{"id":1020,"date":"2023-10-18T18:49:22","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T18:49:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/?p=1020"},"modified":"2024-01-08T20:04:51","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T20:04:51","slug":"how-to-choose-a-pen-name","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/how-to-choose-a-pen-name\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Come Up With a Pen Name in 2024 (+ a Pen Name Generator)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>A pen name, or nom de plume, is a pseudonym (fake name) used by authors who don\u2019t wish to publish work under their own name.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Authors use pen names for many reasons, whether it be for branding purposes or just for privacy. Regardless of why one chooses to use a pseudonym, figuring out how to come up with a pen name can play an important part in your <a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/book-marketing-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>book\u2019s marketing<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"toc\">\nIn this article, you will learn:\n<ol>\n<li>What is a pen name<\/li>\n<li>Why do authors use pen names<\/li>\n<li>Whether it's legal to use a pen name<\/li>\n<li>How to choose the best one<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Let's dive into how to come up with cool pen names that will work specifically <a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/book-publishing\/\">for your book<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Heads up: If you purchase something by clicking on a link in this article, I may receive a small commission. You don\u2019t pay a penny more, but it helps me write more content like this<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"offer-box\">Your pen name stares your reader in the face. Make sure it fits well on your book cover! Services like 100 Covers can really make it shine with special typography.<center><a class=\"offer-button-box\" href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/click\/100covers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Check Out 100 Covers Here<\/a><\/center><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of Contents:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-pen-name\" data-level=\"2\">What is a Pen Name?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-do-authors-use-pen-names\" data-level=\"2\">Why Do Authors Use Pen Names?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-is-it-legal-to-use-a-pen-name\" data-level=\"2\">Is it Legal to Use a Pen Name?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-why-how-to-choose-good-pen-names-podcast\" data-level=\"3\">Why & How to Choose Good Pen Names [Podcast]<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-pen-names-of-famous-authors\" data-level=\"2\">Pen Names of Famous Authors<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-choose-a-pen-name-step-by-step\" data-level=\"2\">How to Choose a Pen Name [Step by Step]<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-step-1-identify-the-right-age-for-your-pseudonym\" data-level=\"3\">Step 1: Identify the Right Age For Your Pseudonym<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-step-2-choose-options-that-fit-your-literary-genre\" data-level=\"3\">Step 2: Choose Options That Fit Your Literary Genre<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-step-3-check-your-pen-name-s-url-and-social-media-handles\" data-level=\"3\">Step 3: Check Your Pen Name\u2019s URL and Social Media Handles<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-step-4-choose-a-name-that-s-easy-to-spell-pronounce-and-remember\" data-level=\"3\">Step 4: Choose a Name That\u2019s Easy to Spell, Pronounce, and Remember<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-step-5-make-sure-your-pen-name-isn-t-similar-or-identical-to-another-author-s\" data-level=\"3\">Step 5: Make Sure Your Pen Name Isn\u2019t Similar or Identical to Another Author\u2019s<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-extra-choosing-a-profile-picture-for-your-pen-name\" data-level=\"2\">EXTRA: Choosing a Profile Picture For Your Pen Name<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-best-pen-name-generators-including-anagram-makers\" data-level=\"2\">The Best Pen Name Generators (Including Anagram Makers)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-properly-copyright-and-use-a-pen-name\" data-level=\"2\">How to Properly Copyright and Use a Pen Name<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-create-a-pen-name-in-kdp\" data-level=\"2\">How to Create a Pen Name in KDP<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-pen-name\">What is a Pen Name?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A pen name is a fake name used by some authors to protect or disguise their real name for a variety of purposes. This name is used on <a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/book-cover-design\/\">book covers<\/a>, as part of copyright notices, and in marketing a book \u2014 in place of the author\u2019s own name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pen names are also known as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Nom de plumes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aliases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fake names<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pseudonym<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Literary double<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nicknames<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"offer-box\">Don't know what your pen name should be? We've got a pen name generator to help give you ideas, with genre specific conventions to help you pick something that's appropriate for the genre you want to write.<center><a class=\"offer-button-box\" href=\"https:\/\/app.monstercampaigns.com\/c\/qsnykevudykxl4k2ixrv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Get Your FREE Pen Name Generator<\/a><\/center><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-do-authors-use-pen-names\">Why Do Authors Use Pen Names?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What are pen names used for? Authors may use a pen name for many different reasons, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fear of reprisal:<\/strong> Authors may be afraid of some sort of retaliation against themselves or their families. This is particularly true when writing on controversial subjects. To protect themselves and their family, an author may write under a pseudonym.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Separation of personal and professional life:<\/strong> Some authors have a day job and would like to keep it that way. If you don\u2019t want to mix your side projects with your professional or even private life, a pen name can help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Similar name to someone famous:<\/strong> If my name was Steve N. King, you'd better believe I\u2019d be choosing a pen name. Do yourself a favor starting out \u2014 have a unique enough author name to stand out online, and make sure no one confuses you with a more famous person.