Do you use a 'pen name'?

Hi everyone.

I wanted to ask about the issue of pen names. Is using a pen name the norm, or do you feel that using your real name is the right way to go.

I do have a pen name in mind. But perhaps there are other things to consider, such as, whether it's necessary to trademark a pen name or not. That's just one example.

Another question would be, if I'm sending a query letter to an agent as a new author, should I mention that the book was written using a pen name (such as on the title sheet), or just start to conduct communication using that pen name, etc.

In that case, what if the agent likes the book but not the pen name?

I know, lot's of questions.

You must be psychic as all the above applies to me.

- Candy

(just kidding)

Very good information!

I am leaning towards a pen name, with hesitation. My real name has, well, sentimental value. After all, it's me. And my first name is somewhat unique -- at least a common name that is spelled differently, and hard to forget.

And it's not that I don't think my own name wouldn't work, either.

Anonymity does have it's appeal, especially if my work takes off (which I will be working very hard towards that goal). In other words, I'm not looking for mainly hometown notoriety.

I'm sort of interested in talking about my pen name ideas with someone without mentioning them publicly though. Eventually I'd like to get honest feedback from a number of people, mainly writers. I think probably very few non-writers would truly appreciate the value of a pen-name, nor would be qualified to give feedback of a pen-name for its appropriateness to a specific genre.

I admit though, I'm torn on the issue. I like my own name and think it would work. Googling me though currently tells of former positions I've had and previous occupations / community involvements. Nothing bad, it's just that when I'm ready to start promoting, I want to be seen as 'author', and not 'former manager of xyz company'. It would be like googling John Grisham if there were residual web pages that haven't been maintained in years, appearing in the search results, that still list him as "ABC Dealership's top car salesman" (a hypothetical example)

That's why something as simple as using a pen name is something of a conundrum to me. Sentiment vs. Anonimity, and both seem marketable -- at least from my perspective.

Actually, from what I understand there is another author named Richard Bach, different from Steven King, whose pseudonymn is Richard Bachman
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Bachman , but I understand the point made which is very valuable. I guess that drives home to me what I need to do. I suppose it's good to think ahead before jumping in.

::shrug:: as of now, I like the thrill of seeing my name in print.

Click to expand...

I bet that is exciting! I wish you all the best.

We all have different circumstances. Perhaps I'm too analytical about the situation. I just want to make sure I'm taking the right steps, in new territory. When this book is finished, it will be my first literary submission.

Another issue I've thought of is family -- not that it would be a factor for one's decision to use a pen name. But still I wonder if anyone ever had friction from family who wonder, "what's wrong with the name we gave you when you were born?", etc.

I think mine would understand though, coming from a family history in the arts. I've often wondered if that's ever been an issue though. I'm thinking parents or siblings, along those lines.

Spouses and children would probably understand, especially for the anonymity factor. Any author I'm sure has their share of 'fans'. I wouldn't be too thrilled about having my family or myself getting unwanted contacts or 'personal visits', etc. It can be a crazy world.

The only way I can imagine a pen name being hard to promote is if it's unmarketable. What Fanatic said earlier actually raises a good point. One would assume that someone who's a writer could come up with a good pen name, but I think it's possible that the chosen pen name may not work for the genre, or may sound too silly, uncatchy, etc.

Makes me wonder if works would ever be turned down because the publisher just couldn't get past the pen name.

I've also seen some real names in which I thought might have the same effect.

My last name is one that can be easily poked fun of as well. It's not really embarrasing, and still I like it -- it actually is a good name I think for a writer. Some famous actors have my last name.

I still think I'm leaning towards a pen name when I finish my book though. If it bombs, I can always start over with a clean slate, and a new name.

Or, perhaps i should even write with my real name, and pen on future books until I find one that works.

I have a feeling when the time comes I'm just going to have to flip a coin.