How do you pick a good pen name?

How do you pick a good pen name?

To choose a pen name:

1. Identify the right age for your pseudonym.
2. Choose options that fit your literary genre.
3. Check the availability of your pen name’s URL and social media handles.
4. Choose a name that’s easy to spell, pronounce, and remember.
5. Make sure your pen name isn’t similar or identical to another author’s.

How do you come up with an author name?

How to create your author pen name? Try to start from your real name and make little changes. Maybe use your middle name, or initials, or a name that’s almost the same but a little cooler. Use a friend’s name that you’ve always envied.

Do I need a DBA for a pen name?

No, you don’t need to use a DBA for a pseudonym/”pen name”/pka/”professionally known as” name, but you can if you want to. You can also register your literary works under…

Are pen names legal?

Are pen names legal? Yes, an author can legally use a pen name or pseudonym to publish their intellectual property. Pen names are legal, as long as you have purchased the rights to your pen name, and have copyrighted your name.

Why you shouldn’t use a pen name?

Pen names can complicate social gatherings, especially if you forget and introduce yourself to someone under your given name, or fail to respond when someone calls you by your pen name. Also, conferences and signings may become challenging if you’re juggling two names.

Do you have to copyright a pen name?

If you use a pen name on your work, it is protected by copyright for 95 years from the date of publication or 120 years from its creation, whichever is longer. If you make your legal name public when you register the copyright, then you own the copyright for your lifetime plus 70 years.

Should I trademark my pen name?

2: Pen names cannot be trademark protected. The author must prove that the name has “secondary meaning” by being part of a unique brand that is used in marketing and commerce, and is widely recognized. Like J.K.Rowling which is a trademark owned by Joanne Rowling.

Is using a pen name legal?

Should I use my real name or a 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. Just remember: If you do use one, be ready to take on that new persona (even if it’s very similar to your actual identity).

How many pen names can you have?

Speaking for Amazon, you can create up to three pen names under one author central account.

Do pen names need to be registered?

There’s no real legal process to using a pen name – typically you can just pick one and use it. While most states have laws requiring people doing business under another name to register with the state, these laws generally don’t apply to writers using pen names.

Can an author have two pen names?

Amazon will only let you have three pen names under one Author Central account. It isn’t TERRIBLE to have multiple pen names (more on that below), but if you can keep things easy, DO. If you’re writing books that are related or might have a larger crossover audience, then don’t do a pen name.

Why I chose to use a pen name?

There are a few reasons why some writers or artists pick pen names: Anonymity A pen name allows you to write and publish your book anonymously. Protecting Your Brand Some authors write books in multiple genres and want to keep their books from different genres separate by writing them under different pen names. Marketing

Should you be using a pen name?

#1 – For anonymity/privacy.

#2 – To conceal gender,marketing,and reckless abandon.

#3 – To change genres or fan expectations.

#4 – The strategic benefits of pseudonyms.

#1 – Pen names are a great way to test the “Writing Waters” and experiment with your craft.

#2 – The branding benefits of pen names.

Should I write using a pen name?

Authors may use a pen name for many different reasons, including: Fear of reprisal: Authors may be afraid of some sort of retaliation against themselves or their families. Separation of personal and professional life: Some authors have a day job and would like to keep it that way. Similar name to someone famous: If my name was Steve N.

Should you write under a pen name?

Often, writing under a pseudonym is as easy as putting the phrase “writing as” on your manuscript. For articles, short stories, and poetry, you can simply put your real name in the upper left corner of your manuscript (or on the cover page), and list your pen name as your byline beneath the title.