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>URL and\/or social media handles for their name have been taken:<\/strong> For an author, your name is your brand \u2014 so make sure you have access to the URL and social media handles you need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Better marketing opportunities:<\/strong> Whether your name is hard to pronounce or has an overly complex spelling, simplifying it with a pen name may help you market your book(s) more effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gender changes:<\/strong> Female authors throughout history have chosen male pen names for novels they didn\u2019t believe would be as popular if readers knew they were written by a woman. This was especially common in the 19th century as women broke into literature but were still looked at as \u201clesser\u201d writers. The Bront\u00eb sisters and J.K. Rowling are two famous examples. Even today, it\u2019s perfectly acceptable to choose a pen name of a different gender than your own.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A name doesn\u2019t fit the genre:<\/strong> Hamilton Butcher probably isn\u2019t a great name for spunky teen fiction novels about a 14-year-old girl. Penelope Thistle might not be a name befitting the author of detailed manuals on instructional design. Pen names can allow authors to choose names specifically targeted to their genre.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Writing in multiple genres without confusing fans:<\/strong> To keep things clear when writing in different genres, some popular authors choose a pen name to match each genre in which they write. J.K. Rowling chose to write her <em>Cormoran Strike<\/em> crime fiction series under the alternate pen name of Robert Galbraith.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Just for fun:<\/strong> I\u2019ll let you in on a secret \u2014 we authors enjoy our creativity and fun. You don\u2019t need a \u201clegit\u201d reason to pick a pen name instead of using your own name. If you want to do it, just do it!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>I myself have published extensively under multiple pen names, although Dave Chesson is my real name. I started doing this because I used to work for a U.S. embassy and wished to separate the two worlds for professional reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Should you write under a pen name?<\/strong> You should write under a pen name if you feel it\u2019s the right choice for you. Whether it\u2019s to choose a more memorable name, because you\u2019re concerned about what people may think about your work, or if you think it just sounds fun, it\u2019s up to you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-it-legal-to-use-a-pen-name\">Is it Legal to Use a Pen Name?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pen name legality is actually pretty straightforward. <strong>Yes, it is legal to publish written work under a pen name.<\/strong> There is nothing illegal about using a pen name, and it\u2019s often a smart decision from a business standpoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Amazon and all major book publishing platforms allow authors to use pen names or their own names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to intellectual property attorney Matt Knight, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sidebarsaturdays.com\/2017\/06\/10\/httpwp-mep7vddb-t4\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">several facts<\/a> about using pen names that new authors should be aware of:<\/p>\n\n\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Authors are allowed to register copyrights for their created works under a pen name.<\/strong> However, this does reduce the length of time the copyright will be active. Plus, if you\u2019re being very careful about your anonymity and choose to register a copyright without using your real name, it can be harder to prove you own the material. These are both items to discuss with your attorney before publishing.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>You may acquire a trademark for a pen name.<\/strong> Even though your own name cannot usually be trademarked, there are certain conditions under which you can trademark your pen name. Dr. Seuss, for instance, is a trademarked pen name.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>You can technically sign contracts using your pen name.<\/strong> It\u2019s not done often, but it\u2019s technically legal (according to Mr. Knight). Using your pen name won\u2019t shield you from legal issues, though.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>You shouldn\u2019t use another author's pen name <em>or<\/em> real name.<\/strong> Unless you\u2019ve negotiated with an author to take over their established pen name, choose your own pen name. (Fun fact: This type of pen name swapping is popular among writers of romance novels.)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>Using a pen name doesn\u2019t protect you from defamation lawsuits, taxes, or any other liabilities.<\/strong> Don\u2019t badmouth other authors, skip paying your taxes, or breach a contract you signed, period. And don\u2019t rely on your nom de plume to protect you from legal consequences of breaking the rules \u2014 it won\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-how-to-choose-good-pen-names-podcast\"><strong>Why & How to Choose Good Pen Names [Podcast]<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"podcast-box\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/6552007\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/backward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/204a83\/\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" oallowfullscreen=\"\" msallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"90\"><\/iframe>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/itunes\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10134\" src=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Subscribe-to-Book-Marketing-Show-Podcast-on-iTunes.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"45\"><\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/GooglePlay\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10133\" src=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Subscribe-to-Book-Marketing-Podcast-on-Google-Play.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"45\"><\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/stitcher\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10132\" src=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Subscribe-to-Book-Marketing-Show-Podcast-on-Stitcher.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"45\"><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at some of the more well-known authors operating under pen names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Ready to pick your own pen name? <a href=\"#h-how-to-choose-a-pen-name-step-by-step\">Skip to the next section<\/a> to get started!)