Do authors use their real names?

As a general rule, most authors should publish under their legal, given name. Same name – An author may use a pen name when their real name is either confused with another author or notable individual. Avoid overexposure – Sometimes a pen name is exercised to avoid overuse.

What is it called when an author published under a different name?

A pseudonym is a fictitious name taken by a writer in place of their real name. The term “pseudonym” is a Greek word that literally means “false name.”

Can I write a book under a different name?

Yes, authors can self-publish using their pen name or nom de plume. If you’re self-publishing a book, you can definitely use a pseudonym when writing and publishing your book. In fact, many indie authors use a pseudonym or nom de plume when they publish books in several different genres.

Why do writers use fake names?

Today, many writers may use pen names to disguise their true identity for their day jobs, not wanting their bosses or colleagues to know that they write a particular genre and be subject to scrutiny or embarrassment. It may be unsettling for some to find out their surgeon is a prolific writer of murder-thriller novels.

What is JK Rowling’s full name?

Joanne Kathleen Rowling
J. K. Rowling/Full name

J.K. Rowling, in full Joanne Kathleen Rowling, pen name of Joanne Rowling, (born July 31, 1965, Yate, near Bristol, England), British author, creator of the popular and critically acclaimed Harry Potter series, about a young sorcerer in training.

Why do authors write under pseudonyms?

A: Authors write under pseudonyms, or pen names, for a variety of reasons. Established authors will do it to cross genres and keep from aggravating their fan bases. Wouldn’t you be a bit ticked off if you bought Stephen King’s next book expecting blood, guts and hair-raising intensity, only to find out it’s a weepy romance novel?

Should you self-publish under your name or imprint?

While these authors could have used their names as publishers of their books, they decided instead to use imprints. Like Hugh Howey and Meredith Wild, any author on the road to self-publication will have to decide whether to self-publish under their name, a service like CreateSpace, or an author’s own self-publishing imprint.

Should you use a pen name when writing a book?

In fact, your contract should probably include your real name with a note that you’re writing as (pen name). To use or not use a pen name or pseudonym is a personal choice. There’s not really a right or wrong answer on this—unless you do share a name with a well-known author and/or celebrity.

Why do authors write under aliases?

But one of the most common reasons authors write under aliases is because their earlier works bombed. If a writer didn’t make money for the publisher the first time, he’s not likely to get a second chance—publishers would prefer to give someone new a shot. Under a pen name, a writer can be reborn.