Your Turn: Real Names vs. Pen Names
September 18, 2007 by Deb Ng
Filed under Freelance Writing
I have a question from one of our beginning regulars. I thought I would post it here so you could all offer your insight and advice. Thanks for helping!
Deb
Dear Ms. Ng,
I’m just starting out in the blogging/freelance world as I was wondering if you suggest using your real name or an alias for projects. I prefer to use my own name on my work, but I fear putting my name in the online world (ID theft). Would using initials be a good way around this?
Thank you,
Danelle
Personally, I use my name for everything. Some people feel it’s a bad career move, but I like seeing my name in print. I also feel if something is seen as a bad career move, I shouldn’t be writing it. It’s mostly a vanity thing for me though. Now, I do have one anonymous blog but that’s more because it goes with the blogs theme than anything else.
And you?
I use my real name on my work that is credited. I also like seeing my name in print.
I use my name on everything too. With my memory, if I used an alias I’d forget what it is.
Some use pen names because they’ve established themself in one genre and wish to write in a completely different one, out of a fear that they won’t be taken seriously in the new genre. I am reminded a little of how comic Mel Brooks actually produced the somber drama The Elephant Man, but left his name off the credits out of fear that people would think the movie was a comedy.
I have a pen name in mind that I would like to use if I ever feel the need. I did use a pen name once when writing a column about a very sensitive subject (send me a private e-mail if you’d like more details). Years ago, in military journalism, the policy was that articles would be published after various agencies/editors signed off on it. One article I wrote was completely rewritten by someone who didn’t know how to write. I successfully lobbied my editor to take my name off the byline. This writing is total crap, and I don’t want my name on it, I said.
Richard,
I didn’t know Mel Brooks produced The Elephant Man. I can see why he did that.
I use a pen name myself. After I become established I may use my real name however it is my married name. I would prefer to use my maiden name but instead used a pen.
I write under a pen name of sorts. Actually, “Katharine Swan” is my real first and middle name — I just leave off my last name.
I have a few reasons for doing this:
Vanity — Like Deb, it’s all about what I see in print. I just happen to think “Katharine Swan” is a whole heck of a lot prettier and more unique-sounding than my full name.
Family — Swan was my maternal grandmother’s maiden name. Since I have always related strongly to her and that side of the family, writing under the name seemed appropriate.
Childhood dreams — Even as a kid, I knew I wanted to publish under Katharine Swan.
Most clients and publications accept the pen name without question, although I have had a few editors who botched it up. (Besides neglecting to notice the pen name, a common error is the misspelling of “Katharine.” There are two As in there, rather than the more common spelling, which has one.)
I think most editors assume my pen name is just my maiden name, but that is actually not the case. I opted not to change my name when I married, so my name is 100 percent mine.
P.S. For more about the history of my pen name (and a few quick pictures) click here.
Also, I wrote a blog post on pen names a little while back. The post could be categorized as a lesson on what not to do with your pen name.
Hey Deb,
What’s up with the “Your comment is awaiting moderation” thing on my last comment? Has the site been doing that all along, and I just didn’t notice?
I am with the vanity thing, I like to see my name in print. I have always used my real name, it never really occurred to me to use a pen name. I don’t think it would feel right
I write “adult” material, so I use a pen name. It’s a decision I made early on, and I don’t regret using a pen name.
I use my real name. I actually didn’t think I’d get published as quickly as I did, so I didn’t have time to think about ID issues. I might do it differently if I had to do this again. I know my husband worries about the ID theft thing. I try hard to leave my children’s names out of anything I write, definitely.
If I ever finish a novel I will probably use a pen name, to keep my writing “identities” distinct. That’s a long way off, however!
Great topic. Lots of food for thought.
PS – I think Mel Brooks had a point, but there are many actors and directors who successfully leap from one genre to another; perhaps he worried needlessly?
Hmmm, I don’t know. Mel Brooks is so strongly typecast as a comedic director. He probably made the best decision. Not that I don’t like his comedy, of course…
Funny how vanity for me supports me using my pen name…although I guess it’s not entirely a fictitious name.
