Another Question About Pseudonym

[Ldyjarhead]

I'm working on an article or two for submission to local and/or regional type publications and I'd like to have my pseudonym in place first.

How do I go about that?

I registered a DBA in NC several years ago and it was a very simple process, and I found the instructions online.

I've searched online and all I get are the money-hungry sites that will do it for you for $75 plus the local fees.

The only thing that comes to mind in OH is the county clerk of courts, but I've been to their site and found nothing. I emailed and it's been a few days and I've received no answer, so I'll probably call tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone had an idea what other office might handle this.

[aka eraser]

Not sure why you think you need to register something. Most uses of pseudonyms are simply a matter of notifying the editor that you're writing "as" Ima Pseudonym but that cheques are to be issued in your real name.

[dpaterso]

Yep, what Frank said.

Your title page should have something like,

"Story Title"
by
My Real Name
writing as
My Pen Name

which will clue them in pretty quick. If you have to sign contracts then make sure the pen name is included in the wording.

-Derek

[jst5150]

If you plan to use the pseudonym as your brand (i.e., you plan to really go global with that pseudonym when you make it big), you'll probably want to trademark it. Dr. Seuss is trademarked. So are other famous, distinctive pen names.

Other than that, what the smarter guys above me said.

[DeleyanLee]

Famous real names get trademarked too--Billy Joel comes to mind.

[Ldyjarhead]

I just find it a bit odd that anyone can make up a name and go with it. Maybe it's the Marine in me - stickler for detail, want everything dotted and crossed, etc.

[dpaterso]

If you haven't already seen it, check out this similar-but-different thread in AW Roundtable forum:

Writing under a pseudonym!
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105374


...and this one in Script Writing forum:

Questions about using Pen Names
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105221

-Derek

[Ldyjarhead]

If you haven't already seen it, check out this similar-but-different thread in AW Roundtable forum:

Writing under a pseudonym!
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105374


...and this one in Script Writing forum:

Questions about using Pen Names
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105221

-Derek

I've read them all, Derek, thanks.

I still don't want to go with my own name because my husband's name has been tarnished and the negative connotation is never going to go away. The surname isn't very common, and of course Marie Anne isn't either. I plan to start writing locally as well as in military publications and my name will be picked up on immediately, and I can't let that happen.