<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n<section class=\"standard-cta testimonial nohover\" id=\"cta-block_60a2b4d918236\">\r\n    <div class=\"cta-inner row\">\r\n                    <div class=\"cta-media col-md-4\">\r\n                                    <div class=\"cta-media-inner\">\r\n                    \r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/click\/rocket-in-content\" alt=\"Get Rocket Now\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\">                        \r\n                        \r\n                        \r\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/KDP-Rocket-Box-copy-4.png\" alt=\"KDP Rocket Box copy\" height=\"274\" width=\"250\">\r\n                        \r\n                        <\/a>                    <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"cta-body col-md-8\" style=\"text-align:center;\">  \r\n                            <a class=\"cta-heading\" href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/click\/rocket-in-content\" alt=\"Get Rocket Now\">\r\n                            <h3>Best Book Marketing Software<\/h3>\r\n                            <\/a>\r\n                        \r\n            <p>Over 47,000+ authors, NYT bestsellers, and publishing companies use Publisher Rocket to gain key insight to the market.\u00a0<b>Help your book now<\/b><\/p>\n            <a class=\"offer-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/click\/rocket-in-content\" alt=\"Get Rocket Now\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\">Get Rocket Now<\/a>        <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pen-names-of-famous-authors\">Pen Names of Famous Authors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_pen_names\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">many successful authors<\/a> who write behind famous pseudonyms. Some of the most famous pen names are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>J.K. Rowling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dr. Seuss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stan Lee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Richard Bachman<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lee Child<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mark Twain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Bront\u00eb sisters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>George Orwell<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mary Westmacott<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>George Eliot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>J.D. Robb<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lewis Carroll<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lemony Snicket<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">J.K. Rowling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> Joanne Rowling<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why she uses a pen name:<\/strong> Her publisher wanted to disguise that she was a woman so her books would appeal to boys as well as girls. She doesn't have a middle name, so she chose \u201cK\u201d from Kathleen, her grandmother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jkrowling.com\/writing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Famous Works<\/a>:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The <em>Harry Potter<\/em> series and various additional works in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (1997-2018, plus future unpublished works)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>The Casual Vacancy<\/em> (2012)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>The Cormoran Strike<\/em> series (by Robert Galbraith, 2013-2020)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional Pen Names Used:<\/strong> Robert Galbraith<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dr. Seuss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> Theodore Seuss Geisel<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why he used a pen name:<\/strong> Geisel was banned as editor-in-chief from a magazine for drinking during Prohibition, so he wrote under the alias \u201cSeuss\u201d. He added \u201cDr.\u201d for his father, who had hoped he would get his Ph.D., though he dropped out before finishing his education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dr._Seuss_bibliography\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Famous Works<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>Horton Hears a Who!<\/em> (1954)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>The Cat in the Hat<\/em> (1957)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Green Eggs and Ham<\/em> (1960)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>The Lorax<\/em> (1971)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional Pen Names Used:<\/strong> Theo LeSieg and Rosetta Stone<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=What+do+Harry+Potter%2C+Jack+Reacher+and+the+Lorax+have+in+common%3F+Successful+pen+names.+They+work...if+chosen+correctly+%23selfpub+%23bookmarket+%23amwriting+&url=https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/how-to-choose-a-pen-name\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What do Harry Potter, Jack Reacher, and the Lorax have in common? Successful pen names. They work&#8230;if chosen correctly<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<p>[tweet &#8220;What do Harry Potter, Jack Reacher and the Lorax have in common? Successful pen names. They work&#8230;if chosen correctly #selfpub #bookmarket #amwriting&#8221;]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stan Lee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> Stanley Martin Lieber<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why he used a pen name:<\/strong> Lieber wanted to save his real name for his more serious literary work, so he used <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marvel.com\/comics\/discover\/546\/stan-lee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stan Lee<\/a> for the \u201ckid stuff\u201d. After achieving worldwide recognition for his comic books, he legally changed his name to Stan Lee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Famous Works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>Captain America<\/em> (1941)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Spider-Man<\/em> (1962)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>The Incredible Hulk<\/em> <span style=\"font-size: inherit;\">(1962)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Richard Bachman<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> Stephen King<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why he used a pen name:<\/strong> Horror novelist Stephen King wrote as Stephen Bachman for 8 years early in his career. He says he made the decision because it was not considered \u201cacceptable\u201d in the publishing world at that time to release more than one book per year \u2014 but he had more to write.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After creating a rich backstory for the writer of his pseudonymous novels, King chose to <a href=\"https:\/\/litreactor.com\/columns\/low-rage-and-simmering-despair-the-life-and-death-of-richard-bachman\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">stop writing as Bachman<\/a> when the alias was revealed to be a nom de plume. While the name has not been used since the 1980s, critics still marvel at the unique writing styles of the Richard Bachman pen name compared to novels attributed to Stephen King.