Pseudonyms: 10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Pen Name

Pseudonyms abound in writing circles. What is in short supply are clear and insightful advice on how to choose the best pseudonym for a long-term career in novel writing.

Let’s have a little fun. Take a look at the names of these genre fiction authors: Robin Hobb, Stephen King, Jack Higgins, Rebecca Brandewyne, Issac Asimov, Barbara Michaels, Alistair MacLean, Eboni Snoe …

Do they write novels with pseudonyms or not?

(Read on for exciting answers to your pop quiz.)

One of the biggest decisions you’ll face as a newly hired author is whether or not to write under a pseudonym. Choosing a pseudonym, which is sometimes called a pseudonym or nom de plume, will also be one of your biggest creative challenges. In fact, it is much more difficult to name yourself than to name a character when you are writing novels!

Whenever fiction writers ask me for advice on pseudonyms, they usually ask:

a) Why do published authors choose to write under a pseudonym?

b) How do genre fiction writers choose a “good” pseudonym?

The answers are not easy. There are many reasons for writing under a pseudonym. Some considerations are emotional (honoring a family member or mentor); some involve self-protection (keeping aggressive fanatics from tracking you down); And some considerations are strictly professional (your real name is too complex for the average person to pronounce, spell, or remember).

Later in their novel writing careers, some authors choose to change the name under which they write. There are a variety of reasons for this decision, including:

The author wishes to write in multiple genres or subgenres of fiction, but does not want to confuse his main readers.

For example, successful romance novelist Nora Roberts (her real name) decided to try her hand at futuristic suspense. She chose to write the new genre under the pseudonym JD Robb.

The author wants to start over.

If an author’s rate of return is 50% or more (after their third published novel), publishers will avoid buying future books from that author. To overcome this “sales stigma”, an author can bury his name (or pseudonym) and give birth to a new pseudonym, waiting for a second chance with publishers and readers.

Choosing to write novels under a pseudonym is a very personal and often emotional matter. It is important to remember that the decision is essentially a business one. Before finalizing your choice, check with your agent and editor, as well as your spouse.

Your advisors can help you make the best decision for your novel writing only if you are clear about your long-term career goals. You must carefully consider how publicity (both positive and negative) will affect your life, the lives of your family, and any other businesses you may own now or in the future.

Most importantly, you must understand the far-reaching impact of advertising on your privacy, as well as your right to privacy, under the law, after becoming a public figure.

Here are 10 questions to consider when deciding whether or not to write with a pseudonym:

1. How comfortable are you with your real name being splashed across the internet, especially if your writing is under attack in a blog post or book review?

2. Are you likely to attract more readers to your fiction genre if you are writing novels as a man or a woman?

3. Would your name be easier to remember, pronounce, or spell if it were more generic?

4. Is your real name so common that it could easily be mistaken for someone else’s name (for example, a highly publicized white-collar criminal or another author of your fictional genre?)

5. Would you rather err on the side of caution, protecting your loved ones from your followers or from any future problems you may experience in your career?

6. How comfortable are you with the idea that fans and naysayers can find you in the phone book and show up at your home or workplace?

7. Is your preferred pseudonym easy to spell and remember?

8. Does your real name invoke a positive association with the genre of fiction you are writing? (For example, if your birth name is Cherry Clapp, you may face obstacles in the Romance genre.)

9. Do you plan to write multiple genres of fiction?

10. Where is your preferred pseudonym likely to be stored? (At the bottom of a bookstore shelves? Near the name of a best-selling author in his fiction genre?)

Good: I promised you some answers to the mystery of the pseudonym: “Do they write with pseudonyms or not?” So here it goes:

Robin hobb (his pseudonym) writes Epic Fantasy. She also writes like Megan Lindholm.

Stephen King (his real name) write Horror. He also writes as Richard Bachman, Eleanor Druse, Steve King, and John Swithen.

Jack Higgins (his pseudonym) writes Mystery. He also writes like Martin Fallon, James Graham, and Hugh Marlowe.

Rebecca Brandewyne (his real name) write Historical Romance.

Issac asimov (his real name) wrote Science Fiction. He also wrote as Paul French and George E. Dale.

Barbara michaels (his pseudonym) writes Gothic and Supernatural Thrillers. He also writes as Elizabeth Peters.

Alistair maclean (his real name) writes Mystery. He also writes like Ian Stuart.

Eboni Snoe (his pseudonym) writes African American Romance.

For better or for worse, his pseudonym will follow him throughout his career as a novel writer. It will become your brand, characterizing your public persona and the types of books you write.

Like any decision, choosing a pseudonym has its pros and cons. It can offer you a layer of protection from the public and help you maintain a degree of privacy.

When deciding whether or not to write under a pseudonym, I encourage you to investigate the privacy rights to which public figures are entitled under the law.

That way, you’ll start your career as a novel writer with your eyes wide open.