Your Name

[FTJoshua]

Hi everyone. I have little "query" for you.

My novel (agented) is a YA-slash-crossover. Up until now, I have always used my full first name and middle initial for my fiction. My agent has suggested I use the more common, short form of my first name and drop the initial because it's more "teen friendly."

She's not pushing hard for the change, and it really is up to me. She, of course, is looking at it from a marketing perspective, which makes sense. But I'd always liked the idea of seperating my "writing name" from my name attached to other projects (film, theatre, music, etc.)

What would you do?

Thanks!

(EXAMPLE: Timothy J. Smith to just Tim Smith.)

[Will Lavender]

I agree with your editor: I'd go with Tim Smith.

I don't read YA, but I am in the bookstore weekly. Seems to me -- and I could be mistaken -- you don't see many middle initials on the covers of those books.

[herdon]

If you like seperating your writing name from the name attached to other projects why not just use your shortened name for writing (at least YA writing) and the formal form for your other projects?

Or, you could run T.J. past her for the YA title. T.J. might be a little more kid-friendly than Timmothy J.

[WildScribe]

I like the T.J. suggestion. :D

[Toothpaste]

I think if it helps, then it really isn't a big issue. Your name is already out there in your non YA stuff, so it isn't like you'll miss out on seeing it on a book (this was one reason I just decided to go with my full name - I really wanted to see it on the cover - silly I know :) ). And really anything that helps sell your book . . .

[FTJoshua]

Thanks, everyone.

P.S. The Tim was an example; I agree TJ would be cool, except my actual initials would be T.A. ...and I don't know about you, but that's a little connotative for my liking. ;)

[Siddow]

I know a T. J. Smith! Also known as Tommy Joe.

Anyway, I suggest you be open to changing your print name, depending on how the marketing dept of the future publisher feels. Just tell your agent that you're open to it, and she can pass that on.

[Layla Nahar]

Why not use T. J. anyway? It's just a pen-name.

[ccarver30]

Tim Smith

[Marlys]

Given that today kids communicate largely in truncated text-speak, I agree that the short form is the way to go--either initials or Tim Smith.

Or, to really get into their vernacular: tm smth.