How much does a pen name cost?

You must pay filing fees of at least $375 when you file your trademark application. If you want trademark protection in multiple commercial classes, you'll have to pay higher fees.

How do I legally create a pen name?

You can register a manuscript under a pen name at the copyright office (www.copyright.gov). You'll have to provide some information, including your real address. But if you really want to keep your true identity under wraps, set up a post office box and have information from the office sent there.

Is a pen name worth it?

A new name can give an author another chance to release their work without bias or predisposition, and bypass the possibility that their writing will be immediately rejected upon seeing their real name. They can't publish under their real name.

Is using a pen name legal?

Are pen names legal? Yes, an author can legally use a pen name or pseudonym to publish their intellectual property. Pen names are legal, as long as you have purchased the rights to your pen name, and have copyrighted your name.

Can you self publish under a pen name?

Using a pen name when self-publishing is easier, because you have more control as a self-publisher. If, on the other hand, a publishing company is involved, they may be concerned that your choice to remain anonymous could negatively impact the marketing of your book.

Pros

Why you shouldn't use a pen name?

Pen names can complicate social gatherings, especially if you forget and introduce yourself to someone under your given name, or fail to respond when someone calls you by your pen name. Also, conferences and signings may become challenging if you're juggling two names.

Can an artist have a pen name?

An artist can use two names or replace their name with a pseudonym. Artists usually use another identity to create a brand or signal a change in style. Artists also use a pseudonym if another artist has the same name, has a common name, or wants to hide their identity.

Do authors still use pen names?

Many writers use pen names—but there's a right way and a wrong way to publish your book, stories, poems, or essays under a pseudonym. Actors and artists often use fictitious names, and writers sometimes choose to create under a different persona as well.

Do writers use their real name?

A: Authors write under pseudonyms, or pen names, for a variety of reasons. Established authors will do it to cross genres and keep from aggravating their fan bases.

Do screenwriters use pen names?

A writer must use his/her own name in all writing credits unless he/she has already established a pseudonym or registers one at the Guild office before commencement of employment on a writing assignment, or before disposition of any rights to literary material on which he/she wishes to use such pseudonym.

Can I publish on Amazon under a pseudonym?

Yes, you can publish on Amazon with a pseudonym , to preserve your identity, for whatever reason. You can do the same thing on Nook, iBooks, Smashwords and Kobobooks.

Do I have to trademark my pen name?

Legal Myth No. 1: Authors cannot register copyrights for creative work under a pen name. Copyrights protect whatever work a writer creates, automatically. While authors tend to use their legal names to register copyrights, authors can register a copyright under their pen names, or both if they like.

Can you keep a pen name secret?

Don't Expect to Maintain Total Secrecy When Using a Pen Name. Even if you opt to keep your pen name secret from your true identity, your real name will appear within the copyright information on the first few pages of your book.

How long does a copyright last if you use a pseudonym?

For works created on or after January 1, 1978, the copyright in a pseudonymous work expires 95 years from the year of publication or 120 years from the year of creation, whichever is shorter.

Why did JK Rowling use a pseudonym?

I certainly wanted to take my writing persona as far away as possible from me, so a male pseudonym seemed a good idea. It doesn't consciously change the way I write. I think I write differently, because it's a very different genre.

Why did JK Rowling not use her given name as a writer?

JK Rowling has revealed she did not use her full name when publishing the first Harry Potter book because she was “paranoid” following a “difficult” marriage. JK Rowling has revealed she did not use her full name when publishing the first Harry Potter book because she was “paranoid” following a “difficult” marriage.

How do I copyright my book?

How do I brand myself as an artist?

Why do artists use fake names?

A performer will often take a stage name because their real name is considered unattractive, dull, or unintentionally amusing; projects an undesired image; is difficult to pronounce or spell; or is already being used by another notable individual, including names that are not exactly the same but still too similar.

Can two artists use the same name?

In the world of actors, for example, no two actors are allowed to have the same name as each other and both belong to SAG (the actors union). That's why Samuel L. Jackson is Samuel L. Jackson, and not Sam Jackson or Samuel Jackson -- those names were taken.

Can two authors have the same name?

Yes, you can write under your real name. Such use is not trademark use all on its own. It matters not whether there are other authors by the same name.

What should my pen name be?

The simplest pen name would be a variation of your own name, such as a middle name, nickname, or initials. Many authors change only their last name so they don't have to remember what first name to use at conferences.

Why do authors use pen names?

A pen name becomes a sort of shield, allowing the author to conceal his or her identity, shake off any pre-conceived notions, internal or external, and to write freely in the genre of his or her choice. As a general rule, most authors should publish under their legal, given name.

Who is the richest author in the world?

FAQs on Richest Writers

J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, is the richest writer in the world with a net worth of $1 billion.