Guess what? Readers do know the difference. People who are passionate
about their pasttime come to know their favourite authors writing quirks and
strengths. Writers have their own unique style – a particular turn of phrase –
that recognizable voice.
Pumped to read my favourite author’s release, I cracked the book and
settled in for a few hours of pleasure. Within a chapter or two, I had one of
those waitaminute moments. No way did
he write this book. It didn’t sound like him. The pace was off. Everything was
off. It just didn’t flow the way his other books do. I checked the front cover.
Closely this time. Sure enough, the famous author’s name was in large print
with another author’s name below it in much smaller print.
So what gives? I could research this on the internet but I’d like to
take a shot at it. There’s a strong possibility that I’m wrong. A rare
occurrence but it does happen. The guy in small print (a fledgling author)
actually wrote the book based on the plot written by the guy in large print and
then the guy in large print (bestselling author) edited the thing. Almost like
an apprenticeship. And then it’s like a 60/40 split or maybe even a 70/30 when
the bucks roll in from international sales.
What writer wouldn’t love an opportunity to be tutored by a Great One?
As a reader, it turns me off. I hate when that happens. I buy, borrow, or steal
a particular author’s books because I love his writing
Oh no, I hate it when I sound like a cynic. Maybe it’s just a bad day
thing.
Still, if a famous crime writer contacted me and said, ‘Hey Phyllis,
you’re not a bad writer. I have a terrific sure win plot but no time to write.
I’m too busy marketing. Do you think you could whip up a story? I’ll check it
out before it goes to press. I’ll even put your name on it. In small print, of
course.’
Nah, I wouldn’t do it. Seriously, I wouldn’t.
I’m sure of that.
It would be a kick to be asked, of course.
But still, the answer’s no.
Some publishers like Baen Books openly pairs writers, an established one and up and coming one. It's beneficial to both, and the publisher and the readers. Both names are on the title. My publisher does something similar for some popular series with spinoffs. I think if the publisher is open with names of the authors readily seen/available,
ReplyDeleteHi Terry. I bought the Faceoff anthology. It pairs writers and mingles characters from different series. I was super excited to read it but...It seemed diluted. The voice isn't as strong. Just my own opinion.
ReplyDelete