A recent thread on Dorothy L regarding pen names has got me interested – I write under my own name (I mean, you couldn’t make it up!) but have often wondered about the pros and cons of adopting a pen name. It would certainly make some things easier – as it is when someone Googles my name they are likely to get a plethora of information about me, the author, as well as me, the former lawyer, (including my one published law article on tradeable gas emission permits for climate change!) and me, the former health economist, (including my MA on the costs of schizophrenia!). All up I must look pretty loony, so in some ways I wish I had written under a pseudonym. At the same time, though, I like the fact that I do write under my own name – it means people who knew me from school and college can easily find me and my books and, in many ways, it is just easier to be who I am:)
I have been told, however, that if I write a non-mystery novel I will probably have to adopt an alternative pen name so as not to ‘confuse’ anyone…this makes a sense if, for instance, I suddenly start writing erotica, but other than that it seems an enormous pain. With a pen-name I’d have to set up an ‘alternate’ me including a separate website as well as a ‘new’ social networking and marketing identity….and I have enough trouble keeping on top of all of this as it is! I do understand when authors feel that adopting a pseudonym will make it easier to gain acceptance for their work or to appear ‘gender neutral’ – some female authors, for instance, use initials when writing gritty thrillers so the fact that they are female isn’t immediate apparent (sadly this can still be an issue). I can’t say I intend to do this but I do want to write across a number of genres, including YA, and am grappling with the question of whether to use a pen name or not.
So, how many of you use a pen name or have considered adopting one when branching out into a new genre? How do authors with multiple ‘names’ deal with the marketing/web presence issue? Do they established clearly defined and distinct personas on the web or do they roll them all under one ‘umbrella’ site? What do you think are the pros and cons of using a pen name…and importantly, how do you come up with a really cool one?!
Interesting post, Clare. I think there are a lot of legitimate reasons to write under a pseudonym including changing genres, protecting your identity or hiding your gender, dealing with an unwieldy name or one that doesn’t market well in a particular genre, and many more. One thing that must be considered though is that your real name will ALWAYS come out at some point. It’s inevitable. Either in a book review, or at a writer’s conference, or during an interview, or in your Wikipedia bio; the truth will be revealed. Then things can become awkward with endless clarifying and explaining, and trying not to confuse the readers. Probably the best advice in deciding whether to use a pen name or not is to discuss it with your agent and editor. Weigh all the marketing pros and cons. Is it really worth all the trouble in the long run? It works well for some, but not for all. Have a really compelling reason before you make the commitment and it gets embossed on your book cover.
Seems to me it’s impossible now to “hide” behind a pseudonymn, the way Dean Koontz did in the 70’s (he had maybe half a dozen or so!). At least, for any length of time. Instead, it’s probably best to view a pseudonymn as a marketing tool in and of itself. IOW, people are going to know right off the bat, but the other name is a mark of another kind of fiction. I think it might actually be a help to consumers. And authors, too. The “established” name can get the pseudonymn a try. If the reader doesn’t like that particular book, it’s not necessarily going to hurt the established brand.
You asked for examples, Clare, so you might want to check how J.A. Konrath is integrating his Jack Kilborn pseudonymn. He’s right up front about it, and sees cross-marketing potential.
My current writing name is my maiden name, and I use my married last name for everything else. Originally, I thought my maiden name “went” better with the type of series I was writing. Now I’m shifting genres to thrillers, so I’m considering using a different pen name. Haven’t decided yet, though. Many women use initials, gender neutral or even masculine pen names when writing in genres where there is resistance to a woman as author. It’ depressing to think that that strategy may still be needed.
As a reader, I’m generally not fond of pen names, I like to know who I am reading.
Stephen King didn’t make it six months as Richard Bachman before he was called out.
The one exception is erotica and bodice-ripper romance. There a pen name is a must if you want to delve into that particular pool.
There you already have it made, you can be ‘Mistress Hawthorne’ or something else equally gothic.
Terri
Lee Child’s real name is Jim Grant. Does anyone know why he took a pen name? I know that Jim Rollins uses one because his real last name (Czajkowski) would be too much of a mouthful for most readers. So there are lots of reasons.
If I was branching into a different genre, I would probably do what Simon Wood and Joe Konrath have done- take a different name that’s close to the one I use now.
Good question. I have considered using multiple names for various genres.