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Famous Works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>Rage<\/em> (1977)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Thinner<\/em> (1984)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lee Child<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> James \u201cJim\u201d D. Grant<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How he chose his pen name: <\/strong>Grant heard an American mispronounce the car <a href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Renault_5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Le Car<\/a> by Renault as \u201cLee Car\u201d. Anything \u201clee\u201d became a joke in his family. His daughter, Ruth, was \u201clee child.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jackreacher.com\/us\/books\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Famous Works<\/a>:<\/strong> <em>Jack Reacher<\/em> thriller novel series (1997-2020)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mark Twain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> Samuel Clemens<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How he chose his pen name: <\/strong>Samuel Clemens was a licensed river pilot by trade. \u201cMark twain\u201d is a river term that means two fathoms (or 12 feet), when water depth for a boat is being sounded. \u201cMark twain\u201d means it is safe to navigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cmgww.com\/historic\/twain\/writings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Famous Works<\/a>:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>The Adventures of Tom Sawyer<\/em> (1876)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn<\/em> (1884)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bront\u00eb Sisters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Names:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bronte.org.uk\/the-brontes-and-haworth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bront\u00eb<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why they used pen names:<\/strong> The three Bront\u00eb sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, feared their literary works with obviously feminine names wouldn\u2019t attract readers. Instead, they chose the gender-neutral pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell (respectively). Today, the sisters are famously known for their real names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Famous Works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>Jane Eyre<\/em> (by Charlotte Bront\u00eb, 1847)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Wuthering Heights<\/em> (by Emily Bront\u00eb, 1847)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>The Tenant of Wildfell Hall<\/em> (by Anne Bront\u00eb, 1848)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">George Orwell<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> Eric Blair<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why he used a pen name:<\/strong> Blair wanted to protect his family from the embarrassment of their time living in poverty. He <a href=\"https:\/\/penguin.co.in\/5-must-read-george-orwell-books\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chose George Orwell<\/a> as a \u201cgood round English name\u201d by which to publish his dystopian bestsellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Famous Works:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>Animal Farm<\/em> (1945)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Nineteen Eighty-Four<\/em> (1949)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mary Westmacott<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agathachristie.com\/stories\/mary-westmacott\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Agatha Christie<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why she used a pen name:<\/strong> Agatha Christie, already a famous author of Murder on the Orient Express (1934), used the pen name Mary Westmacott when she made the genre switch from crime and mystery to romance novels. Her Westmacott books include 6 semi-autobiographical books with a tragic and psychological take on the facets of love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Famous Works:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>Giant\u2019s Bread<\/em> (1930)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>The Rose and the Yew Tree<\/em> (1947)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">George Eliot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> Mary Ann Evans<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why she used a pen name:<\/strong> Like many female authors of the time, Evans chose a male pen name, in part, to conceal that she was a woman. However, \u201cGeorge Eliot\u201d <a href=\"http:\/\/writersinspire.org\/content\/george-eliot-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">was also a cover<\/a> for her unconventional lifestyle: an unmarried woman living with a married man (whose first name was also George).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eliot is highly regarded as one of the most influential novelists of the Victorian era. According to The Encyclopedia Britannica, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/George-Eliot\/Major-works\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">he is credited with<\/a> developing \u201cthe method of psychological analysis characteristic of modern fiction\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Famous Works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>The Mill on the Floss<\/em> (1860)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Silas Marner<\/em> (1861)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Middlemarch<\/em> (1871)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">J.D. Robb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> Nora Roberts<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why she uses a pen name:<\/strong> Roberts is a <em>New York Times<\/em> bestselling author under her given name, but uses the pen name J.D. Robb for her suspenseful romance \u201cIn Death\u201d series and science fiction police procedurals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Famous Works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>Naked in Death<\/em> (1995)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Mirror, Mirror (Taken in Death)<\/em> (2013)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional Pen Names Used: Jill March and Sarah Hardesty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lewis Carroll<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> Charles Lutwidge Dodgson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How he chose his pen name:<\/strong> Dodgson, a respected mathematics lecturer at Oxford, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.umd.edu\/alice150\/lewis-carroll\/about-lewis-carroll\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chose the pen name<\/a> Lewis Carroll for his romance and children\u2019s works. He first translated his first and middle names to Latin (Carolus Ludovicus), then reversed the order and re-translated them to English, resulting in his chosen pseudonym.