Kis Lee and Nancy P –
I have heard of other writers using pen names in order to keep their genres separate. Even James Rigney (who died Sunday — so sad) did it: His fantasy series Wheel of Time was published under the name Robert Jordan, but he also published a historical fiction trilogy under the name Reagan O’Neal.
However, Nancy, I would also make sure to point out all of your writing experience under your real name (rather than trying to make your break on your pen name alone). No sense in trying to reinvent the wheel.
I figured out the problem in my wordpress account. It doe not allow adsense. Ironic since the adsense did not work except for the google search engine. I had just put some other ads on it also. Live and learn. I’ll create a new one.
“Misti Wolanski” is my penname.
For safety reasons, on my part. My actual name is rare enough online that I’d like to keep it that way, for now.
Also, with a penname, it keeps me from having to worry about my name ever changing when I get married, etc.
I use both a pen name, and my real name. I actually have two pen names..one for a website that I publish articles at from time to time, and the other pen name is the most common name that I use. My real name has only been used on rare occassions, and in instances where I wanted my real name to be seen for future credit and reference. Make sense? LOL
As for why I use a pen name, it is actually a two fold answer. One, I do not want certian people ( read: psychotic exes ) to find out where I live or that I am even writing for that matter. Luckily, my name is somewhat common enough for it to be difficult to find me, unless you really wanted to. Two, because in the future, I would like to write a biography, and a tell-all of sorts, and I know that many names will have to be changed for the anonymity of those involved in my life story. Besides, how fun will it be to have a hot book on the shelves, and yet no one knows who you really are?
Great answers, everyone!
I had to start a new blog. I will be using my pen name for that also. I have thought more about this issue and I find identity is a big part of my decision. We all wear different hats, and my writing is one of those. I understand the vanity issue though as well.
ID theft requires a LOT more than a name or we’d all be in trouble from being in the phone book.
I use my real name for blogging because I use it for my portfolio website (which has both print and online clips, all under my real name). I don’t see any reason to use a pseudonym for blogging (well, I do for my strictly personal, locked-down blog for friends, but that was never intended to be a part of my professional life).
However, I do NOT put my phone number or mailing address on my website, and I don’t email my SSN (if an employer requires it for payment, I fax it; I’m considering getting a TIN instead). Clients can contact me by email and I can then provide further contact info. People cannot steal your identity if all they have is your name.
I feel that since so many people use pseudonyms online, using one’s real name lends more legitimacy.
I use my real name and a pen name. I have a persona that is very snarky, ok, it’s really an adult oriented snarkstress thing and I really don’t want people who read my family oriented material to see it.
I publish under a half a dozen names in both fiction and non-fiction. It gives me the freedom to write whatever I want, juggle multiple projects, and not confuse marketers who underestimate readers and think they’re too stupid to figure out that a writer can write more than one thing over and over!
My editors know my real name so they can cut the check properly.
Micah –
Sorry to hear about your blog problems. I guess the Adsense restriction makes sense in a silly kind of way, since Adsense is run by one of WordPress’s competitors (Blogger/Google). I hope it’s not too much trouble to start a new blog.
Sarah –
I have a psychotic ex that I worry about too. That is one of the reasons why I am careful how much information I give on my blog. For instance, I’ve never mentioned my husband’s last name or where the in-laws live, and I only blog about vacations after we get back.
Thanks Katharine. I am at blogger now. Thank goodness I had not blogged for a couple monthes yet. I do want ads on my site so it’s okay. Sometimes it takes a couple read throughs before I get the vague things those documents mean. I looked it up and found that someone had commented that wordpress does not allow adsense. It makes complete sense why I could not get the ads to show up originally.
Blogger looks to be simply and much easier to put ads in.
I have a new idea that sprang on me for a new blog besides this one also. So it sparked some creativity. One door closes and another one opens is the way the saying goes.
As far as my real name, I’m just to paranoid to put that out in the cyber world yet. I think that is my bottom line.
