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Yes, I know this has been addressed before, but I'd like to bring it up again.
Is there any real advantage in having a pen name? I know I would like one but am unsure of a few things. Such as: How do you avoid using someone else's published name by accident, and conversely, how do you prevent others from using yours?
Are any of you ever more swayed because of an author's name? I mean if it came down to it, would you picked up a Sci Fi written by Mark Serov or Tom Bills?
Those aren't my names, by I think my point is clear. I guess I want to use a "cooler" derivitive of my real name but I'm wondering if anyone could help me predict the full-impact of using a num-de-plum (?) ... anyone?
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I bet there is a little bias for one name or another when browsing the shelves. Some names are more attractive than others. I picked my pen name for two reasons: First, it's my maiden name and the name that I've used for 26 and a quarter of my 26 and three quarter years of life. Second, because it starts with an "A", so for marketing purposes it puts my name right between Adams and Assimov on the bookshelf...right up front for browsers to see! My married name of Morgan is probably more attractive, but that was my choice.
It's up to you. Some writers use pen names, some don't. They all have their reasons. If it sounds right to you, go for it. I think one thing about pen names is that as writers, we like to create our own worlds. Taking a name given to us by our parents or our husbands may or may not define us as we wish. (Whether it defines us in reality is another story...) So I think the attraction to create a pen name is akin to the attraction of writing in the first place...it goes to creating people, places, worlds, images, and even names.
1. To put yourself next to really famous authors, so that your book will be seen. (Jimmy Brools comes right after Terry Brooks. . . .)
2. To put yourself next to really famous authors and then have a REALLY similar name, so that people might pick your book up by accident.
3. To place your book in a certain place on the shelves. (Eric P. Aaron would be at the top of the shelf, on the left)
4. 'Cause people will think it's mysterious.
5. When you've had three books that didn't "earn out", you'll have a hard time selling under the name you've been using. You'll need to use a pen-name to publish again (or wait a long time).
6. When writing in another genre (or they might put your "great American novel" in the Sci-fi section next to your previous book, Space Robbers)
7. In case you're afraid that your writing isn't up to snuff, and you don't want to use your real name.
8. In case you're afraid that your book won't "earn out".
9. Because you don't want your Mormon Family to know you're writing German snuff erotica.
10. If you get REALLY famous, you won't get hasseled every time you try to cash a check or use a credit card. You get your fame when you want it . . . at booksignings.
posted
Or alternatively, your feelings won't be hurt when the real name you write under isn't recognized at groccery stores and book shops...
Re: finding out if a name is already used: Google it and run searches on Amazon and B&N.com, both with and without quotes in case there's someone with the same middle initial.
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Gen brought up a something that I've been wondering about. What do you do if you have the same name as someone else who has been published. I'm excluding the big names, like King, Clancy and Brooks, I assume that no publisher would take the risk on possible litigation. If you do an Amazon search for my real name, you'll find that someone's published non-fiction under it. Can I publish under my real name? I know you can't copyright a name. That's why every dictionary has Webster in the title.
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If your name is the same as an already published author, it would be better to use a pen name. If you really don't want to, change your name a little. Terry Brooks publishes under the name Terry Brooks. If your name is Terrance Cobbler Brooks, you can use T.C. Brooks, Terrance Brooks, Terrance C. Brooks, Terry C. Brooks, or Terry Cobbler Brooks. I know in movies, the name used has to be registered with the actor's guild, and no one else can use it, but that is only the EXACT spelling and usage. It may not be required to come up with a different name in publishing for legal purposes, but I'm sure good etiquette would demand it.
Posts: 12 | Registered: Feb 2011
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I suspect it'd depend somewhat on the genre, as well. If there's a fairly famous nonfiction author named Mick Brunwald, and your name is Micki Brunwald but you write fiction, people are far less likely to confuse you than if Mick and Micki both write alternate history novels about the Praetorian Guard. I feel like one purpose of pen names is to minimize book shop and book shopper confusion, as when authors take different names or name variants between genres.
Of course, if your real name name is Stephen King, the rules might be a bit different...
