A
new name can give an author another chance to release their work
without bias or predisposition, and bypass the possibility that their writing will be immediately rejected upon seeing their real name. They can’t publish under their real name.
Some of the most well-known, famous authors have used a pen name
to conceal their identities
. … A pen name becomes a sort of shield, allowing the author to conceal his or her identity, shake off any pre-conceived notions, internal or external, and to write freely in the genre of his or her choice.
Yes,
an author can legally use a pen name
or pseudonym to publish their intellectual property. Pen names are legal, as long as you have purchased the rights to your pen name, and have copyrighted your name. An author of a copyrighted work is allowed to use a pseudonym or a pen name.
Why are pen names good?
Pen names can
allow authors to choose names specifically targeted to their genre
. Writing in multiple genres without confusing fans: To keep things clear when writing in different genres, some popular authors choose a pen name to match each genre in which they write.
When should writers use a pen name?
You want to conceal your real identity
.
A pen name would also protect the author from political persecution or prejudice. Imagine writing about homosexuality or even atheism from a personal perspective in the 1950s without using a pen name.
Why you shouldn’t use a pen name?
Pen names can
complicate social gatherings
, especially if you forget and introduce yourself to someone under your given name, or fail to respond when someone calls you by your pen name. Also, conferences and signings may become challenging if you’re juggling two names.
Can I use real names in my book?
First, a simple rule. If what you write about a person is positive or even neutral, then you don’t have defamation or privacy issues. For instance, you may thank someone by name in your acknowledgements without their permission.
If you are writing a non-fiction book, you may mention real people and real events
.
What is Stephen King’s real name?
Stephen King, in full
Stephen Edwin King
, (born September 21, 1947, Portland, Maine, U.S.), American novelist and short-story writer whose books were credited with reviving the genre of horror fiction in the late 20th century.
Should I use a pen name on Medium?
You should
leave pen names to red-labeled authors
because Medium readers want to know who you are.
How do you legally use a pen name?
You can register a
manuscript under a pen name at the copyright office (www.copyright.gov)
. You’ll have to provide some information, including your real address. But if you really want to keep your true identity under wraps, set up a post office box and have information from the office sent there.
What is the pen name of Rizal?
What were the pen names used by Rizal? He used the pen names
Dimasalang and Laong Laan
in many of his writings. Dr. Jose Rizal used the pen name Dimasalang when he served as a correspondent of the same Spanish newspaper La Solidaridad.
A pseudonym
is a fictitious name taken by a writer in place of their real name. The term “pseudonym” is a Greek word that literally means “false name.”
What is a good pen name?
The simplest pen name would be
a variation of your own name
, such as a middle name, nickname, or initials. Many authors change only their last name so they don’t have to remember what first name to use at conferences.
Why do female writers use pseudonyms?
Many female writers have adopted male nom de plumes, or otherwise gender-ambiguous pseudonyms, for a number of reasons: to publish without prejudice in male-dominated circles;
to experiment with the freedom of anonymity
; or to encourage male readership.
What is Stephen King’s most popular book?
Stephen King’s top-selling novel is
The Shining
. The novel was first published in 1977, or 44 years ago (as of 2021). When you multiply 44 by the yearly book sales (15,732), you get 692,208 copies sold.
