I was just wondering if anyone out there uses one and, if so, why?
Posted by Rahl22 (Member # 1411) on :
No -- I haven't published. It could be a good idea, though, if you're trying to break out of your known genre and your publisher doesn't want you to. OSC said he always wanted to write a mainstream mystery novel, but would have to publish under a different name to be able to.
Also, if you are very prolific, it could be a good idea to write under a pseudonym to prevent your readers from thinking that you're flooding the market. If you put out 5 novels a year (which some people can do), then it may seem like you don't put much effort into any of them. I've known several authors to do this. You could then publish under five different names, and seem like each of your books took a whole years time!
[This message has been edited by Rahl22 (edited March 21, 2004).]
Posted by JBShearer (Member # 9434) on :
James Rigney (a.k.a. "Robert Jordan", "Reagan O'Neil", "Jackson O'Reilly", and "Chang Lung") uses pen names for each different genre he writes. He never uses his own name. I believe that he said he would if he writes general mainstream fiction.
Hey, he didn't start using his real name.
Posted by EricJamesStone (Member # 1681) on :
Well, it's not exactly a pen name, but there's a reason I'm using my full name of Eric James Stone as my byline rather than just Eric Stone.
No, it's not to imitate Orson Scott Card or Eric Frank Russell. It's the fact that there's already a published author using the name Eric Stone. He writes mystery novels.
Posted by Balthasar (Member # 5399) on :
I've gone back and forth. My wife thinks using a pen name is strange: if you're not proud enough of your work to put your own name on it, then why are you sending it out? That's a nice sentiment, and perhaps it's true. But I don't like my name; my first name is boring, and no one can pronounce my last name. I'd like to published under the name "Balthasar," but that's a little too much like the man who published under "Saki," I think. So in the end I'll probably end up using my own name.
[This message has been edited by Balthasar (edited March 23, 2004).]
Posted by rjzeller (Member # 1906) on :
This is an interesting question. I have a followup:
Is there any merit/benefit/gain from using a pen name if you've got a last name that starts with 'Z'? I notice most stores start with "A" on the top left and move all the way DOWN to Z on the bottom right. I don't know about everyone else, but at 6'2" tall and 210 pounds, my belly doesn't hold with squatting down to look at titles. Sorry, but if you're not a Card or an Asimov or an Anthony I'm not sure I'll find you.
I know, short sighted...and I usually do try to peruse the entire shelf before settling on my next reading project...but I wonder how many other people just glance at the top couple shelves first?
If this is the case, then wouldn't I want to use a pen name and get away from "Zeller" on the bottom shelf? (That's assuming the great dream of ever getting a book ON the shelf ever comes true, of course!)
thoughts???
Posted by sassenach (Member # 1725) on :
rjzeller:
Since Nora Roberts is the top-selling writer in paperback, and her name's near the end of the alphabet...I'd say your theory has flaws.
Posted by danquixote (Member # 1949) on :
Just my .02, not having been published either, but I think the name on a book is a lot less important than, say, a movie star's. Especially when an author is unknown, I don't know many readers who read or don't read a book based on the author's name. I've been known to read books and not even know who wrote them.
It isn't until you're relatively well known that your name brands you.
I would think a pen name would be much more useful when, as discussed, a writer wants do something different.
On the other hand - a cool name couldn't hurt your marketability - and if you want to use one, there's nothing wrong with it.
Posted by Random (Member # 1945) on :
I've seen stores that start the A's in the the middle of shelves, and have the Z's at the top before another section began. Other times, stores will place all the generic universe stories (Star Wars, Star Trek, Battletech, etc..) after the Z section, so there is no assurance Z will be at the bottom shelf.
That said, generally you are right, but a good writer should get found no matter where their name falls. Roger Zelazny is the best example I can think of, though I'm sure there are many others.
Posted by rjzeller (Member # 1906) on :
*** That said, generally you are right, but a good writer should get found no matter where their name falls. Roger Zelazny is the best example I can think of, though I'm sure there are many others ***
AH! THAT's the key. A good writer should get found...guess I'll start working on a good last name that begins with A....
No. I agree..it was just something I noticed. I mean..it certainly hasn't hurt Tolkien or Rowling....
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Balthasar, I think it would be cool if you were published under that name.
If one name alone doesn't work, though, you could have it be your "last name" and have something short for your "first name."
Simon Balthasar has a nice ring to it.
Posted by teddyrux (Member # 1595) on :
I wonder if we could get a bookstore to arrange the titles alphabetically by first name? Hmmm. That won't work. Robert L. Robertson would be on the same shelf no matter how we did it. Oh well. I guess have to write good material now.
Rux
Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
<groan> Who started this? I thought I'd made up my mind about this issue, now I'm all undecided again. Married name...single name...translated name. Maybe one name for fiction...one for nonfiction. Feed my fear of success with a nom de plume, or go bravely into that good night. Ah well. 'Tain't nothin' publication wouldn't force a cure for. Posted by TruHero (Member # 1766) on :
I would use my real name for my chosen genre. Then at a later date if I wanted to write something outside of my normal genre, I would use a pen name. With a last name like Ackerman I would be alphabetically at the front. Not that it matters, Gotta get there first!
