There are also a number of very good reasons to use a pseudonym:
- Your writing could interfere with other aspects of your career. ...
- You write in more than one genre or field. ...
- You write in a genre that has "expectations" about its authors. ...
- You have a history of failure. ...
- You have the same name as an existing author. ...
- You are writing a collaborative work. ...
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?
What is it called when you call someone a pseudonym?
A pseudonym (/ˈsjuːdənɪm/) or alias (/ˈeɪliəs/) is a name that a person or group assumes for a particular purpose, which can differ from their first or true name (orthonym).
Why do authors use different pen names?
Authors who write both fiction and non-fiction, or in different genres, may use different pen names to avoid confusing their readers. For example, the romance writer Nora Roberts writes mystery novels under the name J.D. Robb. In some cases, an author may become better known by his pen name than his real name.
What is the best Encyclopedia of pseudonyms?
International Encyclopedia of Pseudonyms. Detroit: Gale. ISBN 978-3-598-24960-0. Room, Adrian. 2010. Dictionary of Pseudonyms: 13,000 Assumed Names and Their Origins. 5th rev. ed. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co. ISBN 978-0-7864-4373-4.
Why authors use pseudonyms?
A pen name becomes a sort of shield, allowing the author to conceal his or her identity, shake off any pre-conceived notions, internal or external, and to write freely in the genre of his or her choice. As a general rule, most authors should publish under their legal, given name.
Why did female writers use pseudonyms?
Many female writers have adopted male nom de plumes, or otherwise gender-ambiguous pseudonyms, for a number of reasons: to publish without prejudice in male-dominated circles; to experiment with the freedom of anonymity; or to encourage male readership.
Do all writers use pseudonyms?
Nowadays, authors don't really have to use a pen name like many authors throughout history had to. It's more of a preference now, which is why it's important that you have at least one solid reason for wanting to use a nom de plume to publish your book.
Is using a pseudonym legal?
Under U.S. law you can't copyright a name, real or fictitious. Copyrights protect authorship, such as short stories, poems, or novels. You can register a manuscript under a pen name at the copyright office (www.copyright.gov). You'll have to provide some information, including your real address.
How do you get paid under a pen name?
If you want to know how to get paid under a pen name, that is a bit more complicated. Necessarily it will require you to create a legal entity under the pen name. There are a few different options to consider, like a DBA (Doing Business As) registration. Also, you may consider getting a Certificate of an Assumed Name.
What is it called when an author uses a fake 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."
Is JK Rowling a pseudonym?
Jo RowlingJ. K. Rowling / Nickname
Why did JK Rowling use a pseudonym?
I certainly wanted to take my writing persona as far away as possible from me, so a male pseudonym seemed a good idea. It doesn't consciously change the way I write. I think I write differently, because it's a very different genre.
Why does Stephen King use a pseudonym?
In the 1970s, authors were discouraged from writing more than one book a year; industry wisdom held that publishing more would oversaturate the market and diminish sales. So King, finding this insufficient to satiate his inspiration, turned to a pseudonym, despite having only three books to his real name.
How do anonymous authors get paid?
Anonymous authors get paid by ensuring that their legal name is in the contract when publishing with a traditional publisher. If you're self-publishing, you can use your pen name on your books, but have your legal name in your account.
How long does a copyright last if you use a pseudonym?
For works created on or after January 1, 1978, the copyright in a pseudonymous work expires 95 years from the year of publication or 120 years from the year of creation, whichever is shorter.
What is a good pseudonym name?
5 Ways To Choose A PseudonymFirst Name: Name of your first pet or your mother's name. ... First Name: Surname of your favourite author. ... First Name: Your grandfather's initials, or the first name of one of the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. ... First Name: Your best friend's or your cousin's initials.
Why did Jane Austen publish her books anonymously?
It was quite common at the time to publish anonymously, especially for female writers as it was not deemed ladylike to pursue a career in writing or publish for profit. Maria Edgeworth and Fanny Burney, contemporary writers whom Jane admired, also published anonymously.
How were female authors treated in the 1800s?
Late 18th- and early 19th-century women writers Derogatory terms such as 'female quill-driver' were common. Women from well-to-do backgrounds were not expected to pursue a career at all but rather to devote their efforts to making a good marriage. All the same, women read books, and they wrote them in large numbers.
What female authors used male pseudonyms?
9 Female Authors Who Wrote Under Male Pen NamesAlice Mary Norton / Andre Norton. ... Alice Bradley Sheldon / James Tiptree, Jr. ... Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin / George Sand. ... The Brontë Sisters / Currer, Acton, and Ellis Bell. ... Mary Ann Evans / George Eliot. ... Joanne Rowling / J.K. Rowling / Robert Galbraith.More items...•
Why do people use pseudonyms?
A pseudonym may also be used for personal reasons: for example, an individual may prefer to be called or known by a name that differs from their given or legal name, but is not ready to take the numerous steps to get their name legally changed; or an individual may simply feel that the context and content of an exchange offer no reason, legal or otherwise, to provide their given or legal name.
What is a pseudonym?
A pseudonym ( / ˈsuːdənɪm /) (originally: ψευδώνυμος in Greek) or alias ( / ˈeɪliəs /) is a fictitious name that a person or group assumes for a particular purpose, which differs from their original or true name ( orthonym ). This also differs from a new name that entirely or legally replaces an individual's own.
What is an anonymity pseudonym?
An anonymity pseudonym or multiple-use name is a name used by many different people to protect anonymity. It is a strategy that has been adopted by many unconnected radical groups and by cultural groups, where the construct of personal identity has been criticised. This has led to the idea of the "open pop star".
What are some examples of pseudonyms?