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Famous Works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland<\/em> (1865)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Through the Looking Glass<\/em> (1871)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lemony Snicket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Daniel-Handler\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Handler<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why he uses a pen name:<\/strong> Lemony Snicket was the made-up name Handler used to request materials for an early book project when he wanted to protect his true identity from the organization. He reused the name for his pseudonymous Unfortunate Events series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Snicket became both author and morose narrator for the series, while Daniel appeared \u201con his behalf\u201d at book events, encouraging readers not to read the works with \u201cunhappy beginnings, middles, and ends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Famous Works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>A Series of Unfortunate Events<\/em> series (1999-2006)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-choose-a-pen-name-step-by-step\">How to Choose a Pen Name [Step by Step]<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When selecting a pen name, I would first remember the huge marketing value a pen name holds (particularly in the era of Amazon and Google search).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my experience, and from working with many other authors, I can say that the pseudonym you use for your writing can have a large impact on your book and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.janefriedman.com\/author-platform-definition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">your platform<\/a> because it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Can become the domain name of your website<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stares your reader in the face on your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/book-cover-typography-font\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">book cover<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can impact whether your readers easily remember you as an author or simply remember the names of your books<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In essence, your pen name is your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/protecting-monitoring-author-brand\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">author brand<\/a><\/strong>. I recommend you choose a pen name that evokes the right emotions for your target audience, is easy to remember, and doesn\u2019t resemble another author.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To choose a pen name:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Identify the right age for your pseudonym<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose options that fit your literary genre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the availability of your pen name\u2019s URL and social media handles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose a name that\u2019s easy to spell, pronounce, and remember<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure your pen name isn\u2019t similar or identical to another author\u2019s<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-identify-the-right-age-for-your-pseudonym\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f7782d\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Step 1<\/mark>: Identify the Right Age For Your Pseudonym<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I find the age of a writer plays a huge role in the psyche of the readers. If you are writing an instructional book targeted at middle-aged adults, it isn\u2019t a good idea to choose a name that sounds like it belongs to a 21-year-old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A name that sounds younger than your target readers is a fast way to kill a book project before you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Pro tip: Once you know the age of your ideal reader, use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.babycenter.com\/babyNameYears.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BabyCenter<\/a> to find the list of top baby names from your pseudonym\u2019s birth year. Their lists of top baby names by year go all the way back to 1880 (although you\u2019re probably not going to pretend to be a 141-year-old author).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s okay to pick a name a few years older than your target audience in most cases. Try to avoid sounding younger, if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s say, for instance, your target audience is 35-year-old females. You\u2019d like to select the name of a woman of about 40 (born around 1981).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, people choose two first names for a full pen name. For female names, a male first name can also serve as a great last name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"644\" height=\"798\" src=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ezgif.com-gif-maker.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ezgif.com-gif-maker.png 644w, https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ezgif.com-gif-maker-242x300.png 242w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 644px) 100vw, 644px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Using this list from BabyCenter, we can come up with age-appropriate pen names like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Tiffany Michelle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elizabeth Daniel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rebecca Nicole<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-choose-options-that-fit-your-literary-genre\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f7782d\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Step 2<\/mark>: Choose Options That Fit Your Literary Genre<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Names evoke emotion. The very structure and sound of a name might bring to mind anything from sci-fi adventures to erotic romance novels and anything in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A great real-life example of this is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/entertainment\/books\/the-pen-name-is-mightier-20120119-1q72m.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">author Ali Knight<\/a>, who changed her name to match her genre. Her real name, Alison Potter, felt too close to children\u2019s author Beatrix Potter (of <em>The Tales of Peter Rabbit<\/em>) and the fantastical tone of the Harry Potter series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Ali\u2019s publishers requested she change her name before her first book was published, they chose a name more sensible to the thriller genre. She needed something that was risky and dangerous \u2014 like her books. Ali Knight sounds much more fitting, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When choosing your author pen name, consider whether or not it fits with your genre. If you aren\u2019t sure, check the other books in your genre and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/how-to-choose-the-best-kindle-ebook-kdp-category\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">category<\/a><\/strong> on Amazon and ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Are there similarities to names in this genre?