Forum: Author Hangout

Would Lazeez let you leave only a blog in your old author name that could state that you are making the transfer, or would the old name need to be removed? Depending on how the transfer was done internally, that could resolve occasionally visiting fans.

Since every author is allowed multiple pseudonyms, as long as we can transfer the story between them, the old pseudonym should remain unscathed (though the blog entries under the old name might not all transfer, though that'll give me a chance to start fresh).

Thanks. That helps (knowing it already works). I'll contact Lazeez directly in that case. Although I'm still nervous about it, since Google does SEO searches on the site, meaning it would be easy for new readers (non-SOL) to find my older stories. Then again, maybe it's time I retired them from the site, so new readers will be more inclined to purchase them. I'm not revising them much anymore, and even when I have, it didn't alter the stories at all.

Change your pen name in that form and it will be changed on the site without losing anything.

Thanks, Lazeez. However, I've long known how to create a new pen name. My question was more about how to change the current author on my already posted stories. Can it be done, or do I have to repost each of my stories, thus losing all the votes/scores and reviews.

If I can't do it as an author, can you do it for me, shifting all the stories over at once, without affecting the current scores (which took years to accumulate).

Exactly as I told you. Click the 'Prefs/Profile' button and make the changes that you need to make. It will be reflected immediately in the existing stories.

Thanks. That wasn't clear at all from the Prefs/Profile form.

I'll try it out on Sci-Fi first, as it's a smaller group. If the change impacts the wider Google searches (leading commercial purchasers to SOL), I'll change it back without impacting too many people. If not, I'll switch each site after another week.

Authors/Editors -> Edit Prefs/Profile.

Change your pen name in that form and it will be changed on the site without losing anything.

Is this also the same procedure to merge two existing pen names?

Is this also the same procedure to merge two existing pen names?

Why not follow the procedure for changing a pen name, from Pen Name 1 to Pen Name 2, and then if you wanted a new pen name for everything, change Pen Name 2 to Pen Name 3?

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Why not follow the procedure for changing a pen name, from Pen Name 1 to Pen Name 2, and then if you wanted a new pen name for everything, change Pen Name 2 to Pen Name 3?

Because both are active and I was looking at keeping all the stats etc when moving them all onto the one name to simplify the management without losing anything they currently have.

Lazeez has answered the question, so I know have to seriously think about it.

It's not complicated on our end. It's merely a command to move from one pen name to another.

I figured that from the earlier answer. I'm getting a bit fed up with maintaining the multiple accounts, and since I make no bones about Ernest Edwards and Ernest Bywater being the same I was thinking about transferring all the stories over into my name on both sites, and leaving a blog and profile redirecting people across. Also, since Cazna has stopped writing and dumped me with looking after everything, instead of just posting for him, I'm thinking of doing the same there. However, I've not yet fully decided to do it or not, still thinking about it. Once I do, I may need to do something extra with the stories to indicate the history too. If I do decide to go ahead, I'll email you direct to ask for your assistance.

What got me thinking about this was your past talk about a unified database so people can post a story in the wizard once and indicate what sites for ti to appear on - should I look to unify the accounts I should do it before you do that, so it makes it simpler for us both.

since Cazna has stopped writing and dumped me with looking after everything, instead of just posting for him, I'm thinking of doing the same there.

In that case, I'd recommend you change the newest version only, reposting it if necessary, while leaving his original version with a pointer to your newer version so readers can clearly differentiate between the two versions.

In that case, I'd recommend you change the newest version only, reposting it if necessary, while leaving his original version with a pointer to your newer version so readers can clearly differentiate between the two versions.

CW,

The revisions have been up for a long time. What I'm looking at now is a way to simplify my management on the site. Also, I just found out once everything is over and there are no stories left under the old name the profile and blog are no longer visible either - in the same way you don't see anything for a new writer until they post their first story. Also, with a transfer like this, it would make sense for Lazeez to delete everything else associated with the old Pen name. However, since things like scores and library links are tied to the story file, I think they'll go over, so those who have your stories in their libraries will still find them listed in their libraries and can find them.

In the UK this is quick, easy and free. My wife and I both have our own sole trader business names; all that is required is to sign a simple one page letter undertaking to inform the tax authorities of all business income and allowable expenditure. The tax side is simple - part of our annual four page tax return BUT there is the risk that your name can be taken unless you register it (which we have not done)

The taxes wouldn't be an issue, as each author (if you formed a group) would be paid directly by Amazon and other sources. My biggest dilemma is simply deciding to do it (and changing every book I've published). I don't believe it'll require new ISBNs, but we're talking 15 books x 4 or 5 different outlets (ex: Amazon, SW and lulu), so there's a LOT of updating involved, and the subsequent reader confusions too.

I believe there's a filing fee in the U.S., and knowing what forms to file. My ex and I created a business for a restaurant we opened, decades ago, and it DID cost us, though I don't recall how much.