Several writing friends and I are considering a name change. There comes a time in a career when it becomes apparent that a name change is needed. Either you’ve steadily published, but never really got anywhere (ie you continue to work, but not build your following) or your sales are dropping, making it hard to sell work. It’s never an easy decision no matter what drives it. I’ve been fortunate to earn out on every book I’ve published. I’m hoping that the Dead World series continues that ’streak’. But I’m nowhere near where I’d like to be (I’m sure that a lot of authors feel this way.) and I’m not sure I’ll be able to get there under the JS name.
Like I said, a name change isn’t something any author takes lightly. Most authors have spent years trying to build a name. You have to be willing to walk away from that foundation and start anew. Some people can do it easily, while others cling. Still others fall somewhere in betweeen. I haven’t quite decided how I’m going to do it yet. I have a lot of friends in the same boat. At least we’re all paddling together. 
Paddle, paddle, paddle.
I’m even considering putting my website into stasis when my last contracted Teglia title releases.
by Charli July 12th, 2009 at 8:48 pmCharli, It’s not a bad idea. At least until you decide what you’re going to do.
by Jordan Summers July 12th, 2009 at 9:47 pmWell good luck and whatever name you fall under I will follow.
by Shannon July 12th, 2009 at 10:51 pmIf you do change, please let us know which name you’ll be ahead of time – we still want to support you, no matter your pseudonym
by Tez Miller July 13th, 2009 at 12:25 amI hope it works out for you. Are you going to hold off until you see how well your new series does?
by BernardL July 13th, 2009 at 7:49 am*raises hand* considering
by Vivi Anna July 13th, 2009 at 10:20 amThanks Shannon.
by Jordan Summers July 13th, 2009 at 11:56 amThanks Tez! I’ll definitely let everyone know.
by Jordan Summers July 13th, 2009 at 11:57 amBernard, Probably. So much depends on if I sell in a different genre. The new genre will definitely hold a name change.
by Jordan Summers July 13th, 2009 at 11:57 amVivi, Welcome to the rowing team.
by Jordan Summers July 13th, 2009 at 11:58 amGreat (and inspiring) blog post up at Murder She Writes today from Leslie Kelly / Leslie Parrish on this very topic.
by Stephanie Tyler July 14th, 2009 at 8:31 amThanks Stephanie! I’ll check it out.
by Jordan Summers July 14th, 2009 at 11:06 amNot being published I don’t have any advise for you but I’m hooked enough on your Dead World series that I’m looking at your other stuff so I’ll be following you whatever you choose to do.
by Sherri July 14th, 2009 at 5:14 pmSherri, You’ll get there.
As for my other work, it’s VERY different from the Dead World series. Paris After Dark, my novella in the Mammoth Book of Vampire Romances 2, is probably the closest in tone. Everything else is either highly erotic or humorous or both. *g* But thank you very kindly for sticking with me.
by Jordan Summers July 14th, 2009 at 5:21 pmI’m not stuck in any one genre Jordan so no worries about the other stuff being different LOL
For what it’s worth I’m promoting Scarlet on my blog and will add Crimson when it’s closer.
by Sherri July 14th, 2009 at 5:24 pmSherri, LOL, I thought maybe a fair warning might be in order. *g*
Thank you!
by Jordan Summers July 14th, 2009 at 5:35 pmI too am considering a name/path change. I find it very telling that many of us thinking this way, have been on parallel courses for a few years. Maybe different genres, different publishers, different agents…so on, but ourcreative/inner journey’s have parralleled somewhat. It’s sort of comforting. Makes me feel less alone.
by Sasha July 14th, 2009 at 6:58 pmSasha, Yes, they have. I always look at our group as a ‘graduation class’. We all pretty much graduated the same year.
Some of us have gone onto college, while others are serving up fries. *ggg*
by Jordan Summers July 14th, 2009 at 7:02 pmI think I’ve been serving up fries for a bit too long now. Time to get my butt/brain in gear again. LOL
by Sasha July 15th, 2009 at 4:29 amSasha, LOL, I hear you.
by Jordan Summers July 15th, 2009 at 11:48 am