Blessings/Curses of a pseudonym

[Carole]

I am bouncing back & forth between "to us or not to use" a pseudonym on my NF. The obvious benefit of this for me would be that no one would attach my name to this book...it's more than a little controversial. The further I get into it, though, the more I think maybe I should just go ahead and put my real name on it.

I do have some questions. When looking for an agent...if you intend to use a pseudonym...do you approach them with your real name? That might sound really stupid, but if you don't know you gotta ask, right? When I sold my first article, I approached her with my real name and asked that a diff name be used...but that was an article and I was dealing directly with the publisher of the annual.

Are there any huge benefits or pitfalls that I may not be aware of with using a pen name? It's getting really close and I am still undecided.

[Jamesaritchie]

Yes, you should aproach an agent with your real name. It can be a real pain in the butt to deal with checks sent in a name that isn't yours, although it can be done. And, of course, the IRS will have to know your real name.

A pseudonym does protect your privacy to a degree, but trust me, if your book is successful enough, someone will dog out your real name, and the book will be associated with you.

I use a number of pseudonyms, and have for years. The privacy you get is real, and the publisher doesn't need to know your real name, as long as you have a good agent, but the agent does need to know.

[Carole]

THANK you :) I've just been thinkning about it lately. Do I really care if they know? I mean, honestly; It's not like I am writing about the mafia or anything! Those in question in this book have the capacity to do a lot of harm, but not to me anymore. What am I really trying to protect?
(Lord, do I even wanna ask that question?)

I am leaning more and more to the side of not using a pseudonym, but you did answer my question. There are definitely practicalities to think of here.

[scfirenice]

I chose to use my maiden name b/c my married name...uh...I no like it too much. he he. O well. I sub using my maiden name which is apparently wrong. I even have email under that name.

[Carole]

I chose to use my maiden name b/c my married name...uh...I no like it too much. he he. O well. I sub using my maiden name which is apparently wrong. I even have email under that name.
Why is that wrong? You know, hubby wanted me to change my name back to my maiden name before marrying me...he said he never wanted to marry a COX. Turned out to be cost prohibitive.