What to do?

storylady · Feb 1, 2010

I just received a job offer to write monthly articles for an Erotica company. I do not mind writing Erotica, however my issue is that I write for a pet business right now, and do plan to write some children stories in the future.
I am afraid if I write for the Erotica Company on a regular base, it may pose a problem for me in the future. Should I except the offer and just write under an alias name, or do I not take it at all?

Also how do I go about using another name? Is there some type of guidelines for that?

Thanks in advance!

WildScribe · Feb 1, 2010

All you have to do is tell them that you would be happy to accept their offer, and that you will be using the pen name... whatever. Very, VERY few companies have a problem with pen names, and if they do have a problem, then you just have to weigh the chances of discovery against the potential income.

storylady · Feb 1, 2010

WildScribe said:
All you have to do is tell them that you would be happy to accept their offer, and that you will be using the pen name... whatever. Very, VERY few companies have a problem with pen names, and if they do have a problem, then you just have to weigh the chances of discovery against the potential income.

Thanks for responding. How do I go about using a pen name? I've never done that before. Can I just use my initials, or can I make up a completely diff name? How does it work?

WildScribe · Feb 1, 2010

Whatever you want. If your last name is distinctive, you might just want to make something up.

wyntermoon · Feb 2, 2010

When you fill out the contract, it will be under your name for payment purposes but it will ask if you have a "writing under" name (or something similar). You won't be the first person to write for them under a pen name so if you have questions, go ahead and ask.

jeffo · Feb 2, 2010

And congrats!

samcollie · Feb 2, 2010

Just make up a name that you'll stick with, tell them directly, and fill out all paperwork or contracts in your real legal name. Remind them on each piece you deliver that you wish to use the pen name (by including the byline in the text, as you'd like it printed). I've used pen names several times, in one case the editor forgot and printed my real name, but otherwise it has worked fine. Good luck with the job.

storylady · Feb 2, 2010

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your advice. Now here is another question. Can I link any published articles under that pen name to my website, or do I loose the credibility since it's under a pen name? Like Sheena Diane, has also written Erotica under "So and so name"? Does that defeat the entire purpose of the pen name?

Still Seaking · Feb 2, 2010

To me that would defeat the purpose and run the risk of those whom you’d rather not know your writing erotica finding out.

SS

Skyraven · Feb 2, 2010

Hi Storylady. Here are a couple of posts I wrote at The Freshman Writer about pen names. Also check out the comments section for other tips on pen names and usage.

Hope this helps.

Pen Name Anyone?
Choosing a Pen Name

storylady · Feb 2, 2010

Thank you all very much!

KT Golightly · Feb 8, 2010

Congratulations to you storylady. I"m envious of you because you are doing what I would like to do - write about diverse topics.

Thank you skyraven for the tips and links.

annew · Feb 9, 2010

Yes, congratulations. And if they by some chance pay you in your pen name you'll have to file an AKA (also known as) with your bank so you can cash/deposit the checks. Also not a big deal.

What to do?

storylady

WildScribe

Slave to the Wordcount

storylady

WildScribe

Slave to the Wordcount

wyntermoon

jeffo

samcollie

storylady

Still Seaking

Doing what I was born to do.

Skyraven

What happened to my LIFE?!

storylady

KT Golightly

Fixed it. I think.

annew