantasy will thoroughly enjoy it. For those who are interested, you can see my review here:

http://www.chronicles-network.com/fo...-edgerton.html

I hope to review The Green Lion trilogy soon as well, but I'm currently swamped with reading for the Freda Warrington interview, and a book award ceremony for which I'm supposed to read the shortlist.

GOLLUM · 9th March 2006, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Robson

I hope to review The Green Lion trilogy soon as well, but I'm currently swamped with reading for the Freda Warrington interview, and a book award ceremony for which I'm supposed to read the shortlist.

Don't forget to review Goblin Moon if you get the chance Mark, I'm trying to track a copy down at the moment.

Teresa Edgerton · 9th March 2006, 07:35 AM

Alchemy figures in most of my writing, Gollum. The current series is really the exception that way.

GOLLUM · 9th March 2006, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelpie

Alchemy figures in most of my writing, Gollum. The current series is really the exception that way.

Rightio, I'll see what I'm able to track down through my book contacts.

Lacedaemonian · 9th March 2006, 07:00 PM

I have a signed copy of 'The Queen's Necklace'.

It takes pride of place in my book collection. I am yet to read it but will do once I have finished reading Crown of Stars.

Mark Robson · 9th March 2006, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lacedaemonian

I have a signed copy of 'The Queen's Necklace'.

It takes pride of place in my book collection. I am yet to read it but will do once I have finished reading Crown of Stars.

You won't be disappointed, Lace. I found it to be an excellent read.

Marky Lazer · 13th March 2006, 03:33 PM

Maybe a stupid question... but what you made you turn your name into Madeline Howard, and not, say, Claire DeWitt?

8th March 2006, 10:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
Teresa Edgerton Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: California Posts: 4,367	Concerning Pseudonyms and other Publishing Perils Some of you already know this because I've confided in you, and some of you may have guessed on your own, since there have been hints (for instance the user title "Woman of Many Disguises" which I've used on and off), but it was something my publisher asked me to keep quiet about, and I've only just been given permission to "out" myself. I've been writing and publishing for several years under another name (my real one, actually). Yes, I'm one of those scarred and battered veteran midlist writers that publishers like to reinvent from time to time and market as brand-new writers. Why, you may ask, do they do this? In fact, it's not meant to deceive the readers at all -- although it is necessary to keep the readers in the dark for a time, so that the people it is meant for don't get wind of it. It comes of an interesting publishing dichotomy, that while the readers prefer to buy books by authors they know, distributors and bookstore buyers would rather take a chance on someone completely new (who could turn out to be the next J. K. Rowling) than on a known writer whose previous sales have not been spectacular. More than that, as far as these people are concerned, you're only as good as your last book. So no matter how well previous books sold, if your most recent title went down the tubes, that's it for your career ... unless a publisher somewhere believes in you enough to give you a new name and another chance. And this is what happened to me. I still think that my last book prior to The Hidden Stars was a good one. But it was a little too off-the-beaten-path for most readers, and not sufficiently so for those who usually go in for that sort of thing. Also, it was only published in trade paperback -- and that's a tricky format, which has killed other books besides mine. (And now you see why I was so relieved when THS came out in the mass market format last week!) Of course maybe these are just excuses, and the book was a big mistake from start to finish. Anyway, it died, and after making writing my life's work for almost a quarter of a century -- and having some modest success with my early books, and gaining some loyal fans -- my writing career almost died with it. But then came The Hidden Stars and the invention of Madeline Howard. And I really hope the book does well enough to breathe new life into my career, because frankly, at my age, I wonder if I would have the courage to try and reinvent myself a second time. (I actually know writers who are on their third or fourth pen-name -- and I'm not at all certain I could do that.) Anyway, dear friends and fellow Chronicles members, that is my sad (or inspiring -- take your pick) story. If you are curious to know more about my previous writerly incarnation and the books and stories that came out of it, here is a link to my original website: http://teresaedgerton.com/te-teresa.htm

8th March 2006, 11:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
Paradox 99 KenDodd'sDad'sDog'sDead Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Essex Posts: 794	Re: Concerning Pseudonyms and other Publishing Perils Another fascinating insight into the world of professional writing! Thanks for sharing kelpie. Personally, I found the story inspiring. It shows that if you've got an unquenchable desire to keep writing, there's always a path somewhere that can bring you success. It's excellent that you take the time to give invaluable advice to those here who have hopes of making a career out of it too. We're fortunate to have you here.

