Pen Names and Real Names

In the writing field we can use a pen name and of course real names. There is advantages and cons to a pen name and real names when getting published in the writing field. We have to decide what to do so its best to learn the cons and pro’s of each.

Advantages of Pen Names

A pen name offers us identity protection from people so they don’t know our real name. Writers can have a variety of pen names for each writing project if they would like to. We can write without people knowing that it was us who wrote it. We probably feel more comfortable writing about certain subjects without feeling embarrassed about who reads it.

It is funny that pen names can also help us make more sales sometimes. The reader wants to be able to relate to you in a way. For Example, women like to read self help books for woman that a woman wrote. The same with men. Every case is different though depending upon the type of book though.

Disadvantages of Pen Names

We hide behind a fake name when we use a pen name. People don’t see our real name in print. We often have to keep telling people about our zillion pen names that we use since they cant find our book under our real name. If we keep writing under a variety of pen names it is hard to keep track of it all.

Advantages of Real Name

We may want to use our real name though if we want to see our name in print on the front of a book cover or article. Our real name in print is something that some writers like to show off to friends and family that once had doubts about them. I think every writers does want the old ex boss to see that they are a published writer and that they aren’t just a regular employee. They are worth something. It is nice to be able to not have to tell friends and family members that you write under a zillion different pen names. It is easy to remember if you just use your real name. It makes more easy for individuals to find your published work if you use your real name.

Disadvantages of Real Name

When we use our real name it makes it easier for people to locate us in our local city. We need to be careful to not provide too much information available to the public due to stalkers. The use of real name enable just about anyone to be able to read what we write about. We might not want some family members or some friends to read everything that we have ever published.

Our name in print

Writers are happy to see own name in print. It makes them feel like they have accomplished a big project that required much research and got paid for it. Every writer does need to specialize in something that they love to write and enjoy to write about. It does take a ton of time and effort into getting published. Writers put hours into a project.