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Does anyone here use a pen name? How does one find/create them? Is it best to slightly modify one's real name, or go "hog-wild" creating something "fabulous?"
I ask because I've recently started writing a non-fiction book about drama for kids that I'm hoping to share with other homeschooling parents. I thought I'd use my real name for that. I'd like to use something different for the fiction I'm creating. But I don't want to be too, too-- over the top... Know what I mean?
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Well, since you asked...I think Richard Alexander is a great name and I would keep it. It flows well, it just sort of *sounds* strong and smart, and it's right at the beginning of the alphabet where browsers usually begin. Xander is at the end, but still...Rick Xander does not flow as well, it feels choppy, and Xander does not sound like a real last name. Rick isn't so bad, but if you use Alexander it needs to be Richard because they flow better together.
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I'm with Christine. I think Richard Alexander is a great name-- it sure sounds like a writer!
I'm not sure where to go with my own pen name. I could use my maiden name, but that's "Williams"-- it couldn't be more generic! And I really do like my given name, so I don't know if I could give it up...
Maybe I should just go write something, and work out the details later!
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One reason that used to be tossed about was that women's work didn't sell as well, hence J.K. Rowling.
Which is not a problem for you.
I like Richard Alexander as well. Rick Xander might be better for detective novels. Or Buffy novels.
Isn't there a game where you create a nom de plume from your middle name and your mother's maiden name? (Robinette Jackson for me) Or was that the porn star name...?
[This message has been edited by MaryRobinette (edited April 22, 2004).]
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The Singer from Cheap Trick is Robin Zander. I am not sure if that is made up or not, since the drummer's name is Bun E. Carlos. I like the Xander thing, it just would depend on what genre you are writing in with that name.
Posts: 471 | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
My pen name is Victor Foxx, My real name starts with a V, but I didn't like it when I was younger so I went for a fancier version of it. As for Foxx it was the name of one of my first chars that was wholly mine, helps me remember who I was.
Posts: 1895 | Registered: Mar 2004
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Well, I think "Richard Alexander" is actually taken. I could try other variations on the name, for example:
Alexander means: Helper or helper of men and so does, "Sanders" so I could be Richard Sanders, but I son't like the flow very well.
Xander just seems more techy and sci-fi/fantasy-ish, which is the genres that I right.
But still, I like your thoughts. Please keep giving them. Of the names I have listed above, rank them in order of best to worst as you see them. Please.
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I don't see any reason you can't use your real name just because someone else also uses it. My suggestion, if it really bothers you -- throw in a middle initial.
Posts: 3567 | Registered: May 2003
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There is a mystery novelist named Eric Stone. (I mean that he writes mysteries, not that he's mysterious.) So I'm using my full name, Eric James Stone, as my publication name. Posts: 1517 | Registered: Jul 2003
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there are two other reasons that I've heard of for using a pen name...
one which apparently isn't as common now, but when authors are signed with more than one book, it is often the next x-number of books you write, so authors will choose to have a penname publish something else.
another reason, which I don't think would be applicable to anyone here - or in this general genre, is with some of the monthly books, if the author gets out more than X number of books a year the publisher will publish some of them under a pen name or two so that it doesn't look like the author is as prolific as they are.
I have also heard of authors who use pen names because they have had some books that didn't sell, and to get book deals they will use pen names, so that their name doesn't affect what people think on this "new" author.
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Forgive me for just jumping in, (first post) but I was wondering about if a writer shares the last name of a very popular author, who writes in kinda sorta the same genre. Is this a plus or minus, meaning that someone might pick up the less established author's book mistaking it at first for the famous author's work. Is it best to just pick a penname or stick with the actual last name? Sorry if this post came out more confusing than necessary, and thank you.
Posts: 21 | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
Of the new batch, Richard Sanders flows best, but I'd still go with Richard Alexander. It sounds intelligent, and it would be at the front of the bookshelves.
When I read Rick L. Sanders, I hear it as Rickel Sanders. I'm sure that's just me.
What does the "L" stand for? You could do something like R.L. Alexander or R. Laurence Sanders. (I'm picking a random "L" name.)
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