(*dreaming*) After my head got sufficiently large enough, I could take the Prince route and just get published with my name as a "symbol". I wonder how they would try to catergorize that?
Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
Maybe a wholly made-up name. Something catchy. Like Measles. Posted by Balthasar (Member # 5399) on :
Simon Balthasar . . . I like it. I like it a lot.
My wife is pregnant again (she's due in August; if you remember, we had our second child last June . . . and I'm the one who stays at home!), and I've suggested the name "Simon" several times. Each time, my wife's emphatically shakes her head no. I think I'll reserve that name for myself.
I'd still prefer to publish only under the name "Balthasar," but I foresee two problems with it. First is the one I already mentioned. The other is that it seems a little too eccentic--even for me!
But Simon Balthasar is very good.
Thanks, Kathleen!
[This message has been edited by Balthasar (edited March 23, 2004).]
Posted by Kickle (Member # 1934) on :
Does a male or female name makes a difference ? In my case I am fortunate to be married because, my first, middle and maiden name are same as those used by two successful living writers (romance and horror).
Posted by Eljay (Member # 1941) on :
I was just thinking about the male/female name question myself. I remember reading that Rowling was advised to use initials because a female name on the cover might make boys less likely to pick up the book. I'd like to think that science fiction readers are more sensible than that, but past experience tells me that isn't always the case...
Posted by punahougirl84 (Member # 1731) on :
This is neat to think about. I remember reading about using a different name - if you are willing to go through the legal hurdles and have a real reason to do it, then it can make sense. I don't think I would want to deal with the legal issues. My full name is Dorothy Lee Budar-Danoff. I decided that I would just use my middle and last name - I go by my middle name, but my last name is a little hard to pronounce for some people - that is a concern for me (will an editor or agent avoid my story because my name is hard to say, or will they be interested because my name is different?). If I ever felt like going out of genre, to write romance, I think Dorothy Danoff would be perfect!
There are male authors who have published under female names, and vice versa - guess they felt the book would be more accepted coming from the opposite gender - depends on the genre maybe?
Kolona - translated name???
SBalthasar - congrats ahead of time! When will you write anyway with three cuties tugging at your knees/mousepad/whatever?!
RJZeller - I kind of thought that for new authors, being shelved next to a famous author would be the best set-up, as people look for books by that author, they would also see your book, and might pick it up and check it out (especially if what they were looking for by Zelazny wasn't there). 'Z' is a cool letter to start your last name - I'd stick with it! AFter all, the 'Z' section can wrap around to the top of the shelves too... Or - maybe decide which famous author you like whose work is most similar to what you write, then pick a name so your books get shelved right next to his/hers - then you have a great chance of being picked up.
Posted by Alias (Member # 1645) on :
quote:Simon Balthasar has a nice ring to it.
Not half as good as Bob Balthasar
or better yet,
Bobby Balthaczar
Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
No. Go with Simon Balthasar. It's more how I see you.
The translation of my married name is 'angel,' Punahougirl, and Sharon Angel might be kind of neat. Been thinking about using it for fiction, and my real serious name for nonfiction. Since my name is considered hard to pronounce, maybe I'll leave it for serious readers to deal with and give fiction readers a break.
<slaps self on side of head> Now get to work so this post isn't moot.
Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
Or maybe I'll be just 'Kolona' to Simon's 'Balthasar.' Posted by Balthasar (Member # 5399) on :
Sorry, Alias, I can't tell if you're being serious or not. But if you are, I don't like the name Bob.
Kolona, my real name is Jeff (do you see my differently, now? ), and I think the only time my parents were in tune with their culture was when they picked out my name. This world is crawling with Jeff's. I hate it.
When I was signing up on this forum, the book sitting on my desk was by my favorite 20th-century Catholic thinker--Hans Urs von Balthasar. I've never really intended it on being anything more than my forum name, but the more I use it the more I like it.
Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
Actually, I don't think I've ever known a Jeff, other than a fellow who works with my husband. But you strike me as more of a Simon.
Posted by Lilamrta (Member # 557) on :
I'm attached to my last name. I always told myself that if I got published before I got married, I'd keep using my maiden name. And even if I get married before I get published, I will still use my maiden name. My legal first name is Lila and my middle name is Amrta, but it's really just one name, Lilamrta. I'll probably just stick with Lila and be plagued by mispronunciation. It's Leela. People are always pronouncing it with a long i. Amrta's not any better, though. In any case, publication's a long way off, so I don't have to worry about it for a while. -Lila
Posted by TheoPhileo (Member # 1914) on :
Maybe I should publish under "Bob." Just Bob. I wonder how a publisher would react to that.
Posted by Wraith (Member # 1711) on :
Just a question for everyone. What would you do with the name:
Matthew Vernon Bills
It doesn't look like a good name to publish under, (at least not in my oppionion) However... I don't know.
