The Pros and Cons of Writing Under a Pen Name
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- If you are considering using a pen name for your work, there are a few things to keep in mind. Book marketing expert and author Desireé Duffy chose to write under the pen name Vanta M. Black because her professional brand was vastly different from her author brand. She didn’t do it to keep her identity a secret, but some may choose a pen name for this reason. In that case, an author must consider how he or she is going to market and promote. Having to completely hide your identity will limit publicity opportunities. Using a pen name, secretly or not, also means you now have two identities to manage. You’ll have double the social media profiles, and possibly multiple websites. This can be a huge undertaking. Finally, a pen name forces an author to split his or her personality, having to jump back and forth between two mindsets and communication strategies. While it’s not impossible to successfully write under a pen name, considering these factors and deciding how you will be able to handle it is an important first step.
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Some Writer's use pen names because they're government name might not look good on a cover of a book or might not be marketable.
I originally wanted a pen name because I wanted to secretly write books. But some already know. But I wanted an English pen name because I want English readers to read my book. I have a Muslim name and I keep thinking to myself, "What English reader wants to read an English book from a Muslim?" and I get this terrifying feeling they will say, "He probably doesn't speak English very well" which a few people said about my writing. And around the time of September 11th, I had fears of people bullying me for being a Muslim writer who writes English stories so I went with an English Pen Name at the time.
Excellent! Thank you!
Thank you for this video. I have a question, though. On the copyright page of your book, do you use your real name or your pen name? If I want to use my pen name as copyright holder of the book, what do I do to ensure that I really am the copyright holder of the work and that I'm just using a pen name? In a Mark Twain book I saw, the copyright owner was "Samuel Langhorne Clemens"---which is Mark Twain's real name. Couldn't he have used "Mark Twain" also as copyright holder of his work? If I have to use my real name on the copyright page, doesn't that defeat the purpose of using pen names in the first place?
Good point! Did you get a reply? Do you know the answer now?
Hello, you might find this article helpful: blogs.loc.gov/copyright/2022/04/whats-in-a-name-using-pseudonyms-when-registering-works-with-the-copyright-office/
You can also visit the US copyright website for more information.
@@AuthorLearningCenter Thank you for the very helpful info. I have just subscribed to your channel.
I have always wondered how one gets paid when you have another pen name. Is there a way special way to set up a pen name? Thank you.
Thankyou!
Hmm, I have a question. I'm a tarot reader and have a professional name in that space that I use for my clients, youtube and blog for my business. Right now, I'm getting into copywriting as a day job, but I also want to write blogs in the spiritual/occult space professionally. So, I wonder if it's best to use my tarot name or my real name?
Hello, if you wish to keep the copywriting separate from your current business, using your real name is one way to do that. Just keep in mind you will have to manage two personas with separate branding, websites, socials, etc. There are pros and cons to using a pen name, which you can learn more about here: www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/pros-and-cons-of-using-a-pen-name-how-would-you-actually-do-that-see-the-response
I'm considering using a pen name because I wanna write for kids, but some of my stories are meant for younger kids than others. My passion project is more geared towards a tween market, but I also have ideas for younger picture books. I know how kids can get, they don't wanna be caught reading things "for babies." So I'm considering using a pen name for my picture books so as not to scare off the older kids. Do you think this is a good idea? If so, how should I handle something like that?
Hello, a pen name can be a great way to explore writing in two different genres and also take advantage of some fun branding when writing for children. There are pros and cons to using a pen name, which you can learn more about here: www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/pros-and-cons-of-using-a-pen-name-how-would-you-actually-do-that-see-the-response
yes
Is it true that most fiction writers ,even decently good ones only make about 500-1000$ a year,even those that do marketing decently for years?
How much an author can make from book sales depends on several factors including genre, distribution channels, pricing strategies, and author platform just to name a few. You might find this article on how to monetize a book helpful: www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/what-do-i-do-to-monetize-my-book
Call a spade a spade.. just say ".if u have a criminal record" lol
Thanks for sharing. You can start by telling what a pen name is ?
A pen name is a fictitious name that a writer uses in place of their real name. Some writers use them to protect their real identity, while others use them for branding purposes. You can learn more here: www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/preparation/w/using-a-pen-name
Thank you for this!
I do have a question. My real name is very unique. My last name is only shared by less than 10 people that I know of- I'm an only child and the last of my family with my last name. Well, a year ago, an ex spread lies about me on social media that led to me involving the police and several people making social media posts using my name. I haven't even had the mental capacity to Google my name to see what comes up due to anxiety and mental trauma from that ordeal. My concern with using a pen name is mostly due to that: will people see those lies if they Google my real name? (No one else in the world has my name, unless you were to search my first name, too, then it would bring up my father and possibly myself, but the last names would be connected). Also, I'm transgender, and I have legally changed my name (same last name). Will people see my old name from my online footprint and put 2 and 2 together? I live stealth; I just want to be a normal guy that blends in. I don't want people to know I'm trans unless I decide to tell them.
Sorry for the long and weird questions, you just seemed like a knowledgeable person to ask.
These days, it can be very challenging to remain anonymous if you have any kind of online presence. If you do decide to write under a pen name and wish to remain anonymous, you will need to create completely separate social media accounts and manage everything like it is a separate persona. It would be best to choose a pen name that is completely removed from your real name. You can find more helpful content on this topic here: www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/preparation/w/using-a-pen-name
Am I allowed to use my pen name when introducing myself to someone as long as I don’t sign a legal contract?
Hello, you might find this article helpful, but we also recommend consulting a literary attorney with legal questions: www.sidebarsaturdays.com/2022/04/23/using-pen-names-in-contracts/