Basil Sands (The real me) – Contemporary Thrillers
Ian Alexander (my youngest son’s name)– Historical Fiction
Nathan Benjamin (2nd Son) – YA thrillers
I wouldn’t hide the fact that these are pen names and I am the real writer guy. The idea would be, as Joe and Jim pointed out, simply for marketing. Just to keep each genre easily identifiable. On the other hand, I may not do it at all and just go the way of Ken Follett who writes whatever genre fancies him under the same name.
Hmmm..Mistress Hawthorne eh…now that would make for interesting reading. I agree there’s no hiding but I also view the cross marketing options as interesting but also time consuming. I’ll have to see how JA Konrath and Simon Wood deal with it – but I’m definitely keeping an open mind as to the whole pen name thing!
Hmmm..Mistress Hawthorne eh…now that would make for interesting reading. I agree there’s no hiding but I also view the cross marketing options as interesting but also time consuming. I’ll have to see how JA Konrath and Simon Wood deal with it – but I’m definitely keeping an open mind as to the whole pen name thing!
Hmmm..Mistress Hawthorne eh…now that would make for interesting reading. I agree there’s no hiding but I also view the cross marketing options as interesting but also time consuming. I’ll have to see how JA Konrath and Simon Wood deal with it – but I’m definitely keeping an open mind as to the whole pen name thing!
Hmmm..Mistress Hawthorne eh…now that would make for interesting reading. I agree there’s no hiding but I also view the cross marketing options as interesting but also time consuming. I’ll have to see how JA Konrath and Simon Wood deal with it – but I’m definitely keeping an open mind as to the whole pen name thing!
Hmmm..Mistress Hawthorne eh…now that would make for interesting reading. I agree there’s no hiding but I also view the cross marketing options as interesting but also time consuming. I’ll have to see how JA Konrath and Simon Wood deal with it – but I’m definitely keeping an open mind as to the whole pen name thing!
Hmmm..Mistress Hawthorne eh…now that would make for interesting reading. I agree there’s no hiding but I also view the cross marketing options as interesting but also time consuming. I’ll have to see how JA Konrath and Simon Wood deal with it – but I’m definitely keeping an open mind as to the whole pen name thing!
Hmmm..Mistress Hawthorne eh…now that would make for interesting reading. I agree there’s no hiding but I also view the cross marketing options as interesting but also time consuming. I’ll have to see how JA Konrath and Simon Wood deal with it – but I’m definitely keeping an open mind as to the whole pen name thing!
Well, with one short story just released and two novels about to be released under Arliss Adams, I must admit it makes me feel a bit schitzy to have two identities. I co-author the funny Silver Sisters Mysteries, short stories and two on-line columns under my real name, Morgan St. James. I was advised to set up this alternate persona because Devil’s Dance and The Devil’s Due are not cozy and not funny.
They are romantic suspense with some edgy sections, and the feeling was people would probably expect them to be funny and possibly be offended when finding out the novels contained some violence and sexy scenes. I think it has it’s pros and cons. I’m sort of tying my two faces together, not hiding the fact that I’m Arliss Adams, but on the other hand it is more work and sometimes a bit confusing.
I decided to use a bio photo of me with a big mane of auburn hair and professional makeup for Arliss, because frankly that’s what I looked like when I started writing these two novels, my first attempt at fiction, over fourteen years ago. Now with much publication under my belt using my real name, my two babies are finally making it to print.
I think it’s a personal decision, but I don’t think I’m sorry I created Arliss. I intend to use her for another novel in the works with a different co-author which is absolute fiction but inspired by some true events. Neither of us want our real names emblazoned across the cover so Arliss will continue to write.
MORGAN ST. JAMES
http://www.morganstjames-author.com
http://allaboutarliss.blogspot.com
Clare, the idea is to create different identities and post different comments with them. You obviously still have some work to do…
I started writing under a pseudonyn, but I took some advice and changed only my first name in order to make it easier for people to remember. It helps that my last name is Oliver. Very easy. I also changed to a pseudonym because there was a model with “interesting” pictures on the net with my name. I didn’t want my kid’s friends Googling me and coming up with those! I’ve spent a lot of time building recognition. But I do question the move to another name should I make a genre change.
Teagan Oliver
http://www.TeaganOliver.com
Jim
It’s known as ‘slow hotel internet frustration’ which seems to have meant my comment loaded twice! I do have to still work on my multiple identities though…