Micah –
I’m glad Blogger seems to be working out for you. I rather like it myself. I especially like that I can host it on my own site at no extra cost (something you can’t do with any other major blogging service, that I know of).
I use my real name for most things, but I publish on a couple of sites using a pen name, and I intend to use a different pen name for a few future projects. For me, though, it’s mostly about marketing; I have plans to build brands and associate them with different names. There is a personal aspect too: my future pen name will be constructed from the name of a dear family member who died years ago. I intend it as a tribute, though the way some of my work is going, this person might not agree were he capable of reading it. Just have to hope for the best, I suppose.
For blogging I’m really paranoid about giving out my real name and location.
For writing in print or online articles, I always use my real name. Well, hopefully soon one of these things I’m writing will be published!
For something like Associated Content, pen name.
This is a great discussion. Mariella is my real name, but as you’ve noticed, I refrain from using my surname. I don’t know why I do that actually. Perhaps I’m wishing I’d be as famous as Madonna or Michaelangelo someday that I’d get off with using just my first name. LOL! j/k
Actually, I have a whole other reason why I only use my first name. And for that reason, I’m compeled to use a penname.
Also, I’ve gotten kind of paranoid over the years and giving my real full name in public (over the Internet) is not my style. I do use my full name for print bylines, however.
Many years ago when I started my first business, the most successful man I knew told me, “Use your own name, because then no matter what people say about you, you’re getting PR.” I did and made sure there was nothing evil to say about me.
Were I to write a scandalous tell-all about someone like him, I’d use someone else’s name.
Brandon>> One of the reasons why I intend to use pennames for different events is similar to yours. I do intend to build different brands associated with different names. All my pennames have their own persona and genre and I find that it helps when I’m writing under one. For example, if I’m extremely cheery today and I have to write horror fiction, I would assume the persona of this particular penname and that usually does the trick. It’s still me, only I’m tapping into a certain part of my being.
I don’t get the whole pen name thing myself. I’m proud of my name and what I write so I leave my name on everything.
I work mostly in journalism, but have done an increasing amount of PR support work in the last year. This has sometimes required me to interview via the phone people fpr PR purposes (ghost-written features) some people I’ve also interviewed as a journalist. I use a pen name (or pen identification because article carries end client’s name) for those interviews.
Pen names are also good in those instances one works for different publishers who may be in very close areas, like banking and insurance. While you may ethically feel there’s no competition, publishing executives may not see it that way and, therefore, may refuse your services if you’re working “for the other guy (or gal).”
Lots of authors use pen names. Joe Hill (Stephen King’s son) uses his first and middle name. JD Robb/Nora Roberts, Stephen King/Richard Bachman, Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters, etc.
I use two names myself. Real writing is under my initials and maiden name, but I also teach an online class and for that I use my real name for tax purposes.
I watched a friend learn a lesson about this the hard way.
He kept a personal, oftentimes explicit, blog, started when he was in college, and used it as a public diary. He then went to work as a teacher and his district was tipped off to the blog by an anonymous source. They launched an investigation against him, and although they admitted he did nothing illegal, his story was on the local news and the paper. It was an awful situation and seriously affected his career.
I’m just relieved that he used a pen name for his paid explicit blog gig.
I use a pen name. I am a single mom, and I had a stalker (never found), so I do all I can to protect my identity and privacy.
Dani, that’s actually exactly why I’m being careful. Though it’s been months ago, I’m still a little wary.
I like to use my real name or my initials. If I wasn’t proud of my work I wouldn’t put it on the internet for everyone to see.
I’m not worried about ID theft because people would need a whole lot more than just my name ti steal my ID. Plus, my name, address, and phone number is in the phone book and you can’t steal someone’s ID that way either.
I write quite a bit about ID theft. Stealing identity from a byline should be of no concern. Heck, you can Google my name (first and last) and get a lot of hits.
That’s brought me work. Using another name would not be as effective, unless I had done that from the beginning, long before ID theft was ever thought about.
People are going to use phishing, hacking, dumpster diving and more devious ways to steal your id, your byline won’t help them.
