Using a Pen Name

Bo Sullivan · Jul 8, 2007

Does anyone know the answer to this question: If you decide on a pen name before submitting to an agent/publisher, does the name have to be registered through a change of name deed and can you still use your own name in everyday life?

Thanks

Barbara

Jamesaritchie · Jul 8, 2007

Duped said:
Does anyone know the answer to this question: If you decide on a pen name before submitting to an agent/publisher, does the name have to be registered through a change of name deed and can you still use your own name in everyday life?

Thanks

Barbara

To use a pen name you have to do nothing except type the pen name of your choice under the title on the first page of the manuscript. Your real name goes in the upper left hand corner. That's all there is to it. There's no registering, no changing your real name, no legalities at all.

Harlan Ellison has used two dozen pen names, Dean Koontz has used eleven, I think, and I've used several.

Bo Sullivan · Jul 8, 2007

Jamesaritchie said:
To use a pen name you have to do nothing except type the pen name of your choice under the title on the first page of the manuscript. Your real name goes in the upper left hand corner. That's all there is to it. There's no registering, no changing your real name, no legalities at all.

Harlan Ellison has used two dozen pen names, Dean Koontz has used eleven, I think, and I've used several.

Thanks - it's quite good fun chosing a new name. Are there no tax implications (assuming the book is successful), or do the authorities know that you use different names? i.e. does the publisher let them know?

Thanks

Bufty · Jul 8, 2007

The only tax implications are the one's that will be caused if you try to evade reporting what you know perfectly well is your own income.

The 'other name' is for the reader only.

Duped said:
Thanks - it's quite good fun chosing a new name. Are there no tax implications (assuming the book is successful), or do the authorities know that you use different names? i.e. does the publisher let them know?

Thanks

Bo Sullivan · Jul 8, 2007

Bufty said:
The only tax implications are the one's that will be caused if you try to evade reporting what you know perfectly well is your own income.

The 'other name' is for the reader only.

I wasn't suggesting dishonesty.

Bufty · Jul 8, 2007

I never for a moment thought you were.

Duped said:
I wasn't suggesting dishonesty.

Bo Sullivan · Jul 8, 2007

Bufty said:
I never for a moment thought you were.

How does Vivian Beaumont sound?

Anthony Ravenscroft · Jul 8, 2007

I've got dibs on Winifred Vogel. I have absolutely no idea as to why, but maybe it'll come in handy someday.

Jamesaritchie · Jul 9, 2007

Duped said:
Thanks - it's quite good fun chosing a new name. Are there no tax implications (assuming the book is successful), or do the authorities know that you use different names? i.e. does the publisher let them know?

Thanks

Well, the publisher must pay taxes, as well, so they report all business dealings to the IRS, including all paid paid to writers.

Sunny7L · Jul 9, 2007

http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl101.html

You can definitely use your real name, unless you're legally changing your name to your pen name. You can also still use your real name if you register your pen name as an assumed name.

http://inventors.about.com/od/copyrights101basicsfaq/f/Pseudonymous.htm
http://www.infotoday.com/IT/jan02/ardito.htm

Ken Schneider · Jul 9, 2007

I'm all for it. I like BIC. Of course, Cross makes a good pen.

sassandgroove · Jul 9, 2007

The search function is your friend. These are recent discussions too. I am sure I could have gone back farther.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69203&highlight=pseudonym

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68782&highlight=pseudonym

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38404&highlight=pseudonym

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60443&highlight=pseudonym

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=82301#post82301

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49510&highlight=pseudonym

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66707&highlight=pseudonym

Using a Pen Name

Bo Sullivan

Jamesaritchie

Bo Sullivan

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

Bo Sullivan

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

Bo Sullivan

Anthony Ravenscroft

Scribble, scribble, scribble

Jamesaritchie

Sunny7L

Ken Schneider

Absolute sagebrush

sassandgroove

Sassy haircut