Jun 20 2010
List of Gender-Neutral Names
If you’re writing for readers that are mostly of the other gender, it would probably help to conceal your gender by using a pseudonym or your initials. Here’s a list of unisex names.
Archive for the 'Pseudonyms' Category
Apr 26 2010
Is Writing Under a Pen-Name Right for You?
1. In most cases, I think that it’s probably best to ask your editor about a pseudonym after getting the offer. For one thing, it’ll reduce the chance that you make a poor first impression with a goofy-sounding pseudonym. The only time that I think that a pseudonym may be necessary prior to getting published is if the author shares a name with a celebrity. (“Who’s this guy pretending to be Steven King?”)
2. If you do use a pseudonym, please write something like “[YOUR REAL NAME], WRITING AS RODDY BARBER” on your title page. For tax reasons, the publisher has to know your real name. (Otherwise, the IRS will get surly and then everybody is screwed).
Apr 30 2009
Should You Write Under a Pseudonym?
Moira Allen provides useful information about pseudonyms here. Here’s a summary of the best reasons to use a pseudonym.
1. Your writing could interfere with your day job. If you’re interested in working in a political science or government position and every Google search for your name points to your book about how to write superhero stories, that could be problematic.
2. You’ve published in a different genre or field and want to distinguish your new work. Your readership might get confused if you’ve always written romance and suddenly you write a sci-fi thriller. Using a pen-name will help keep those parts of your audience separate.
3. You suspect that your name will make it harder for readers to relate to you. For example, if you’re a guy writing for women (or vice versa), you might find it helpful to use a gender-neutral name or your initial. In particular, military action readers are more receptive to male authors and romance readers are more receptive to women.
