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I can't change the names and sell my fanfic because it was written under the premise that people already have the requisite background knowledge to enjoy it.
They already know who everyone is and how they're all connected to each other, what the plot is, what all the locations are, etc.
If I changed the names and tried to sell it, I'd have to also write the backstory.
The summary of my first story is this:
I wish I could say that my breakup with Kim was sudden. Or that it was entirely my fault. Or that it was completely my decision, un-influenced by anything or anyone else. But none of that is true. But like all good stories, we start at the beginning…
Which gets people interested because they know who Kim and Ron are and that they dated, and want to know what caused them to breakup.
However, if I changed the names:
I wish I could say that my breakup with Katie was sudden. Or that it was entirely my fault. Or that it was completely my decision, un-influenced by anything or anyone else. But none of that is true. But like all good stories, we start at the beginning…
You get a terrible romance with a lot of drama that no one wants to read, due in no small part to them not knowing who these characters are and why they should care about their breakup.
Even if your fanfic is an AU like mine, it's still entwined with canon.
And simply changing the names wouldn't be enough to fix that.
And, of course, the insistence on monetizing every hobby someone has is toxic, too.
Hobbies are meant to be fun. Not work.
It really is crazy how if you mention you write fanfiction with people outside fandom, they're always like "you should change the names and try to sell it." It misses the point (fun), but more importantly to me, I get slightly (and I know irrationally) insulted on a craft level. Excuse me, my fanfic is entwined with the canon, thank you very much. I wish sometimes less entwined. You wouldn't believe the stupid bullshit some of my fics have to include because of canon.
No one asked, but here's what everyone in my AU is doing for Valentine's Day.
Ron and Bonnie are having a quiet night in. Ron made food, Bonnie picked up some movies and arranged for someone to watch Rufus and Debutante.
Monique and Tara are going out for dinner.
Wade and Olivia are going to a movie.
Yori explains to Will that, in Japan, Valentine's Day is for girls to confess to their crush, and if the feelings are reciprocated, they get them a gift a month later on White Day. Will says she can take him out then, and he'll take her out a month later.
Felix and Zita are gaming. They both put surprises in the game for the other one to find.
Brick, Josh, and Justine are participating in a trivia night at a local pub.
Gil, Amelia, Larry, Joss, Patti, and Artie are having a "singles party" at Larry and Joss's apartment. Patti's only there because her parents wanted the house to themselves for the night, and Artie's only there because his dad had a date.
Drakken made a nice dinner and dessert for Shego. Her surprise for him is for later in the evening.
The only way Jack was able to take Betty on a date for Valentine's Day was to lead her on a chase that ends in a date.