Writing Stack Exchange
Writing Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [pseudonym]

This tag should be used for questions about pseudonyms, for example about an author choosing not to reveal his real name to his audience by using a pseudonym when publishing. Pseudonyms are also sometimes called pen-names.

This tag should be used for questions about pseudonyms, for example about an author choosing not to reveal his real name to his audience by using a pseudonym when publishing. Pseudonyms are also sometimes called pen-names.

You should mention what your mode of is, such as and your intended goal with using or not using a pseudonym. Your may also be of interest to see what other people in your field tend to do in your situation.

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Is it a bad idea to adopt an 'English' pen name as an Asian American writer to reach a wider audience?

There is currently a dearth of Asian American writers on U.S. library bookshelves, and those few authors who are Asian Americans tend to write about things associated with Asian culture. Think of Amy Tan, Maxine Hong Kingston, Lisa See, etc. All…
Sharpie
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Can a self publishing author use a pen name/pseudonym?

I know that an author can use a pen name/pseudonym instead of a true name when publishing the traditional way. This is done by signing contracts with the publisher/agent using the real name corresponding to the pen name. How would this work if the…
Vass
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Can I give a lecture about my book without disclosing my real name?

I have a non-fiction book about language learning, entrepreneurship, productivity and personal growth in general. The problem is: I have published this book using a pen name (pseudonym). I would prefer to keep myself anonymous, as the book is filled…
Chaotic
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Why do writers use pseudonyms?

It's common enough -- recently I was looking for Seanan McGuire's newer book only to find it was published as "Mira Grant". Why would an author do this?
Billy ONeal
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English - Acceptable use of parentheses in an author's name

My legal name is Barbara but I have gone by Babs since I was in the 4th grade. I have written a children's book and wanted to list my name as Barbara (Babs) but my editor said that it might not appear very professional. She has never heard or seen…
Babs Benge
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Why shouldn't I use a pen name?

I don't like my name. I feel like seeing my name on the cover of my novel will be an embarassment more than a moment of pride - I just can't take things I've written under my own name seriously, for some reason. On the other hand, I love my…
Yamikuronue
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Should I bother allowing images (headshots) for pen names?

Please bear with me, the question really is for writers. I'm authoring software that manages ebooks. I'm to the point of representing the "profile" of authors who choose to use pen names. How should I handle images? Should I allow a headshot at…
JBH
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Author changing name

Let us suppose an unmarried female author. She publishes something. Then she gets married, and chooses to change her surname to her husband's. Obviously, she can choose not to change her surname. And she can choose to publish under her maiden name,…
Galastel supports GoFundMonica
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Do I need a pen name? And how do I pick a good one?

Try having the name 'James Thompson'. It doesn't really sound like a name a professional writer would have, does it? Because I don't think so. So here is my question: Should I have a pen name instead of my actual name for writing books? And if so,…
James
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Writing different genres

I like to write many different genres in my fiction writing but I think that this would be confusing as an author's name becomes somewhat of a brand. Is it therefore a good idea to invent pen names where genres don't really gel so that the audiences…
Jeff Yates
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Using a pen-name: possible legal issues

My question is about publishing under a pen-name. Does it have to be registered as a trademark? If it's not registered as a trademark, can someone sue a writer for using it? Because every name you pick is surely also someone else's name. (Every name…
Jackie
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How to express copyright when you use a pen name

I am about to self-publish my first novel using a pen name. I will be registering the copyright this week. My question is, on the first page of the novel where you put all the publishing/copyright info, should I say that the novel is copyright of my…
MoniqueH
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Is it foolish to pursue a writing career while desiring complete anonymity?

I am writing my first novel. When I finish, I'd like to try publishing it. I've read other questions regarding the publishing process and they suggest that an aspiring author must do things like book tours, interviews, etc. While I'm not opposed to…
sirdank
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Is it a bad idea to have a pen name with only an initial for a surname?

My name is Ana Novkovic and I'm about to start writing and all that. I really really don't like my last name Novkovic. It's so hard to pronounce and I worry it would just distract readers and not look good. I am considering using the pen name Ana…
Ana
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Would there be any problems with choosing a pseudonym of another ethnicity and sex?

Taking some advice here You might notice that pen names usually sound like names a real person would have. So when you want to make a writing career under a pen name, you might want to pick a less obvious pseudonym than Memor-X. I was thinking up…
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