Should I use a pseudonym or not?

Thomas_Anderson · Dec 10, 2008

I've been debating with myself about it, and I'm having difficulties deciding.

My main fear is the crazies tracking people down, the same reason you usually don't give out your real name on the internet. Is this an actual hazard for professional writers that use their real name? Also, those whackos who think anything with magic is sinful and wrong because ya know, it's so definitely possible to shoot fire out of a polished stick while muttering pseudo-Latin, and that's definitely what the real witchcraft is about. Kind of went off on a rant there (and I'm not saying all religious people are like that, not by a long shot, as I consider myself a religious person), but would I really have to worry about those people if I stamp my real name on fantastical works?

Should I use a pseudonym, or just go under my real name? Are the above things really something to worry about, or just me being somewhat paranoid?

Also, book signings. First off, do all writers do book signings, or is that just the really big and popular ones? Would somebody like me, Joe Schmoe the obscure writer, do a book signing at the local Barnes and Nobel? Assuming I would do a book signing, and assuming I published under a pseudonym, how would I prove that it was I who wrote the book? I heard they sometimes request ID, which could be a problem if my ID isn't the name I published under.

JamieFord · Dec 11, 2008

I don't think the things above are really worth worrying about. I know a lot of authors use pen names, but usually when their name is too close to that of an existing author or public figure, or if they're switching genres or something. Even crazed loons probably have better things to do than track down some author and stalk them. And if they don't, if they're that crazy, they'll find you anyway.

As far as book signings--if your book is from a small press you may have to set up those signings yourself. But if your book is with a larger publisher, they'll assign you a publicist to assist in that regard. And if you still went the pen name route and worried about ID, just remember that your photo is probably on the book's dust jacket.

dclary · Dec 11, 2008

I feel like such a cad.

I couldn't understand why my agent insisted on saying my book was written by Sue Dounim.

Mumut · Dec 11, 2008

Thomas_Anderson said:
Is this an actual hazard for professional writers that use their real name?*

I asked my first publisher and was told it is usually not a good idea to use a pseudonym. My own name is known to a number of people and groups and that is a plus for sales.

*but would I really have to worry about those people (religious) if I stamp my real name on fantastical works?*

I've had lots of them but they are all well meaning (even though they don't seem to realise I don't want to spend ten minutes listening to them when prospective buyers are walking past). I've even met the man who wrote the Bible (so he told me).

*Also, book signings. First off, do all writers do book signings, or is that just the really big and popular ones?*

I'm published by a small publisher in Australia. The first signings, radio interviews and newspaper interviews were arranged by Zeus. It was expected that I would then go out an do the same to the extent that I want additional sales. I've arranged an average of about six signings a month since then as well as talks at libraries, schools, Probus, Rotary and National Seniors' groups. I sell books at each of these - sometimes forty at any one event.

So I'd suggest you work out a two-minute sales pitch for when a stranger greets you at a signing with the words, 'what is your book about'. Can you sell your story in that space of time? People won't stand there if you bore them. Have a thirty minute talk for service group talks. Have lots of answers and funny/interesting answers for interviews.

And have a smile for everyone. Entertain them. Even if they don't buy a book, let them go away with happy thoughts.

Danthia · Dec 11, 2008

I considered a pen name for that very reason and my agent said that since you have to register your pen name with the copyright office (or someone like that), anyone who really wanted to know your real name could find it. Unless you're super famous, and we're talking JK Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, Stephen King famous, it's not usually an issue.

Just be smart about your personal information. Get an unlisted phone number, don't publically post where you live or give out private details.

I'm a brand-new author and from what I understand I'l be doing book signings. But the publisher's publicist said that I could do whatever I was comfortable with, so if you don't want to do book signings you probably don't have to. There are other ways to market your book. You might stick to online stuff.

Rabe · Dec 11, 2008

Danthia said:
I considered a pen name for that very reason and my agent said that since you have to register your pen name with the copyright office (or someone like that), anyone who really wanted to know your real name could find it. Unless you're super famous, and we're talking JK Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, Stephen King famous, it's not usually an issue.

I certainly hope the agent referred to it as being part of an overall work and not JUST the pen name!

But even that is not always the case. My published work still belongs to me because I *own* the pen name I publish under. It's more a trademark than a copyright. Since I own that pen name, then I can also obtain the profits made from the use of that trademark and am also able to control it.

Rabe...

Danthia · Dec 11, 2008

It was a legal issue relating to how long the copyright for a work is held by your heirs I believe. I forget the specifics, since I didn't do it. It was more of a "do it if you want, but anyone who really wants to find you, will, and when someone tries ot hide their identity, people usually find out anyway."

Bottomline, odds of crazies obsessing over you and tracking you down are slim unless you acheived mega-super-star status. And while we all like to think we'll be that successful, the odds of it are pretty slim, even if we become bestsellers

If it makes you feel more secure, feel free. But you don't have to do it.

Thomas_Anderson · Dec 11, 2008

And what happens if in the off chance, you do acheive megastar status?

Not that a pseudonym would really help you anyway, since any star would be unmasked at that point. We all know Mark Twain's real name, that RB is really Stephen King, and what the JK in JK Rowling stands for. OK, so not off the top of my head, but the information is definitely widely availible to anyone even slightly interested.

Danthia · Dec 11, 2008

If you achieve mega-star stauts, you'll likely be living in a new house and can set up whatever security you deem necessary

Diana Hignutt · Dec 11, 2008

Dude, really?

