Is a pen name right for you? Let’s discuss!

There is so much to break down regarding pen names, and many writers throughout history have chosen one for various reasons. Some notable pioneers include Toni Morrison, the Bronte sisters, Issac Asimov, and Bell Hooks, to name a few. Have you been debating on using a pen name yourself, but still feel unsure? You’ll be more confident in your decision after reading this!

What Is A Pen Name?

Let’s start with a basic definition! A pen name – sometimes called a pseudonym or alias – is a separate name that a writer uses solely for their written work, or a certain genre or category of said work. It’s typically a name that can sound similar to a writer’s given name, or it can sound completely different altogether.

Why Would Someone Use One?

Writers may choose a pen name for many reasons, including:

• PRIVACY: A writer may have a certain (professional or personal) lifestyle that prevents them from publicly claiming their work with their given name, so they use a pen name to avoid any potential scrutiny or speculation that content may bring. This is not to be confused with ghostwriting, which involves compensating a writer to discreetly create content for another client or enterprise without taking any future credit for it. Some ghostwriters do, in fact, have pen names while some don’t.
• IDENTITY: Though we now live in a much more accepting world, many writers of marginalized backgrounds, both historically and presently, have adapted to pen names to shield their real identities from certain audiences or even publishers due to potential xenophobia, harassment, or judgment of the work or creator. Again, this is a more outdated concept. However, many marginalized writers have pen names because they simply want them – which is a valid reason in and of itself.
• BRANDING/MARKETING: As a writer, you will need to market yourself and your work frequently, and that includes having an overall brand to showcase. A pen name may help to achieve this objective depending on other factors like genre, content, and more. For example, I use a pen name for all of my speculative fiction (more on that here). I chose mine based on my longtime nickname (Kzinga = Zig) and half of my middle name (Kanoelani = Elani). And truthfully, there was no other reason as to why I chose one for myself except that I liked the idea of using it as a niche for my fantasy and science fiction work that was separate from other writing I’ve done. The point is, having a pen name may help in your overall long-term marketing strategy. Give some a try and see which ones stick, if any!

Pros Of A Pen Name

Seriously thinking about a pen name at this point? Here are some reasons having one might work for you. Some points listed here may overlap with those above:

• CLEAN SLATE: Sometimes a writer will want a fresh start and completely pivot their direction if they went by a previous name and it didn’t go well. To specify, this can mean a myriad of reasons – perhaps the author’s last book under a certain pen name didn’t sell very well. Or maybe they went through a certain controversy and choose to have a new identity due to that. I need to make an important point about the latter – this is a bit of tough love, but needs to be said. If you are choosing a new pen name to try to escape a controversy you were apart of under another name, please know it’s not a good look, and readers will eventually put two and two together. It costs nothing to lead a life of integrity, everyone. So don’t let this be the sole reason you choose a new pen name. Own up to your mistakes and do better moving forward. Okay, on to the next point.
• BRANDING/MARKETING: Piggybacking a little on the last point about a clean slate and new identity, having a shiny new pen name that has a certain ring to it can entice readers enough to get them further interested in your work. In other words, if the name strongly aligns with your overall brand, go for it! Additionally, having this choice can make you stand out in a competitive genre or category which will only help you reach and establish your audience due to lack of confusion.
• PRIVACY: As I mentioned earlier, a pen name offers the writer more privacy depending on their lifestyle or choice of writing, and it helps you to control the separate relationships between your personal life and your writing.

Cons Of A Pen Name

Of course, everything is a double-edged sword. If you want just one pen name, problems are less likely to ensue. But if you’d like to use more than one, here are some reasons that may not be the best idea:

• LEGALITIES: In terms of royalties, contracts and more technical components of writing and publishing, having multiple pen names can add to the stress in maintaining all of this. Clarity among all parties is key when it comes to any formal agreements you make, so definitely keep that in mind!
• BRANDING/MARKETING ISSUES: Trying to maintain a separate social media account/platform for each of your pen names can be difficult, but not impossible. In this regard, it may be best to hire a part-time social media manager who can help you to stay organized, that way you can dedicate more time to the craft of writing itself. If you ever need a social media manager, hit me up! 🙂
• IDENTITY RECONFIGURATION: Adding further to the last point made, for each new pen name you have, you will essentially have to structure and build your entire brand identity from the ground up, which is much easier said than done. Still, it’s not an impossible feat! It will simply just take time to build. Consistency and effort will be your best friend here.

Final Thoughts

The choice to use a pen name is highly subjective. It is a completely personal decision that takes careful consideration and strategic planning. Do what makes you feel comfortable and self-assured in your writing! What matters more is the quality of the content you write – the name you attach to it only adds to that ongoing legacy. Whether you choose to use your given name or a pen name, you are still the same writer behind the words, and that can never be taken away!

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