What is a writer fake name called?

A pseudonym is a fictitious name taken by a writer in place of their real name. The term "pseudonym" is a Greek word that literally means "false name."

Can an author use a fake name?

Yes, authors can self-publish using their pen name or nom de plume. If you're self-publishing a book, you can definitely use a pseudonym when writing and publishing your book. In fact, many indie authors use a pseudonym or nom de plume when they publish books in several different genres.

What is it called when artists use a fake 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.

What is it called when a writer changes their name?

A pen name, also called a nom de plume or a literary double, is a pseudonym (or, in some cases, a variant form of a real name) adopted by an author and printed on the title page or by-line of their works in place of their real name.

What do you call an alternative name?

pseudonym Add to list Share. A pseudonym is a name that someone, often a writer, uses instead of their real name. The real name of Dr. Seuss was Theodore Seuss Geisel.

Pen Names for Authors: Pros

What is an example of a pseudonym?

A pseudonym (pronounced SOO-do-nim) is a fake name that a person or group uses for a special purpose. It might be a stage name or a pen name, like “Dr. Seuss,” the alias used by a hacker, or the alter ego of a superhero, like “Batman.”

What is pseudonym in literature?

The definition of a pseudonym (or nom de plume in French) is a fake name used by a writer when writing and publishing their work in order to protect themselves or increase the chance of success.

Is using a pseudonym illegal?

Authors can publish under a pseudonym (aka “pen name”) without legal problems as long as the author complies with applicable laws and regulations (if any) and doesn't use the pseudonym for fraud or other illegal purposes.

Why do artists use aliases?

A pseudonym can be a good opportunity to reinvent yourself. Building a captivating new persona requires communicating a clear sense of your identity as an artist. A new or altered name can be powerful in redefining your narrative and establishing what you stand for.

Why is it called a pen name?

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.

Why do writers use initials?

Instead, it is often used by authors to stand out, to create an aura of mystery around them – or to simply shorten a long name on a book cover. In a world where social media makes everyone rather transparent, however, the choice of initials over full names may, however, come off as pretentious.

Can you publish under a pseudonym?

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.

How do you make a pseudonym?

What is pen name?

A pen name is a name, especially a completely fake one, under which an author publishes their work instead of using their real name. The term nom de plume means the exact same thing.

How do I use a pen name legally?

Under U.S. law you can't copyright a name, real or fictitious. Copyrights protect authorship, such as short stories, poems, or novels. 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.

Can I publish a book anonymously?

You can absolutely release a book anonymously or using a fake name known as a pen name. Many authors have done this for as long as books have been printed. Some reasons have changed over the decades as it is harder to keep the secret than in the past.

How does copyright work with a pen name?

When an author places a pseudonym on the copies or phonorecords of a work protected by copyright instead of using the author's real name, the work may be considered a pseudonymous work under copyright law, but only when the author's real name does not appear anywhere on the work.

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 do some writers use pen names?

But one of the most common reasons authors write under aliases is because their earlier works bombed. If a writer didn't make money for the publisher the first time, he's not likely to get a second chance—publishers would prefer to give someone new a shot. Under a pen name, a writer can be reborn.

What is the synonym of pseudonym?

In this page you can discover 11 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for pseudonym, like: nom-de-plume, pen-name, alias, nom-de-guerre, psuedonym, incognito, anonym, assumed-name, nickname, name and stage-name.

What is a pen name for an author?

A pseudonym is a fictitious name taken by a writer in place of their real name. The term "pseudonym" is a Greek word that literally means "false name."

Should I use a pen name as an author?

To use or not use a pen name or pseudonym is a personal choice. There's not really a right or wrong answer on this—unless you do share a name with a well-known author and/or celebrity. Just remember: If you do use one, be ready to take on that new persona (even if it's very similar to your actual identity).

What is the job of a ghost writer?

A ghostwriter is a freelance writer who pens a text that is credited to someone else. Ghostwriters can write a number of works on behalf of a client, including nonfiction books, public speeches, online content, and book proposals.

How do you write a pseudonym in an essay?

Using pseudonyms:

Use a pseudonym only when your focus on the study site is significant, as when you are providing an in-depth case study rather than simply turning to a single institution for convenience. The danger of pseudonyms is that the made up name you choose may refer to an institution that actually exists.