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.
Read Next:
-
How to Get a Pen Writing That Won't Write
What do you do if all your pens won't write and you got to endorse that check right away or write down...
-
How to Publish Under a False Name
Writing under a false name or pseudonym is common for many reasons. If you've written a book and don't want to publish...
-
Legalities of Using a Fictitious Name
When using a fictitious business name, it is important to do what is necessary to protect this valuable asset. Registering a fictitious...
-
How to Get Published Under a Pseudonym
Using a pseudonym or pen name is common in the publishing industry for a number of reasons. Your real name could be...
-
How to Choose a Pseudonym
There are many reasons you may choose to use a pseudonym. For instance, your name may already be attached to a famous...
-
How to Write With a Fountain Pen
In 1884 the fountain pen was invented by Lewis Waterman. It was designed after the feather quill pen. Waterman found a way...
-
How to Create a Pen Name
Authors and entertainers are just a few of the professions where people tend to use a pen or stage name rather than...
-
How to Choose Your Pen Name
Why would anyone want to sacrifice the glory of seeing their name in print? Sometimes we express controversial views in our writings,...
-
How to Copyright a Book With a Pen Name
You May Also Like. How to Write Under a Pen Name. There are many reasons a writer might want to publish under...
-
About Assumed Name Certificates
Businesses often use names other than the legal name that they are incorporated under. Properly obtaining an assumed name certificate is an...
-
How to Write or Spell My Name in Chinese
Chinese names and Chinese symbols have become popular on t-shirts and banners. To write my name in Chinese or spell my name...
-
How do I Date a Cross Pen?
A.T.Cross has been a Rhode Island maker of pencils and pens since 1858, but made stylographic pens, not fountain pens, for the...
-
How to Register for a Copyright Under a Pseudonym
Can you give me an example of "documented evidence"? What can I do? Should I type up a letter stating that I...
-
How Do I Get a Pen Pal?
In our fast moving technologically savvy society, sometimes it's nicer to get a handwritten email delivered by hand in an envelope with...
-
How to Get Dry Ballpoint Pens to Write
Ballpoint pens are not generally expensive, but they occasionally dry out if the cap is left off for a long period of...
-
How to Choose a Laser Pointer Pen
The fusion of technology has always been a part of our history. In the past, it was the twig and ink that...
-
How to Write a Tell-All Book & Name Names
Writing nonfiction can be quite challenging in all aspects. Being in love with the subject, determining why your message is so important,...
-
What Is a Fictitious Name?
Though given a birth name, many people take on other names for a variety of reasons. For several professions, fictitious names are...
-
How to Change the Date of a Spy Pen Camera
Spy pen cameras are a marvel of the modern age but they all share a similar problem in that the date and...
-
How to Publish a Book Anonymously
Many famous authors have published works under a pen name (or "nom de plume") for various reasons. Some authors publish under a...