A more modern example is all of The Federalist Papers, which were signed by Publius, a pseudonym represent ing the trio of James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. The papers were written partially in response to several Anti-Federalist Papers, also written under pseudonyms. As a result of this pseudonymity, historians know that the papers were written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay, but have not been able to discern with complete accuracy which of the three authored a few of the papers. There are also examples of modern politicians and high-ranking bureaucrats writing under pseudonyms.
Where does pseudonym come from?
The term pseudonym is derived from the Greek ψευδώνυμον ( pseudṓnymon ), literally 'false name', from ψεῦδος ( pseûdos) 'lie, falsehood' and ὄνομα ( ónoma) 'name'. The term alias is a Latin adverb meaning 'at another time, elsewhere'.
Is pseudonym common in eSports?
Use of pseudonyms is common among professional eSports players, de spite the fact that many professional games are played on LAN.
Is Torsten Krol a pseudonym?
Some pen names are not strictly pseudonyms, as they are simply variants of the authors' actual names.
What is a pseudonym?
Nom de plume. Pseudonym. Pen name. Alias. Whatever you call it, it’s a name other than your legal, given name by which you want people to know you and your writing. But if half the fun of getting published is seeing your name in print, why would anyone choose to use a pseudonym or fake name?
Why do you use different names in a romance novel?
Some publishers feel it’s important to build devoted audiences one category at a time, especially if you’re a novelist. So if you’ve published a series of romances and suddenly want to write a literary novel , you may choose to use a different name so as not to confuse your readers (and marketing personnel). For example, Nora Roberts, famous for her romances, now writes a science fiction mystery series under the name J.D. Robb (though TBH I’ve never really understood how this was helpful in her case since everyone knows and the covers often state “Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb.”)
Why do writers use pseudonyms – are they using a pen name to hide something?
There are many writers – myself included – who don’t write under their own names . I had more aliases than a Mafia hitman when I was freelancing as a journalist, and as an author I’ve had four.
Why is Fernando Pessoa considered a literary figure?
Fernando Pessoa is considered one of Portugal’s towering literary figures; or at least one of the top 80, because that’s how many different writing ‘identities’ he had.
What was the name of the author who was a bisexual opium smoker?
Among the authors he channelled was a bisexual opium-smoking naval engineer, a hunchback dying of tuberculosis, and a suicidal baron. If he was alive today Amazon would have run out of sub categories just for him alone.
Why was William Sydney Porter released from prison?
Here’s five good reasons – and two that are maybe not quite as cool. Because you’re banged up in prison. When William Sydney Porter was released from prison in 1901, his criminal past – he had been jailed for bank fraud – was an impediment to a career in literature (unlike today when it’s a fantastic advantage.)
Who wrote the predictions for the year 1708?
To make another writer’s life a misery. In 1708 an “Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq.” published his “Predictions for the Year 1708,” prophesying the death of a famous astrologist and fortune teller called Samuel Partridge.
Who wrote Adam Bede?
She wrote ‘Adam Bede’ under a pseudonym, which you may have heard of before – George Eliot.
Who wrote the primary colors?
When Newsweek columnist Joe Klein wrote ‘Primary Colours’, a no holds barred portrayal of Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign, he wrote it as “Anonymous”, aware he was breaching a journalistic code of ethics.
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.
What happens when an author is under contract?
When an author is under contract, her publisher may own the rights to any upcoming work under her name. Often authors will take up a new name so they can shop around their work while avoiding legal problems (be sure to read your contract closely, though, because some prohibit this).
Overview
A pseudonym or alias (/ˈeɪli.əs/) is a fictitious name that a person or group assumes for a particular purpose, which differs from their original or true name (orthonym). This also differs from a new name that entirely or legally replaces an individual's own. Most pseudonym holders use pseudonyms because they wish to remain anonymous, but anonymity is difficult to achieve and often fraught with legal issues.
Scope
Pseudonyms include stage names, user names, ring names, pen names, nicknames, aliases, superhero or villain identities and code names, gamer identifications, and regnal names of emperors, popes, and other monarchs. Historically, they have sometimes taken the form of anagrams, Graecisms, and Latinisations, although there may be many other methods of choosing a pseudonym.
Etymology
The term pseudonym is derived from the Greek word "ψευδώνυμον" (pseudṓnymon), literally 'false name', from ψεῦδος (pseûdos) 'lie, falsehood' and ὄνομα (ónoma) 'name'. The term alias is a Latin adverb meaning 'at another time, elsewhere'.
Usage
Sometimes people change their names in such a manner that the new name becomes permanent and is used by all who know the person. This is not an alias or pseudonym, but in fact a new name. In many countries, including common law countries, a name change can be ratified by a court and become a person's new legal name.
See also
• Alter ego
• Anonymity
• Anonymous post
• Anonymous remailer
• Bugō
Notes
1. ^ Room (2010, 3).
2. ^ "pseudonym". Lexico UK English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. n.d.
3. ^ du Pont, George F. (2001) The Criminalization of True Anonymity in Cyberspace Archived 21 February 2006 at the Wayback Machine 7 Mich. Telecomm. Tech. L. Rev.
Sources
• Peschke, Michael. 2006. International Encyclopedia of Pseudonyms. Detroit: Gale. ISBN 978-3-598-24960-0.
• Room, Adrian. 2010. Dictionary of Pseudonyms: 13,000 Assumed Names and Their Origins. 5th rev. ed. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co. ISBN 978-0-7864-4373-4.
External links
• A site with pseudonyms for celebrities and entertainers Archived 19 August 2015 at the Wayback Machine
• Another list of pseudonyms
• The U.S. copyright status of pseudonyms
• Anonymity Bibliography Excellent bibliography on anonymity and pseudonymity. Includes hyperlinks.