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.

Is it OK to use a pen name?

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.

What are the pros and cons of using a pen name?

Does a pen name protect you?

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.

Why would someone use a pen name?

They can't publish under their real name.

Today, many writers may use pen names to disguise their true identity for their day jobs, not wanting their bosses or colleagues to know that they write a particular genre and be subject to scrutiny or embarrassment.

The Pros and Cons of Writing Under a Pen Name

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.

How do you legally adopt a pen name?

How do you get paid under a pen name?

Do artists use pen names?

It's quite common for artists from all mediums to use pseudonyms. However, there can be legal repercussions. Before signing off with a pen name, you should carefully consider why you may use it, how to protect your real identity, and the risks involved.

How many pen names can you have?

Amazon will only let you have three pen names under one Author Central account. It isn't TERRIBLE to have multiple pen names (more on that below), but if you can keep things easy, DO. If you're writing books that are related or might have a larger crossover audience, then don't do a pen name.

Should I use a pen name for my book Reddit?

If you specifically want to avoid associating the work with your name, then yes you should be using a pen-name. If the jump isn't too bad, it might be a good idea to just use an abbreviated name, or certain initials rather than changing the name outright.

What are pseudonyms?

Should I use my real name or a pseudonym?

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).

Why did female writers use pseudonyms?

Many female writers have adopted male nom de plumes, or otherwise gender-ambiguous pseudonyms, for a number of reasons: to publish without prejudice in male-dominated circles; to experiment with the freedom of anonymity; or to encourage male readership.

Can I publish a book under a fake name?

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 pen names stay anonymous?

Step 1: Form an Anonymous LLC

It's best to form an Anonymous LLC and name such company with the pen name you wish to use, using an actual law firm or properly licensed attorney to form the Anonymous LLC for you. This is one of the times you want to avoid “all those Internet companies” who are not actual attorneys.

Can you publish on Amazon with a pen name?

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 bloggers have pen names?

The answer is yes, you absolutely can! Authors have successfully used pen names for generations, and blogging is no different. In fact, Google has publicly stated that they're OK with you blogging under a pseudonym.

Can I be an anonymous author?

Yes, you can publish anonymously, and many authors prefer to publish some or all of their books this way. But you should make sure that it is the right choice for you.

Why did George Sand use a pen name?

George Sand, born Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, used a pseudonym because, at the time, male writers were far more respected than female writers. Sand...

What should my pen name be?

Choose options that fit your literary genre. Check the availability of your pen name's URL and social media handles. Choose a name that's easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. Make sure your pen name isn't similar or identical to another author's.

How many times was J.K. Rowling's pitch for Harry Potter rejected by publishers?

J.K. Rowling's original 'Harry Potter' pitch was rejected 12 times — see it in new exhibit.

How did J.K. Rowling get found out as Robert Galbraith?

Rowling's secret identity was actually revealed after a partner at a law firm told his wife's best friend. The friend then revealed Rowling's identity to a Sunday Times journalist. "I was a bit unlucky the way it happened," the Harry Potter creator told BBC Radio 2's Graham Norton.

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.