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Craft of Writing

Elaine Shelton

What’s in a Name?

Pen names are a personal choice. What makes one author write under an assumed name, while another proclaims his work from the highest mountain? And just how, exactly, do you choose a name to write under?

Why write under an assumed name? There are many reasons, and they are as varied as the writers who use them. Stephen King used the pseudonym, Richard Bachman. Although the books written under the name Bachman have been reissued with King’s name as he became a household name, the market, at the time, could not withstand King’s tendency to be prolific.

Another reason that an author may use a pen name is that he is switching genres, or types of books within a genre. Your name when you write acts as branding—just like Pepsi® and Coca-Cola® are brand names. An author who is known for writing Christian romances would probably want to use a different name to publish a steamy romance. Her core audience would be offended, which would lead to decreased sales. Even if they were not offended by the content, they may not like the new style the author is using. Romance writer Nora Roberts writes mysteries under the name JD Robb. This keeps her romance fans from becoming frustrated at buying a book that is a mystery. At the time, it also helped her break into the mystery market—she broke in at a time when female mystery writers were rare.

Choosing a pen name is a very personal task. You are renaming yourself, giving “life” to a fictitious entity. Some points you may want to consider:

1. Avoid using the full, legal name of a person you know. It creates confusion.
2. Feel free to mix things up: your favorite aunt’s first name, your mother’s maiden name.
3. Don’t count on a pen name to keep your anonymity. There are too many variables, including promoting your book, pictures either with your by-line or on the back of a book jacket.

Finally, if you are going to use a pen name, keep it simple. Use a name that you can remember and that will resonate with your audience.