How to Choose Your Pen Name

Make sure your pen name isn't already taken by another author.

If you're willing to sacrifice the glory of seeing your name in print -- you'll need a suitable replacement. Maybe you express controversial views in your writings, or you give up information that may conflict with your job, family or friends. Or you could just be a recluse who wants your personal identity private so the focus is on your work and not you. In these cases, it would be wise to use a pen name.

Things You'll Need

• notebook
• pencil or pen

Instructions

1. Create a list of names that you have always liked, or would have chosen if your parents had let you have a say.

2. Think about how these names would sound to your demographic. If you are writing a children's story, you would not choose a more sensual name like Bianca Deveraux. You might choose something a little more simple and catchy like Alison Jones.

3. Run your new name past a few people of the age and demographic your work is intended for. Ask them if they would read work by that author.

4. Make sure that although you are using a pen name, your publisher is aware of this fact and has your real name and tax information. You may want to add a detail about this on your resume when you list work under your pen name as a publishing credit.

5. Choose a name you know you can live with for years to come. Make sure it is appropriate for all the genres of writing for which you might want to use it.

6. Consider availability of the name on the Internet, for social networking sites and domains.

References

• Carina Press: Things to Consider When Choosing a Pen Name
• Jamie Hall: How to Choose a Pen Name