To Keep It Real (or Not)

Have you ever wondered if writing under a pen name increases your chances of success as a published writer? In today’s highly competitive and unpredictable publishing industry, some of us may find ourselves willing to try just about anything that will give us an edge and set our work apart. Sure, pseudonym writers may seem obsolete in a digital age where anonymity is almost impossible, but they do still exist and thrive today. 

Dr. Seuss, Mark Twain, and Voltaire are some of the most famous examples of successful pseudonym writers. Their work has not only entertained but has inspired generations of delighted readers–further supporting that using a pen name certainly has its advantages. Literature has been shaped by timeless classics crafted by the likes of these writers, and it is only natural to want to connect this truth to their clever use of a fictitious name. But does making the choice to use another byline really have an impact on the way your work is received? 

Writers use pen names for a number of reasons. Some may want to maintain their privacy and keep their personal and professional lives separated while others may prefer to use it as another means of creative expression and individuality, particularly if there are other writers with similar names. There is also the element of experimentation where writers who have already established themselves in the industry are looking to try new things without jeopardizing their status. 

No matter the reason, choosing to use a pseudonym is a personal decision that can have both positive and negative effects. Let’s examine a few of each:

Positive

1. Privacy and separation of professional and personal life

Think about it. You put a lot of time and passion into writing something you are deeply proud of but are not quite sure how the people in your personal life would receive your story. Perhaps it is a bit controversial or polarizing, or maybe it goes against what others believe–whatever it may be, the desire to maintain autonomy is personal and completely valid. 

2. Originality 

Writing is inherently rooted in creativity. We write to express ourselves and share a vision of the world we have created with our words. Using a pen name is an extension of that creativity and adds an alluring or mystifying layer to it. A really interesting pen name, one that sounds more unique than our own if it is too common, may potentially attract more eyes to a title. 

3. Experimentation

This is an important advantage to many writers who want to try different genres. They may use a pseudonym when a new title may deviate too far from the content a dedicated reader base is familiar with and would be most likely to buy. It could also save the writer from humiliation or embarrassment if a title is not received well and underperforms and reduces the risk of losing loyal readers. 

Negative

1. Multiple Personas

It is hard enough to be ourselves and feel like that is enough, but add another ‘person’ to the mix, and the expectations might feel impossible. Think about the constant on/off switch between yourself and this persona you have created, the mental toll it may take having to perform and present as two different people. 

2. Copyright Legalities

As tempting as using a pen name may sound, it comes with copyright issues to contemplate. If your name is too similar to another one, it could raise cause for evaluation and prompt reconsideration. The proof of ownership is also made harder when your work is published under a different name.

3. Identity Leak

This issue is more concerning today with the rise in technology usage. The risk is real, so you should keep this in mind if total anonymity is your goal with a pen name.

As history has shown, pseudonyms can be extremely beneficial to your success as an author. Choosing to pen your work under an alternative name can offer great rewards, but it is important to remember that pseudonyms do not guarantee desired results. You should consider both the pros and cons before deciding whether or not pen writing is for you. No matter what you choose, your words will speak for themselves.

DG