To Use or Not to Use a Pseudonym
by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.DAt some point in a writer’s career, the question arises as to whether or not to use a pseudonym, more commonly called a pen name. The answer to this question involves several factors that a writer should carefully consider.
The motive behind your use of a pen name is, perhaps, the single most important question to consider. Why do you want to use a pseudonym? Is it to protect yourself or your family from embarrassment? Is it to avoid accountability for what you write? Is it simply to maintain your privacy?
Some writers use pen names because they are already well-known in one area of writing and want a fresh start in another area.
There are some important things to keep in mind when using a pen name:
1) Make sure that the name listed on your book or article contract is your real name. This is to assure that checks get made out in your legal name.
2) As an extra precaution, you may wish to fill out a form called an “AKA Form” at your local bank. In the event you are inadvertently issued a check in your pen name, you can then still sign, cash, or deposit it.
3) Some writers think that even though they use a pen name, they will not be recognized. This is not always the case. Sooner or later, word will get out in some way that your real name and your pen name belong to one and the same person. This usually occurs the more well-known a writer becomes.
4) Using a pen name gives you a certain persona that may not be easy to change in the public mind. The pseudonym you choose will “brand” you as a certain type of writer with a certain type of personality. Ask yourself if you want that branding to continue for the rest of your life.
5) The pseudonym you choose can either help or hurt your writing career. In some cases, a well-chosen pseudonym can increase your marketing potential. In other cases, a poorly chosen pseudonym can actually hurt your chances of being accepted by a publisher. Especially if you are a beginning writer, be careful about your choice of a pseudonym. It could set the course for your writing career, so you want to choose it very carefully.
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© 2005 by MaryAnn L. Diorio, Ph.D. All rights reserved. Copies of this article may be made for personal use only. Please include copyright information. Those wishing to publish this article must first request written permission from the author. A minimum fee of $25 will be charged for all reprints.
Dr. Mary Ann Diorio is a popular public speaker, author, and life coach. She speaks on a variety of topics, including writing and life management issues. To book Dr. Diorio, visit her website at www.maryanndiorio.com or at www.LifeCoachingConsultants.us.