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do the authors more often use initials or fully spelled-out names?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are the author names primarily male, female, or a mix?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do the names feel simplistic and basic, like \u201cChristina Stone,\u201d or fantastical, like \u201cLemony Snicket\u201d?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As an author who understands your target market and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/replicate-author-competition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">your competition<\/a><\/strong>, you\u2019ll more easily be able to come up with a pen name that fits the vibe and makes sense to your readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=%27Allison+Potter%27+vs+%27Ali+Knight%27+for+a+thriller+author...a+perfect+pen+name+example.+What+author+name+will+jive+with+Your+readers%3F+%23amwriting+%23bookmarket&url=https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/how-to-choose-a-pen-name\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8216;Allison Potter' vs &#8216;Ali Knight' for a thriller author&#8230;a perfect pen name example. What author name will jive with your readers?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<p>[tweet &#8220;&#8216;Allison Potter' vs &#8216;Ali Knight' for a thriller author&#8230;a perfect pen name example. What author name will jive with Your readers? #amwriting #bookmarket&#8221;]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-check-your-pen-name-s-url-and-social-media-handles\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f48220\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Step 3<\/mark>: Check Your Pen Name\u2019s URL and Social Media Handles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To <a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/list-sites-promote-free-amazon-books\/\">promote your book<\/a>, you\u2019ll probably want to own the internet domain and social media handles for your pen name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may or may not intend to brand your pen name or write more books under it. However, if your book takes off and you want to pursue it, it will help if your name\u2019s domain is already yours. Otherwise, you will be stuck with a second-rate URL or have to pay a boatload of money to get your name\u2019s URL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before picking your pen name, <a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/click\/siteground-domains\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">go to Siteground<\/a> and check if the domain name is available. This one step could save you a lot of heartache in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To find if a domain is available using Siteground:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Type the pen name you're considering into the domain search bar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change the extension if you\u2019d like to try something other than a .com. (In the last few years, as .com sites have become harder to find, there has been a surge in popularity for new extensions.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click \u2018Search'.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"430\" src=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-14-at-5.01.51-PM-1024x430.png\" alt=\"SiteGround homepage\" class=\"wp-image-18348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-14-at-5.01.51-PM-1024x430.png 1024w, https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-14-at-5.01.51-PM-300x126.png 300w, https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-14-at-5.01.51-PM-768x322.png 768w, https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-14-at-5.01.51-PM-1536x644.png 1536w, https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-14-at-5.01.51-PM-2048x859.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Siteground will tell you if that domain is available or give you alternative suggestions if it is already taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Domain squatters (cybersquatters) sometimes track search frequencies of URLs to snatch up domains they can turn around and sell for more. It\u2019s a good idea to be ready to purchase your chosen domain when you sit down to search, rather than searching for it several times over a period of weeks before buying.<\/em> <em>This unfortunately happened to me a number of years ago, where I was searching through a bunch of domain ideas over a few days, came back, and the one I was planning on buying had just been taken. It's unfortunately but it happens.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many domains are available for between $7 and $80 per year from domain providers <a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/click\/siteground-domains\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">like Siteground<\/a>. If someone else owns the domain, even if they aren\u2019t using it, it can cost upwards of $1,000 to procure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is that, if you own the copyrighted and\/or trademarked rights to a specific name, you may now <a href=\"https:\/\/www.godaddy.com\/garage\/what-is-domain-squatting-and-what-can-you-do-about-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">have legal rights<\/a> to a domain someone else purchased in bad faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You should also acquire the social media handles for your pen name.<\/strong> Consider signing up for the primary social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) with your pen name as soon as you can, even if you wait until later to use the accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-choose-a-name-that-s-easy-to-spell-pronounce-and-remember\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f7782d\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Step 4<\/mark>: Choose a Name That\u2019s Easy to Spell, Pronounce, and Remember<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Try to choose a pen name that uses a simple and\/or familiar spelling, is not difficult to pronounce, and is likely to be remembered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This isn\u2019t a shot at all those difficult names out there, but understand that someone is more likely to remember you if your name is something that sticks out and is not too hard to spell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just imagine your fan struggling to remember your pen name. \u201cOh, what was it?\u201d they say, scratching their head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or, worse, it's a name they can\u2019t even begin to spell. How will they ever search and find you on Google or Amazon?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A few rules of thumb for choosing an easy-to-understand pen name:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>If you\u2019re picking a common name, such as Ashley, be very careful about going with an alternate spelling, like Ashleigh, just because you think it looks nice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Say the pen name out loud. Now, ask 5 of your friends to say it out loud. Did they all pronounce it the same way? Did any of them stumble over the pronunciation?