What is a Pen Name?
A pen name is a made-up (false) name that authors use instead of their real names for their creative works. A pen name is also known as a pseudonym. It can be similar to the author’s real name or completely different.
Why do Authors and Writers Use Pen Names
Authors and writers use pen names for many different reasons and with many different intentions. Some reasons authors use pen names are
- To protect or hide their true identity and private life.
- To separate their writing life from their personal life.
- To write under a name that represents who they are, their writing style, their writing purpose is, and what their writing represent
- To write under a name with a fresh slate. With a name that isn’t attached to any bias, any race, any gender, any origin, or any family line.
Many authors use pseudonyms and many do not. Based on many factors and reasons each author or writer chooses to use a pen name based on how it benefits and suits them. In fact, one author can have multiple pseudonyms. Did you know that J.K. Rowling, the author most famous for the Harry Potter series, has two pen names?
Here are 6 famous authors who you probably didn’t know used pen names.
- Mark Twain = Samuel Clemens
- JK Rowling & Richard Galbraith = Joanne Rowling
- Goerge Orwell = Eric Arthur Blair
- Dr. Suess = Theodore Suess Geisel
- C.S Lewis = Clive Hamilton
- Benjamin Franklin = Mrs. Silence Dogood
Privacy
Does A Pen Name Really Give Privacy?
Pro
A pen name…
- comes with a blank and fresh reputation.
- can be very unique, allowing writers to stand out
- Controversial work won’t be attached to the real author
- does not have to be attached to a picture or logo
- Can protect an author and an author’s family from backlash on a controversial piece
- allows a writer to create without the pressure of keeping their reputation:
Con
Money
Can a pen name get you more money?
Pro
A pen name…
- can open up multiple streams of income if you have multiple books under multiple pen names. This income would be on top of the income authors already earn from publishing a book.8 ways published authors can make money
- Depending on the terms of the agreements between a publisher, author, and estate handler, a pen name can be treated just like a birthname: an author can pass on wealth
Con
Lifetime
Can a pen name live longer than the author?
Pro
A pen name…
- Can live even after an author has passed (so long as the book or creative piece lives.
Con
More Pros and Cons of Having a Pen Name
Pro
Con
Take Away Tips: 2 Things To Remember When You Decide If You Want To Use A Pen Name
Pen names can be awesome. But they also come with disadvantages. If you decide to use a pen name, don’t forget these two things…
- Find out how you need to legally protect your pen name, and what legal actions are required of you to use it to publish a book.
- If you want to be paid under your pen name know the financial and legal actions needed to do so.
Some requirements can vary by state
Until my next words(on here that is)
Christa