Posted by EricJamesStone (Member # 1681) on :
quote:Matthew Vernon Bills
I'd suggest going with whichever combination of two of the names you like best, with the additional possibilities of Matt, Matthews, and Bill.
Matthew Bills Vernon Bills Matt Vernon Bill Vernon Vernon Matthews etc.
Posted by punahougirl84 (Member # 1731) on :
"Matthew Vernon Bills"
M. Vernon Bills, Matt Bills, Matt V. Bills, Matt Vernon Bills, Matthew Bills - I like this one!, Matthew V. Bills, Vernon Bills, Matthew Vernon - also catchy, Matt Vernon...
Or get married to someone whose name "Bills" hyphenates well with, or take her name! I think your name is fine.
Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
Theo, that might remind people of the baby of commercial fame. Wasn't his name Bob? (Actually, he was a she, as it turned out.)
Wraith, Matt Vernon and Vernon Matthews are nice, but I think I like Matt Bills best.
[This message has been edited by Kolona (edited March 24, 2004).]
Posted by Wraith (Member # 1711) on :
Thanks for the tips, not that it matters.
[This message has been edited by Wraith (edited March 24, 2004).]
Posted by Pyre Dynasty (Member # 1947) on :
Well I don't want to use my real name because it's my fathers name and I can't see it without thinking of him. I've read some pretty brutal reviews, and I don't want to see someone going off on my father even though I know it's me. My pen name is Victor Foxx. But in one story I'm writing I have a char named Victor and he's a total moron. so for that story I'll use a different name. I think bob is a good name for inanimate objects. I once had a chance to name a team so I named it bob. People had the hardest time just calling us bob, not The bob or the Bobs. the team name was bob. (I apologise for that I just like the name bob) Or we could all go by the name Asaph, that way people would judge based on the story not the name. Hey let's do that, from now on anything published should be under the name Asaph. Who's with me?
Posted by punahougirl84 (Member # 1731) on :
Does that mean "I, Asaph" can cash the checks for "You, Asaph"'s work???!!!
Posted by Wraith (Member # 1711) on :
If so I'm in.
Posted by Nexus Capacitor (Member # 1694) on :
I don't plan on using a pen name, unless my real name becomes an anathema in the literary world.
But, if I was going to choose one, I suppose it would be an cool name like:
Jack Destiny or Phil Canyon
Or maybe an action-packed name like:
Chuck Pistolwhip
Hmmm... On second thought, that doesn't sound like such a good idea. Never mind.
Posted by Nexus Capacitor (Member # 1694) on :
quote:Is there any merit/benefit/gain from using a pen name if you've got a last name that starts with 'Z'? I notice most stores start with "A" on the top left and move all the way DOWN to Z on the bottom right.
LOL. Maybe your pen name should be "Aaron A. Aardvark." That would put you right on the top shelf in those stores.
Posted by Pyre Dynasty (Member # 1947) on :
Actually I was hoping it would go the other way. I cash all of your checks and take all of the credit. For I AM the only true Asaph, ha ha ha ha aha ha aha aha aha haah........Achoo....sorry dang Megalomania just keeps creeping in.
(JK BTW)
Posted by TruHero (Member # 1766) on :
I was just thinking that the unpronouncable symbol might be un-possible, I might use something more meaningful like, Seymore Butts, Peter Dragon, or Phil McCraken. Or maybe change genders for a romance novel, and go with Amanda Huginkiss. Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
quote:Or maybe change genders for a romance novel, and go with Amanda Huginkiss
Fellow named Kissinger did that, and published under several names. Readers kept saying, "I wonder who's Kissinger now."
Posted by TheoPhileo (Member # 1914) on :
I think I might do what Robert Jordan did, and pull my name from a literary work that has significance to me (or the book/story in question).
In what book was Robert Jordan a character? I can't remember for the life of me.
Posted by Balthasar (Member # 5399) on :
Robert Jordan was a principle character in Hemingway's For Whom the Bells Toll. Jordan-the-author, however, has said that he didn't get the name from Hemingway. Apparently, he made a list of names he liked that began with the first letters of his own name and liked the way "Robert Jordan" sounded.
Posted by TheoPhileo (Member # 1914) on :
Well in that case, I'm going to do what Robert Jordan did, only with higher ambitions and purpose behind it. *grin*
Posted by teddyrux (Member # 1595) on :
I'm thinking of using the name Robert Ulysses Xavier as a pen name for my fiction. My non-fiction I'm going to use my real name, Robert L. Robertson.
Rux :}
Posted by Rahl22 (Member # 1411) on :
Balthasar,
Interesting to hear where your name came from. I just assumed it was from "Much Ado About Nothing." Balthasar was the minstrel who played music to entertain people. Isn't that what we're doing, in a slightly different way? Seemed to fit.
Posted by Rahl22 (Member # 1411) on :
Rux,
I know of a Robert Robertson. Thought it was an unusual name -- but then, it seems to be more prevalent than I'd originally thought.
Posted by teddyrux (Member # 1595) on :
If you do a white pages search for your area, you'll probably find alot more than you originally thought there could be. Last time I checked, there were about 30 in SE Michigan alone.
