Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Why Do Authors Use Pseudonyms?
Q: Why do authors use pseudonyms?—Anonymous

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. Wouldn’t you be a bit ticked off if you bought Stephen King’s next book expecting blood, guts and hair-raising intensity, only to find out it’s a weepy romance novel? King may choose to publish under a different name so he doesn’t disappoint his die-hard horror fans.

Another reason for using a pen name is to switch publishers. When an author is under contract, her publisher may own the rights to any upcoming work under her name. Often authors will take up a new name so they can shop around their work while avoiding legal problems (be sure to read your contract closely, though, because some prohibit this).

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.  

Brian A. Klems is the online managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine.

Have a question for me? Feel free to post it in the comments section below or e-mail me at WritersDig@fwpubs.com with “Q&Q” in the subject line. Come back each Tuesday as I try to give you more insight into the writing life.

Legal Questions | Publishing
4/29/2008 12:51:11 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [7] 
4/29/2008 4:33:52 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
I write my blog as SpaceAgeSage, but when I finish my novel, I wonder if a last name like "Hoeck" that requires directions for pronunciation -- "the 'O' is silent" -- is a good idea.
4/29/2008 7:10:32 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)



















hi, answer me, directly. are you the hansome brian? so i can judge. yes, your secretory is not , on behalf of you.my name is shaman, i gave this to me when i started to write,at 13.do you know. what does it mean? i don't hide. any thing. ask anything, before i start.please get in touchASAP. REGARDS. THANKS .














dear, sometimes hard to judge the person. if you send me direct e-mail, to me, so i can start.answer. are you the brian? hansome writer, which is rare. usually singers and writers are ....


















4/30/2008 11:14:19 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
I always figured authors used pseudonyms so they wouldn't have to explain or apologize to their mothers.
4/30/2008 11:28:10 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
I plan on using a penname because I don't like my real name. XD My planned pseudonym just feels more like me.
5/5/2008 9:43:57 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
I use a pseudonym because I want my books to be known, not me. Of course I will do whatever is required to promote them, but I do not want my personal life to become public.

My writing is only about what's on the pages, not the name on the cover.

The pseudonym is an attempt to safeguard privacy.
5/11/2008 10:12:53 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
Up until now, I've always used my real name when writing poetry and such (though very little has been published in print, I do have a considerable amount online).

Now that I've thought about it, though, using a pseudonym doesn't seem like a bad idea. Since I haven't had anything major published yet, I might consider trying this. :)
6/6/2008 7:42:33 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
I have an unpublished manuscript which I've copyrighted. If I don't find a "traditional" publisher or agent I'll self publish with a POD.
I'm using a pseudonym for several reasons. My book is a collection of documented experiences I had while being harassed by my fellow employees as a correctional officer.

QUESTIONS : 1) When I copyright the final proof before going to press, I'll use my pseudonym but the copyright office also wants my real name as well. DOES A PSEUDONYM HELP PROTECT ANONIMITY? Can't people contact the copyright office and discover your real identity?

2) Does using a pseudonym erase the possibility of my photo on the back? I'm thinking I'll skip the photo.

3) For future books and publicity who am I? Am I my pseudonym or my real name? So when I make it on Opra (lol) who will I pretend to be?

Thank you for your advice
Ryan
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