How do I write my name?

PryceCzech · May 4, 2010

... and I thought I learned this in Kindergarten!

So, there are 1,179 people in the US with my name, and who knows how many abroad. I've already found one that's published with my first and last name.

Since I'd rather not use a pen name, how do I find out if anyone is published with any particular variation of my name?

Baryonyx · May 4, 2010

Just google it?

Most writers seem to have at least some sort of reference on the old tinterwebs, google variations of your name and see what comes up

Course there's probebly a more intelligent and scientific way to discover this than my crappy suggestion

Danthia · May 4, 2010

Entering your name in a book seller's website would work, too. Barnes & Noble, Powell's Books, Amazon.

PryceCzech · May 4, 2010

AHH! I look like an evil George Clooney.

Seems I have to use the ole "F.M. Last" format.

Mr Flibble · May 4, 2010

Even if there is someone as long as they're not writing the same sort of stuff or they're called Stephen King, it shoudln't be too much of a problem.

Although Amazon will insist I'm a lecturer at Luton University who had written books on feminism in German Cinema. However it should be fairly clear that my books are in fact not about that at all. Nobody else gets us mixed up.

CaroGirl · May 4, 2010

You could try using an unusual spelling of your name or getting creative with initials. Or make up an outrageous middle name to set you apart. Try: John Foghorn Williams or Paul Gaylord Phillips. No one will forget you then.

PryceCzech · May 4, 2010

CaroGirl said:
You could try using an unusual spelling of your name or getting creative with initials. Or make up an outrageous middle name to set you apart. Try: John Foghorn Williams or Paul Gaylord Phillips. No one will forget you then.

Oh, the assassin approach. Maybe.

One reason, albeit a superficial one, is to have that, "Look at what I've done with my life, what have you done with yours?" moment for everyone that used to put me down. Not that I'm bitter anymore, just one minor victory.

shaldna · May 4, 2010

Try typing it into amazon or B&N or waterstones search functions.

You could, if it's an issue, just ad an initial.

How do I write my name?

PryceCzech

Sarcastically Ironic

Baryonyx

Danthia

PryceCzech

Sarcastically Ironic

Mr Flibble

They've been very bad, Mr Flibble

CaroGirl

Living the dream

PryceCzech

Sarcastically Ironic

shaldna

The cake is a lie. But still cake.