Does anyone ever try to jump onto another author's coattails by using a name similar to theirs? Like, for example, someone using the name Jay R. R. Tolkien, or James R. R. Tolkien (no relation)? I only wonder because, apparently, authors and bands have been signed to contracts based upon their names alone, even with the same submissions.
Yes, according to P. G. Wodehouse, his writing was rejected until he used the name P. G. Wodehouse (the initials, because it was a fad, he said) and sent in the same writing, whereupon it was accepted with great excitement.
Also, the band Blue Oyster Cult reportedly sent in a demo tape that was rejected, and then after a groovy name change, they sent in the same tape to the same place and were promptly signed.
So I guess the lesson is, the name you use makes a big difference. But does it ever go too far?
Yes, it makes sense to be trendy, but when does trying to jump onto a trend go too far?