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Try not to pick a name so common that it\u2019s forgettable. Ashley Nicole is a pleasant-sounding name, but it\u2019s so common among millennial women that it might be easily forgotten.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider using <a href=\"https:\/\/literaryterms.net\/alliteration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">alliteration<\/a>, initials, or making up a creative name (if it fits with your genre). After all, no one has ever forgotten the name Lemony Snicket after hearing it once \u2014 it\u2019s even easy to spell!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-5-make-sure-your-pen-name-isn-t-similar-or-identical-to-another-author-s\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f7782d\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Step 5<\/mark>: Make Sure Your Pen Name Isn\u2019t Similar or Identical to Another Author\u2019s<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Beware of choosing a pseudonym that's similar to a famous author, person, or character. <strong>Leeching off someone else's fame is not a good tactic.<\/strong> More than likely, you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Won\u2019t get your author name URL,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Might get into hot water with the famous person, and\/or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It will be nearly impossible to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/amazon-kindle-rankings-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rank on Amazon<\/a> <\/strong>or Google for your name<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>People who search for you will have to go through pages and pages about the famous person before they can even find your work or website. Having a name that's close to someone else who is more popular than you can be a real killer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also search the United States Patent and Trademark Office\u2019s <a href=\"http:\/\/tmsearch.uspto.gov\/bin\/gate.exe?f=tess&state=4808:jkrl73.1.1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Trademark Electronic Search System<\/a> (TESS) for any existing trademarks using the name you want to use. Using someone else\u2019s registered trademark will earn you a fast cease-and-desist letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you choose a pen name, do a Google search and look through the results. When I do this for \u201cDave Chesson,\u201d it turns out there is a famous skateboarder in the UK who has the same name. Luckily, he isn\u2019t uber-famous \u2014 or else we would be in major competition for Google space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re safe on Amazon since he hasn't <a href=\"https:\/\/goinswriter.com\/tips-writing-book\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">written a book<\/a>. Hopefully, he doesn't get mad at me for overtaking the \u201cDave Chesson\u201d search\u2026 sorry, bro!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You should also say the name out loud to make sure it doesn\u2019t sound like another famous author\u2019s (or another famous person\u2019s) name.<\/strong> Mark T. Wayne may not belong to another author, but it sounds a whole lot like \u201cMark Twain\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-extra-choosing-a-profile-picture-for-your-pen-name\">EXTRA: Choosing a Profile Picture For Your Pen Name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a profile picture for your pen name can be tricky.  You might not want to use your own picture or else that defeats the point of choosing a pen name. Furthermore, you don't want to just grab someone else's image and use because that could be illegal.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some authors will just purchase a stock image of someone using <a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/click\/depositphotos\">DepositPhotos<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/click\/ShuttterStock\">ShutterStock<\/a>.  However, it's usually obvious that an image is a stock photo image of someone and is usually a clear sign of being a fake.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how do we create a unique, authentic pen name image for our author that doesn't look fake or is illegal?  By using A.I. generate image at <a href=\"https:\/\/generated.photos\/faces\/\">Generated.photos\/faces<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using this, you can select: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Age<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gender<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skin tone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hair and eye color<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<center><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Pen-name-author-profile-picture.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18763\" width=\"678\" height=\"303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Pen-name-author-profile-picture.png 802w, https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Pen-name-author-profile-picture-300x134.png 300w, https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Pen-name-author-profile-picture-768x343.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 678px) 100vw, 678px\" \/><\/figure><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, while they offer a free version, those free versions can't be used commercially and you must provide a link to them for using it.  Therefore, the free version isn't the right choice.  Instead, you'll need to pay their $20 month subscription (I'd recommend only using once and then cancelling).  This way, you can use it on your Amazon author page, website, social media, etc. and have no problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-best-pen-name-generators-including-anagram-makers\">The Best Pen Name Generators (Including Anagram Makers)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Still not set on a good pen name? Try a pseudonym generator or anagram name maker below to create cool pen names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Pen Name Generator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we list out all the other great generators out there, I want to call your attention to our own pen name generator, which lets you choose a pen name based on a series of possible genres. It's a fun little exersize to get your creative juices flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, we've specifically put together names that work for each genre, so you know they will <em>feel<\/em> appropriate for that genre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<center><a class=\"buy-button\" href=\"https:\/\/app.monstercampaigns.com\/c\/qsnykevudykxl4k2ixrv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Download the Pen Name Generator Here!<\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Pen Name Generators<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A pen name generator is a piece of software that randomly goes through a database and finds legitimate-sounding names. If you used the steps above, you likely have a first name in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it can be difficult to figure out an interesting last name that doesn't scream \u201cI'm a fake\u201d. This is where a pen name generator can come into play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One that I like is the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fakenamegenerator.