Can Writing under a Pseudonym or Pen Name Help or Harm your Career?
Writing under a Pseudonym or Pen Name
Aspiring authors dream of the day they can rename themselves. It is part of the nature of creativity to want to be someone else. For some authors writing under a pen name can be an advantage, and for others a big mistake.
When an Author should have a Pen Name
Some authors, for various reasons, prefer to remain anonymous and be disassociated from their work. When this is the case, they naturally assume a pen name. Pen names have been used throughout history, probably from the moment people began to write and get published. In Victorian times, women often wrote as men. Famous satirists and critics of the government often wrote under false names to avoid harassment and criticism. Francois Marie Arouet wrote under numerous pen names besides the most famous one of Voltaire.
Some authors simply don’t like their name or have a name that is overly long or evokes unpleasant images. If your name is Lieverwich Kowazinsky it would be wise to shorten it to Larry Kowan or something readers could readily remember and spell. If you write romance and your name is Ima Hogg it might be best to assume a name that conjures up a more pleasurable image.
It would benefit an author to have a pen name if they are writing in a field that is generally written by members of the opposite sex. For example, a man writing romance may choose to be known by a pen name rather than his own, for readers generally expect the author to be female. For example, Tom Huff wrote romances under the pen names of Jennifer Wilde, Beatrice Parker and Edwina Marlow.
Sometimes, two authors who collaborate choose to use a pen name to represent both of them as one person. This makes it easier for the reader to associate the works with only one name rather than two.
Pen names are an absolute necessity for authors who work in more than one genre. This is because readers of one type of book may be disappointed if they pick up a novel by their favorite author that is entirely different. For example, an author established in the mystery field who wants to write a science fiction novel would probably get a pen name to avoid confusion. An author who writes both sweet romances and steamy erotic material will probably get a pen name or risk alienating half of his or her audience. Romance author Nora Roberts writes mysteries under the pen name J. D. Robb so readers will know they are getting a romance rather than a mystery, and vice versa.
Sometimes, famous authors contract to write under their own name or a certain pseudonym by a particular publisher. If they write for another publisher, they must use a different name.
When an Author should use their Own Name
Not every author needs a pen name.
Have you ever had a favorite author and found out later that author wrote books under a different name you knew nothing about? For a writer who writes in only one genre or very similar genres, a pen name can actually be harmful. A pen name makes it that much more difficult for readers to find you. If the genres you write in compliment each other, such as mystery and thriller, assuming a pen name will only cause you to lose half of your potential readership.
Every time you talk about your books you will have to tell people not only your name but your pen name. If readers try to look you up by your given name they may draw a blank and you will lose a sale.
If an author was born with a name that is not exceedingly difficult to spell and that they feel comfortable using, then it is better for them to publish under their own name than to make up a name. The important thing is to make your name simple and easy to find.
