How to Write Under a Pen Name

There are many reasons a writer might want to publish under a nom de plume, or pen name, that conceals their identity. You may be a woman who's writing in a male-dominated field. You've just written "Pirates of Passion," but the name "Sarah Schmookie" doesn't exactly conjure up thoughts of romance. Whatever the reason, consider these points before you become a new person on the page.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a family name, a maiden name or combination of initials and a fanciful last name. Have fun dreaming up your new identity, but choose carefully, because you'll be spending a long time with her (or him).

2. Research the name you've chosen at online booksellers. Just to save you time, Mark Twain and Moliere have already been taken, as well as Carolyn Keene, Dr. Seuss, Lewis Carroll, Agatha Christie and Lemony Snicket.

3. Make sure your editor knows who you really are. When submitting a manuscript, explain in your cover letter that you want to use a pseudonym for the story. Asking for permission may smooth the way for you to use the pen name, but be aware that some editors may not go for it.

4. Ensure that checks are made out to the right person. You can't cash a check made out to Kate Billingsley if you're really Sarah Schmookie. Return the check for the right one or ask the bank to add your pen name to your account, if you can.

5. Have two copies of your finished work notarized: one with your real name and one with your pen name. If authorship ever becomes an issue, you or your family can prove that you wrote the work.

6. Think about the fact that you won't be able to personally publicize your work if you adopt a nom de plume, which could be a mistake professionally.

7. Consider the legalities of writing under an assumed name. Your publisher must report income to the Internal Revenue Service with your correct name and social security number. If you really want to keep your identity secret, form a corporation in your pen name and process all tax papers through that.

Resources

• The Spirit-Led Writer webpage gives tips and potential pitfalls for pen names.
• Jamie Hall's website gives information on how to choose a good pen name.
• The All About English Culture website lists famous English pen names.

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