Book Signings with Pen Names

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E. S. Lark

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This is something I've been thinking about, but am curious as to what everyone else thinks. Let's say you get your book published under a pen name. For me, I plan on using a pen name as it suits the genre better than my real name (it fits what I write). So it doesn't have anything to do with not wanting someone to find out or from being shy (though I am shy).

If an author uses a pen name and sets up a book signing, how does it work? Can you do a book signing under a pen name? I'm pretty sure you can, otherwise folks wouldn't use them. But are they done any differently? Aside from using a different signature and maybe different mannerisms?
 

the addster

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If I had a book signing I don't figure the folks were coming to see Luther T. Putgrass, they would be coming to see Lavender Collette D'Amor, so that's what I'd give them. Proudly, and without a trace of irony.
 

E. S. Lark

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That's what I was thinking as well. Just wasn't sure how it could play out. I'm not published at the moment, but it got me thinking ;)
 

Cathy C

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Your signature should match the author name on the cover. :) (Unless it's a family member or friend who might want to have it on their shelf with both your author and real signatures.)
 

E. S. Lark

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Thank you Cathy ;) So they are done as I thought. Just a curious spark, you know?
 

MaryMumsy

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And sometimes they are done with two different pen names on different books at the same signing. Just make sure the pen name is either gender neutral or matches your gender. If you are female you don't want to be signing as James Wilbur Snodgrass.

MM
 

Kitty Pryde

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Last year I went to a book launch/book signing for an AW author with a pen name. Her family was teasing her about whether she would be able to remember to sign as her Authorly Name instead of her Real Name. She managed it, I think :) But it was not really a secret that it wasn't her real name.
 

dclary

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I sell my book as an eBook, or as a printed book, and with the printed book you also have the option of having it signed.

When you pay at PayPal, PayPal happily tells buyers that "Lady Gillette" is really Dave Clary...

but I still sign them Lady Gillette.

One story of many. I think the general rule is: the sig should match the byline.
 

brainstorm77

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I sell my book as an eBook, or as a printed book, and with the printed book you also have the option of having it signed.

When you pay at PayPal, PayPal happily tells buyers that "Lady Gillette" is really Dave Clary...

but I still sign them Lady Gillette.

One story of many. I think the general rule is: the sig should match the byline.

Where did Lady Gillette come from?
 

AllieB

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I write and sign under a pen name. Some people who come to signings know it's a pen name, other's don't. The only semi-challenge is when people call me by my pen name - I have to remember to answer to it! (I also introduce myself to everyone at the store as my pen name, which is still a little weird even after 3+ years).
 
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