General questions

creamofmushroom · Nov 3, 2009

Just a couple of general questions...

Would an agent reject you just because they don't like your name (i.e. it sounds weird, or it may be foreign or they don't think ppl would want to read a book by someone with a name like that...)

How do you / should you tell an agent that you would like to write under a pen name in the query itself...sounds a bit pretentious so how do you put this forward delicately?

Thank you.

Cyia · Nov 3, 2009

You can put it in your signature.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe
(pen name for CreamofMushroom)

creamofmushroom · Nov 3, 2009

cool! thanks!

BrooklynLee · Nov 3, 2009

Well, I have a very weird name, and that didn't seem to be a problem for agents. I am sort of proud of my crazy name, and like it, so I never considered using another one, though I did worry how it might be viewed (partly because my first name is more commonly used for people from the other gender and my last name is pretty much impossible for anyone who doesn't come from the country my family comes from, and even then, the American pronunciation is different) but I had no problems in my dealings with agents. I think they care more about the work.

Sweet Tea · Nov 3, 2009

If I EVER make to the land of the Published, I will most likely need a pen name, as there is already a very well known author with my same name. But, I'll cross that bridge (tunnel, footpath, autobahn) when I get to it.

Wordwrestler · Nov 3, 2009

I'm agented, and my agent tells me a pen name is something I ought to wait to discuss with an editor after I sell. Don't worry about your name while seeking an agent.

the addster · Nov 4, 2009

I have a difficult name, but I use it in business correspondence. Most of my publishing credits are under my pen name, so I just put, "Real Name was included in the Small Publishing House Anthology, Why I Don't Use My Real Name as Nom De Plume published December 2009.

If you haven't used a pen name in the past, don't worry about it. Some very good agents, and some best selling authors have very distinct names, I doubt they will be put off.

Irysangel · Nov 4, 2009

The only time I would caution you is if your pen name is something totally ridiculous, because that might cause an agent not to take you seriously. But if it's not Whisper Feathermuffin or something along those lines, you're probably fine.

Kasey Mackenzie · Nov 4, 2009

What I personally did was query under my real name, and include my real name/address in the top left of the manuscript cover page, with Title by Pen Name centered in the middle of the cover page. I did somewhat the same thing with the synopsis, and on the query letter I signed my real name, hit enter, and put Writing As Pen Name. Worked just fine for me! The main reason I did that was because I had already established an online web presence and website under my pen name to keep a bit of separation between my "day job" and writing--at the time I was working for a semi-conservative law firm--and it didn't seem to bother any agents or editors.

ORION · Nov 4, 2009

Pen Name was only a conversation that was started after my novel was bought by Putnam...

creamofmushroom · Nov 4, 2009

Well, that was a lot of input...whew!
Thanks for the comments everyone!

General questions

creamofmushroom

>_<

Cyia

Rewriting My Destiny

creamofmushroom

>_<

BrooklynLee

Got the hang of it, here

Sweet Tea

Gone to pee - don't touch my glass!

Wordwrestler

the addster

Irysangel

She of Many Names

Kasey Mackenzie

One Hit Wonder?

ORION

Sailed away years ago

creamofmushroom

>_<