Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Two pseudonym, or not two pseudonym?

This is topic Two pseudonym, or not two pseudonym? in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Grovekeeper (Member # 5650) on :

My writing, for the most part, is in the realm of fiction, but one thing that I am working on is a nonfiction book as a companion piece to a series of spiritual classes that I am going to be teaching through my church.

I'm going to try to have the nonfiction piece published, because I believe that it has broader appeal than simply to the members of my Grove.

I also plan to try to get one or two or (wishful thinking here) twenty-seven fictional works published.

The big question is, does it make sense to use a different pen name for fiction and for nonfiction works? Is there a positive effect to using the same name across categories like this, or is there actually a negative effect? Or will publishers and readers not care a whit, since the categories are so disparate?

I already know what pen name I plan to use for my fiction, but I'm guessing that I'll need to use my real name for the non-fiction, since part of my credentials for writing it (to wit, my status as a minister within my church) are a matter of public record and therefore easier to verify if I use my actual name for those works.

So what say you all? Does my need to use my real name for my nonfiction mean that it makes more sense for me to use it across the board, or will using a pen name for fiction make no difference?

-Grovekeeper

Posted by lehollis (Member # 2883) on :

It's fully possible to write under different names. Many authors do, in fact. Sometimes you'll even see, "Joan King, writing as: Laura Smith." They're both pseudonyms, and often the reason is that they're different genres.

The authors name can make a difference. If the name doesn't fit the genre, or if it seems hard to pronounce, awkward or anything else, you may even find your agent suggesting you choose a pseudonym, from what I've read.

Browse through a library or bookstore. Westerns tend to have Western-sounding authors and romances tend to have names that fit that genre. To an extreme, if a man writes a romance novel, it will probably sell better if he uses a female pseudonym. At least, that is probably what agents and editors will say.

It is your choice, but I think it can make a difference, even if only in the mind of an editor or agent.

Posted by Grovekeeper (Member # 5650) on :

Lehollis,

The specific reason that I want to use a pseudonym for my fiction is that my actual name doesn't scan well; my first name ends with an L, and my last name begins with a J, and it's an awkward thing to pronounce. Add to that the syllabic accents, and it's just a train wreck.

-G

Posted by Alethea Kontis (Member # 3748) on :

My opinion: no matter the genre, always present your manuscript with your real name.

If there will be issues, or if you still have concerns, your editor or agent will happily discuss them with you.

Just like titles -- pseudonyms are not something to worry about until you're published. Now sit down and finish those 27 novels.

Posted by Rick Norwood (Member # 5604) on :

An author's name is his bread and butter. Use your real name.

Having said that, a really good pen name can be a big help. Who would want to read a book by Sam Clemmens? So if your name is plain, pick a fancy name, but stick to it.

On third thought, thought, if your religious book is under your real name, and your first novel is titled "The Hells Angels do Debbie in Dallas," then a pen name might be a good idea after all.

Posted by debhoag (Member # 5493) on :

Ya know, I have never been in Dallas, Rick. I could think of a few alliterative titles involving Rick in Roanoke, though

Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :

well who in their right state of mind would cair what you publish under.
use what ever naame you wish.
Rommel Fenrir Wolf II

Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :

I'm not inclined to use a pen name---such are the needs of my raging ego that I need to be acknowledged for what I do, and having something under somebody else's name would defy that need. In fact, if I was approached and told that somebody would publish what I wrote, but I had to come up with a pseudonym or it was no deal, I think I'd forego publication. (I didn't even use a phony name when putting out Internet Fan Fiction.)

I'm not closing the door absolutely---I've sent, mmm, let me count, one thing out under another name---but for right now and the foreseeable future, my name, the same name I post under right here, will be on my stuff.

Posted by Grovekeeper (Member # 5650) on :

Rick,

There's nothing particularly shocking about the fiction I'm writing, although to make a very good point about a story chronicling Debbie's philanthropic work with gang youths, juxtaposed with high spirituality.

Mostly, actually, I was worried about perceptions in the opposite direction; I was afraid that the very fact that I published a religious work under the credentials of a minister might somehow cause a subtle tendency for my fiction to be taken less seriously. I've run across the sentiment that clergy have difficulty relating to the "real" world, since our focus is supposed to be upon another realm entirely. (Notwithstanding the fact that I'm a software engineer fo 40+ hours a week, and do the esoteric stuff on nights and weekends).

If I do go with a pen name for the fiction, it'll be one that I stick with. The only real question is whether I go with two names, one for fiction and one for non-, or whether I bite the bullet and cringe and publish all of it under my real name.

Or course, Alethea is right; all of this is academic until a publisher says "yes".

-G

[edited because my brain goes faster than my fingers, sometimes]

[This message has been edited by Grovekeeper (edited July 17, 2007).]