8th March 2006, 11:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Lacedaemonian ***Dux Bellorum*** Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 3,317	Re: Concerning Pseudonyms and other Publishing Perils Wow!! You are like three people. I am not sure how to address you now.

9th March 2006, 01:35 AM	#5 (permalink)
GOLLUM Moderator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 5,195	Re: Concerning Pseudonyms and other Publishing Perils Well ,well the plot thickens.... I suspected something like this was the case as it was obvious to me you'd honed your craft to a reasonably high level whilst reading Hidden Stars. I'm sorry to say I've not read any of your other books but I was most interested to see that they've been translated into German, which is kinda handy... Needless to say I now feel a sudden urge to google and seek out those long lost gems... I know you were quite proud of your previous book but is there one book in particular that you like more than any other?.... I realise each book will have a special memory or two but it would be fascinating to know if there's one/series you feel (other than Hidden Stars of course) that represents your best writing or most realised world or developed character. Welcome home Teresa.

9th March 2006, 01:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
weaveworld Rockin! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: West Dunbartonshire Posts: 573	Re: Concerning Pseudonyms and other Publishing Perils Teresa, I haven't read any of your work but I am going to make sure I do. Keep up the good work and well done.

9th March 2006, 03:21 AM	#7 (permalink)
Teresa Edgerton Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: California Posts: 4,367	Re: Concerning Pseudonyms and other Publishing Perils Well, I would be very pleased if you read them, Gollum and weaveworld. Even though I don't make any money off of those old books now that they're OP (more to the point, neither does my publisher) I do like to think of people continuing to discover them. They each represent a significant piece of my life. Thanks to the internet, it's not at all hard to find copies-- though some of them priced so low I suspect people are offering some fairly battered and dog-eared old rags of books for sale. But as trite as it may sound your question about which book I like best, Gollum, is similar to asking which of my children I love best. Besides, I think they each have different strengths. The most realized world I would have to say belongs to The Queen's Necklace, even if reviewers were a bit cool toward it. The most developed characters were those in the Green Lion books, since I lived with them for such a long time -- it took me six years of rewrites before I felt the first book was ready to submit to a publisher. And then of course there were more years while I was waiting for it to be published and finishing up the trilogy. Even though I was still learning to write, there was such a deep emotional connection with the story and the characters, I don't know if I will ever be able to duplicate that. On the other hand, the book where I most enjoyed the process of writing was almost certainly Goblin Moon. It's very much a fantasy, but not at all an epic or heroic fantasy -- it's more of an old-fashioned swashbuckler, and the fantasy elements are based on 18th century magic and science -- and the story took me in some very unexpected directions. I can truly say that the characters in that one surprised me on more than one occasion.

9th March 2006, 06:55 AM	#9 (permalink)
Mark Robson Dragon Writer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 1,872	Re: Concerning Pseudonyms and other Publishing Perils Oh, good! Hopefully I will no longer cause any more fires for you to run around putting out! A belated welcome to your own forum, Mistress of many Guises. Having read 'The Queen's Necklace' a short while ago, I think those here who enjoy really well written epic fantasy will thoroughly enjoy it. For those who are interested, you can see my review here: http://www.chronicles-network.com/fo...-edgerton.html I hope to review The Green Lion trilogy soon as well, but I'm currently swamped with reading for the Freda Warrington interview, and a book award ceremony for which I'm supposed to read the shortlist.

9th March 2006, 07:35 AM	#11 (permalink)
Teresa Edgerton Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: California Posts: 4,367	Re: Concerning Pseudonyms and other Publishing Perils Alchemy figures in most of my writing, Gollum. The current series is really the exception that way.

9th March 2006, 07:00 PM	#13 (permalink)
Lacedaemonian ***Dux Bellorum*** Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 3,317	Re: Concerning Pseudonyms and other Publishing Perils I have a signed copy of 'The Queen's Necklace'. It takes pride of place in my book collection. I am yet to read it but will do once I have finished reading Crown of Stars.

13th March 2006, 03:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
Marky Lazer Plastic Paddy Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Netherlands Posts: 2,603	Re: Concerning Pseudonyms and other Publishing Perils Maybe a stupid question... but what you made you turn your name into Madeline Howard, and not, say, Claire DeWitt?

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