I use my real name for non-fiction writing, just because it’s easier. I don’t really care about seeing my name in print, but I guess it’s a nice to have. I’ll likely use a pen name for fiction writing because I want to choose a name that “rings” with the genre of writing I choose to focus on.
Micah, you must be using Wordpress.com (free blog). Upgrading to a Wordpress.org (paid hosting required) blog will allow you to monetize your blog with Adsense. See this article (http://weblogs.about.com/od/bloggingplatforms/p/wordpressvs.htm) for a more detailed description.
When I started out writing, I thought I needed a pen name. But instead I used my real name. At the time I wasn’t married. Now I use my married name and often see my “other” name out there. In fact, a few places I have never changed the name to my married name (except for the paycheck of course!).
So I guess it’s sort of like using a pen name…
I know there are bloggers out there who are fierce defenders of WordPress. I, on the other hand, am at a loss to understand why I should pay WordPress for something Blogger gives me for free.
Hi Katharine,
I think Blogger is a great platform, especially for beginners. I find Wordpress more versatile, however. I can do a lot more with a Wordpress blog than with Blogger, it’s as simple as that.
Also, you’re not paying WordPress – that’s free. You’re paying for your own domain.
Perhaps it’s all a matter of preference. Maybe they like the widgets. I have a gripe against Blogger too. They had marked six of my seven blogs as splogs and locked them
This was a year ago or so I think
Deb, maybe we can have a discussion on Blogger vs. Wordpress? I don’t want to muddy up this conversation with blog platform talk.
That would be a great topic I would love to read about. Here here!
Deb –
I already have my own domain, though, and when I looked a while back I didn’t see a way to host a WordPress blog to my own domain without paying for their more advanced package.
I’m also interested to know what you can do with WordPress that you can’t with Blogger. I’ve used WordPress on client blogs and I haven’t seen that much of a difference. I know the biggest complaint about Blogger is that all of the templates look the same, but there are ways around that. Look at my blog — you wouldn’t know that’s Blogger, would you?
I’d also like to know the difference between using Wordpress.com and hosting your own WP in your own server.
Interesting discussion. I’ve never thought about using a pen name for my freelance print articles, but I was unsure about the maiden name/married name once I got married. I decided to go with two last names for my byline (two separate names, not hypenated) for vanity purposes. By that I mean if someone knows me by my maiden name, but not my married name, I still want them to know I wrote the article.
The maiden/married name dilemma is such a problem for professional women — that is, women whose name plays an important part in their careers. Writers, doctors, psychologists, scholars, researchers, etc… These professionals all have to consider “branding,” because their reputations and their successes are so tied to their names.
This is one of the reasons why I did not change my name when I married, pen name or no. Besides the fact that I’ve had my name for 27 years — I’m rather attached to it.
Katharine,
Wordpress has always been free, as far as I know. You may be mistaking it for TypePad or Moveable Type, which you *do* have to pay for.
(Wordpress.com has blogs hosted on their own site, while Wordpress.org is a free package you download and upload to your own site.)
However, Wordpress is completely free– no varying advanced packages. You just need to upload it to your own site. My husband did it for me, but since then I’ve learned more about it and have been able to maintain it myself.
Personally, I find Wordpress to be a lot more customizable and has tons more options. I highly prefer it to Blogger– in fact, my only qualm was that I didn’t move to Wordpress sooner!
But that’s just me.
While my maiden name is my legal name, I publish under my married name. I just like the “sound” of it better in print.
Julia,
I guess I must have been thinking of another platform, because checking the site now I don’t see what I thought I remembered it saying. It’s been a while, and I checked several different platforms at once, so that must be why.
Thanks for explaining the difference between the WordPress-hosted blogs and the .org download. I didn’t know about that at all.
Like I said, I have definitely heard many people say they like WordPress better. However, I have my Blogger blog set up just the way I want it — integrated with my site — and I can’t think of any advantages WP could offer me that would make me want to recode all that again. (Coding my Blogger template took some trial and error, and from what I hear WP code is a little different.) Blogger does what I need, so no reason to change it right now!