I obviously use my real name. I've been on national tv a few times, and for a while there was a major church group that hated me and posted nasty things on their website about me (see Transgender Occultist thread in the P&CE softcore forum). I was a little scared at first, these people thought I was the freaking Anti-Christ, but I survived.

Trust me, it'll be okay. And if things go wonderfully great for you and you're super-famous and rich, you can hire security.

Memnon624 · Dec 11, 2008

I would be more concerned about having the same name as Keanu Reaves' character in The Matrix

People are going to be calling you (imagine Hugo Weaving's voice) "Mis-ter And-erson" . . .

scarletpeaches · Dec 11, 2008

Thomas_Anderson said:
And what happens if in the off chance, you do acheive megastar status?

Not that a pseudonym would really help you anyway, since any star would be unmasked at that point. We all know Mark Twain's real name, that RB is really Stephen King, and what the JK in JK Rowling stands for. OK, so not off the top of my head, but the information is definitely widely availible to anyone even slightly interested.

Trust me, dude. You ain't getting near JK Rowling any time soon. She has an estate kinda close to where I live (I think) and you never see her children in the papers, or hear anything about her family. She doesn't court publicity for herself; only her books.

I know what she looks like, and her husband. That's it. Her address? Phone number? Email address? Nope.

badducky · Dec 11, 2008

I'll be happy to deal with any problems that result in mega-stardom if they arrive. In the meantime, all this energy spent worrying about your hypothetical future is a long, far cry from finishing the writing that will lead to such great heights.

geardrops · Dec 11, 2008

zornhau · Dec 12, 2008

Deniability, google and creative freedom

If you're worrying about a pen name, it's perhaps because you've suddenly realised that people - Muse willing - will eventually read what you are writing.

I think deciding that you will have a pen name is a way of switching off the tut-tutting Inner Parent and freeing yourself to just write.

Nothing will prevent a determined researcher from working from your pen name to your real name. However, they do make it less likely that somebody will work from your real name to your fiction, e.g. when googling you prior to interviewing you for a job.

A pen name also gives you the opportunity to lie. "He says I'm Big Author? Ha! I wish I was. No, I'm just a fan. That's why I have multiple copies of his books." Even if somebody says they did research, you can claim it's fake, or that they misunderstood. "Don't tell anybody, but I do actually do some proofreading for the fellow. That's probably the source of the confusion."

If you have children, or a partner who works in a non-arty industry, then I think you owe it to them to provide this layer of protection. Otherwise, that hot romantic scene will get read out in the playground. And colleagues will look at yoru wife and wonder how much you "write about what you know".

ChaosTitan · Dec 12, 2008

I have no illusions of mega-star status (or even minor-star status). I also have nothing to hide from my readers. It never really occurred to me to use a pseudonym.

However, if I suddenly decided to go into writing paranormal erotica...well, I'd probably use a pen name so I didn't embarrass my mom.

Diana Hignutt · Dec 12, 2008

ChaosTitan said:
I have no illusions of mega-star status (or even minor-star status). I also have nothing to hide from my readers. It never really occurred to me to use a pseudonym.

However, if I suddenly decided to go into writing paranormal erotica...well, I'd probably use a pen name so I didn't embarrass my mom.

Exactly right, it keeps readers from being confused. And who knows about your potential-star status? Believe it and make it happen...

Thomas_Anderson · Dec 18, 2008

Hignutt,

What actually happened with you and the Christian group? Did all they do was post what a "sinful" person you are, and the usual stuff? I didn't see that thread in PC&E, even using advanced search.

Also, yeah I have no illusions about stardom being in the distant future, if ever. Doesn't hurt to be prepared though.

On a side note, did you just decide to stop writing? You said you write under your real name, so I guess you're the writer, Diana Hignutt. I searched you on amazon.com and your last book was in '04. Hope I'm not being too personal or anything, just curious.

EDIT: I wasn't being creepy, just wanted to see what books you wrote to see if I wanted to buy them.

badducky · Dec 19, 2008

You know, I will add one caveat to my suggestion.

If you self-publish a book that does not fit the very, very narrow scenarios where such objects don't completely fail, I highly recommend using a pseudonym. That way, when you realize what horrors you have wrought upon your good name, you can maintain some quiet deniability.

dclary · Dec 19, 2008

Memnon624 said:
I would be more concerned about having the same name as Keanu Reaves' character in The Matrix People are going to be calling you (imagine Hugo Weaving's voice) "Mis-ter And-erson" . . .

"Welcome to Rivendell, Mr. Baggins." <--- line always cracks me up, because of the above line.

dclary · Dec 19, 2008

I never use my real name online, and I explain why on my website, davidwclary.com, where all my works are available for sale.

ChaosTitan · Dec 19, 2008

Come to think of it, the one time I now wish I'd used a pseudonym was when I was still writing and posting fanfic online. Le sigh.

Serenity · Dec 19, 2008

ChaosTitan said:
Come to think of it, the one time I now wish I'd used a pseudonym was when I was still writing and posting fanfic online. Le sigh.

But you still have a 2 book deal! :e2tongue:

Thomas_Anderson · Dec 19, 2008

dclary said:
I never use my real name online, and I explain why on my website, davidwclary.com, where all my works are available for sale.

So, David W. Clary is your pseudonym?

Thomas_Anderson · Dec 20, 2008

Ah screw it. There's thousands of fantasy writers out there, I'm one drop in the ocean. Nobody cares about me, and if I get famous, well a pseudonym wouldn't really help anyway.

But just in case, I might use a pseudonym *adjusts foil hat*

Should I use a pseudonym or not?

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