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Can a pen name be your real name?
A pseudonym, also known as a pen name or nom de plume, is a fictitious name that a writer or author uses instead of his or her real name. A pen name is listed as the author’s name on a published book, and readers often do not know the real name or identity of the author.
Is a pen name used by a person to hide their identity?
The definition of a pseudonym (or nom de plume in French) is a fake name used by a writer when writing and publishing their work in order to protect themselves or increase the chance of success.
Can you copyright under a pen name?
Many often wonder if authors who use pen names or pseudonyms can still copyright their work. The answer is yes. As detailed by the U.S. Copyright Office, a work is considered “pseudonymous” if the author is identified on copies of the work by a fictitious name.
What is the purpose of a pen name?
A pen name, otherwise known as a pseudonym, is an assumed name that an author will publish under, rather than his or her real name. Some of the most well-known, famous authors have used a pen name to conceal their identities.
How do you write under a pen name?
When filing for copyright protection for your writing, use your real name for “Copyright Claimant” and your pen name for “Name of Author.” If you do not want your legal name associated with the pen name, enter only the pen name under “Name of Author” and identify it as such (Lucy Lychuzweckio writing as Lucy Smith).
How do you legally create a pen name?
How to Choose and Set Up a Pen Name
- Research the name. Search the internet and bookselling sites.
- Buy available domain names. You will want to buy a website domain for your pen name.
- Claim the name.
- Use the name.
- Be open with your publisher.
- Register your copyright.
Not every budding author has the clout or penmanship of a Dr. Seuss, George Orwell or even Robert Galbraith, but many authors like the three mentioned, do want to write under a pen name (sometimes called nom de plume or assumed name) for legitimate reasons. This law firm represents many such authors.
Why would you want to use a pen name?
You want to conceal your real identity. You’re a prim and proper physics professor at a large university but write erotica on the side—under an assumed name, of course. A pen name would also protect the author from political persecution or prejudice.
Is it bad to have multiple pen names?
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. An example might be writing clean romance and clean romantic suspense.
Can I copyright my writing work under a pseudonym?
When you copyright your writing work, you can also establish that you are using a pseudonym. Keep in mind that the name itself cannot be copyrighted. The US Copyright Office gives you the option to provide both your legal name and your pen name on the application, or even to copyright the work solely under the pen name.