Creating and Using Effective Pen Names

Creating and Using Effective Pen Names

Definition: Pen Name – A pseudonym created by a writer. Also called a “nom de plume,” “nom de guerre” or “literary double.”

The practice of writing under one or more “alter egos” is nothing new to the literary community or the online world. Yet many authors are still unsure if the use of a pseudonym is appropriate for them. Their concerns stem from a variety of ethical considerations as well as a lack of understanding about the correct and effective use of a literary double.

Use a Pen Name:

When you want to appeal to a regional demographic. By making your pen name more like common names in the region, your content will be better received as an insider.
When your real name is way too difficult to remember, spell or pronounce.
When your message will be taken more seriously if written by the other gender.
When you want to avoid over-exposure of your real name or to write from potentially conflicting viewpoints.
When you need to create different Expert Author pen names for diversely different niches. In this case, a simple variation on your name is often enough to prevent confusion.
When you’ve hired a ghostwriter and want to isolate your real name from works produced by them under a ‘work for hire’ contract.

What to Avoid:

Don’t try to assume a pseudonym similar to a current notable expert in your niche.
Don’t put marketing or descriptor words into your pen name, such as “Suzy Homemaker” or “Gary Pipewrench.”
Don’t try to be cute or punny with names like “Ivanna B. Rich” or “Phillip DeTank.”
If you are the buyer of exclusive rights content, don’t let your ghostwriter choose your pen name.
Don’t use a nickname or “handle” – your pen name should sound like a real human name.

Remember: When possible, use a variation of your own name. You create strength, confidence and credibility when you write articles under your own name, especially if you’re driving visitors directly to your primary website. Click here for a few tips on how to create multiple variations of your real name.

Leave a comment and tell us about your experiences with alternate pen names.

Posted by Christopher M. Knight on June 5, 2009 at 7:37 am | 18,484 views

16 Comments »

1

Geoff writes:

You cover some really useful points here in your blog. I`ve never thought about using a pen names so far, but I can understand now why some writers do choose to.

Comment provided June 5, 2009 at 8:39 AM

2

Nickolove Lovemore writes:

Thanks for this post. I’ve been considering using a pen name to write about a different niche so this has certainly helped to shed some light on this topic.

Comment provided June 5, 2009 at 8:46 AM

3

Britt Malka writes:

Using one or more pen names gives me the freedom to choose different niches, and I like that.

I’ve even taken it one step further and created Twitter accounts for some of the other pen names.

Comment provided June 5, 2009 at 9:55 AM

4

YourLawnAndGarden - The Place Where Successful Contractors Meet writes:

Interesting!

Some people with multiple personalities might find this useful.

Comment provided June 5, 2009 at 6:24 PM

5

Andy D'Silva writes:

I have a question about writing as the opposite gender.

I’ve done some research about a topic I personally face but it seems that it will be better to write articles in the female gender to appeal to that audience.

My concern is this:

1. Can I take on a female name e.g. Andrea Silva (if it not already taken)

2. Can I use a picture of a female? say of a friend of mine that has given me permission to do so.

Comment provided October 9, 2009 at 10:49 AM

Victoria Sullivan writes:

I’m thinking of using pen names for different niches, also. I wonder about using borrowed pictures also and didn’t see a response to your question.

October 10, 2011 at 8:34 AM

Penny, Managing Editor writes:

Andy, Victoria,

Your goal in article writing is to create a relationship with your audience by building trust and credibility in your niche. Using someone else’s photo does not do this nor is it advisable to use a photo that is not of you or does not have you in it.

October 11, 2011 at 12:23 PM

6

Alison Griffiths writes:

I am being hired to ghostwrite articles for a client. Can I use their name as an alternate author name? They give me the topics they want to have articles written about and I rewrite them in an appropriate style. I was wondering if I can do this through my EzineArticles account.

Comment provided February 23, 2010 at 10:26 AM

Penny, Managing Editor writes:

Alison,

In ghostwriting, you relinquish the rights to the articles after you have written them. The more appropriate action would be to have the owner of the articles submit them on their own account.

You must have 100% exclusive rights to the articles you submit. You wouldn’t have that in this case.

February 24, 2010 at 12:56 PM

7

Nate Ouderkirk writes:

A little advise please!

I’ve just launched website a called kitchenknifeguru.com about caring for kitchen knives. I was planning to write articles in this topic under a pseudonym of KitchenKnifeGuru, but it looks like your guidelines will not allow or strongly not recommend it. My main reason for wanting to do so was in one of your bullet points: “When you want to avoid over-exposure of your real name. . .”. I have an MFA in creative writing and still have the intention of publishing works of fiction. I would kind of like to protect my actual name. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations as to how to proceed? I’m thinking maybe I could use Nate O. . Thoughts?
thanks much, nate

Comment provided May 19, 2012 at 4:12 PM

Marc, Product Marketing Manager writes:

Nate –

You’re on the right track! Using a derivative of your real name is part of our Editorial Guidelines, so Nate O. would work perfectly. You can learn more about pen names here: http://Blog.EzineArticles.com/2009/06/creating-and-using-effective-pen-names.html

May 22, 2012 at 2:39 PM

8

Paul Gless writes:

I’ve created my primary account, since then I’ve learned about pen names. I have to say it’s a very good idea and I really do wished I had a better understanding when I was creating my primary account.

Now, I have created some “pen names” and I would like to move some articles from my primary account over to my pen name(s). How would I go about doing that?

Comment provided February 9, 2013 at 9:22 AM

Marc, Product Marketing Manager writes:

Paul,

I’m afraid it’s not possible to move existing articles from one author to another. Articles written under a particular author name must stay under that author name.

Marc

February 11, 2013 at 9:27 AM

Paul Gless writes:

Hi Marc,

If I deleted or removed them, would I be able to re-submit under my pen name? would it create a duplicate content, how could I get around it?

Regards
Paul

February 11, 2013 at 9:55 AM

Marc, Product Marketing Manager writes:

Paul,

I’ll have our Member Support Team contact you directly via email. They’ll be able to help you out and answer your questions.

Marc

February 11, 2013 at 10:47 AM

Paul Gless writes:

Marc,

Thank you!

For the benefit to others reading these these comments, I’m added the email I received (from Jenna @ Ezine Support)

“Unfortunately we cannot move articles to a different author name once they’ve been published, nor can we accept them again if they are deleted to be resubmitted under another name.

The reason for this is that once an article is published under a name, that name is effectively the copyright owner.

As you only have 5 articles published thus far, we would recommend that moving forward you begin submitting your new articles under your pen names as desired.”

In my case, I think the solution to me is that, I will delete all my articles, then I’ll rewrite and submit them under the correct pen name(s). as Jenna points out I’ve only got 5 articles, this solution workable. For others with substantially more articles it might be something you have to live with. I’m actually thankful it’s only 5 articles.

February 11, 2013 at 11:08 AM

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