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fake Name Generator<\/a>. This pseudonym generator is above and beyond any other. Not only will it generate legitimate names, but it will also create a real address, phone number, occupation, and even a fake credit card number so you can give your new persona supporting context and a backstory, if you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Fake Name Generator is one of the only pen name generators that lets you specify gender and culture. How about them apples?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 44%; position: relative;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"giphy-embed\" style=\"position: absolute;\" src=\"https:\/\/giphy.com\/embed\/jfsaMQr3GNkKk\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to try more alias name generators, choose from the list below one that best fits your genre and needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.reedsy.com\/pen-name-generator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Reedsy\u2019s Pen Name Generator<\/a> \u2014 Pick a first letter, gender (or neutral), and spoken language to find a fun author pen name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.name-generator.org.uk\/pen-name\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Masterpiece Pen Name Generator<\/a> \u2013 Get a list of pen name ideas after adding details and fun words from a few prompts. Masterpiece will give you multiple options by literary genre based on your answers. You can even choose zombie, vampire, or wizard names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantasynamegenerators.com\/victorian-names.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fantasy Name Generator<\/a> \u2013&nbsp; This massive name generator has hundreds of types of fake names to choose from, whether you need a Victorian-era name or want to sound like one of the Marvel Eternals. Hover over the name types on the top menu, select a name generator, and then generate 10 random male or female names at one time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seventhsanctum.com\/generate.php?Genname=evilnamer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Evil Name Generator<\/a> \u2013 This creative tool gives random creepy names for all your evil naming needs. (This one is also great for coming up with fantasy or sci-fi character names, including for monsters and beasts.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, some writers like pen names that use the letters of a word, sentence, phrase, or name to create a pen name with hidden meaning. An anagram maker makes this super easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I like this pen name generator <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcode.fr\/anagram-generator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">anagram tool<\/a> because it lets you customize more and gave better results than the other anagram makers I tried. The results were actually really cool. The letters from David Chesson can be turned into:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Edison Chad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vance Sho<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Issac Devon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vince Ash<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Denis Vasco<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Noah Vic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neo Issac<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sho Davis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A similar tool, <a href=\"http:\/\/ingesanagram.appspot.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Igne's Anagram Generator<\/a>, used the letters from \u201cJonathan Blackwood\u201d to generate names like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Janna Woodblock<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Honda Bowjack<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jakob Landon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Landon Jackboot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jacob Landown<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dalton Johan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kahn Tojo Waldon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jonah Town<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joanna Wonk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Johan Walton<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"offer-box\">We've also got our own pen name generator that you can download for FREE and brainstorm ideas for your pen name. It includes genre-specific names.<center><a class=\"offer-button-box\" href=\"https:\/\/app.monstercampaigns.com\/c\/qsnykevudykxl4k2ixrv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Get it Here<\/a><\/center><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you call it a pen name generator, an alias generator, a fake name generator, a pseudonym generator, or an anagram maker, these tools can help you come up with a pen name that makes both you and your readers happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n<section class=\"standard-cta testimonial\" id=\"cta-block_60a2bb2c1823a\">\r\n    <div class=\"cta-inner row\">\r\n                    <div class=\"cta-media col-md-4\">\r\n                                    <div class=\"cta-media-inner\">\r\n                    \r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/click\/keyword-course\" alt=\"Click here to Sign Up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\">                        \r\n                                                    <i class=\"fa fa-play\"><\/i>\r\n                        \r\n                        \r\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Final-Course-Thumbnail-copy.png\" alt=\"mailerlite course ad\" height=\"420\" width=\"760\">\r\n                        \r\n                        <\/a>                    <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"cta-body col-md-8\" style=\"text-align:center;\">  \r\n                            <a class=\"cta-heading\" href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/click\/keyword-course\" alt=\"Click here to Sign Up\">\r\n                            <h3>Get Your Book Discovered<\/h3>\r\n                            <\/a>\r\n                        \r\n            <p>Look over my shoulder as I show you how to select the best keywords and categories so you\u2019ll make more sales.<\/p>\n            <a class=\"offer-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/click\/keyword-course\" alt=\"Click here to Sign Up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\">Click here to Sign Up<\/a>        <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-properly-copyright-and-use-a-pen-name\">How to Properly Copyright and Use a Pen Name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a great pen name to use for your books, poems, or short stories is the hardest part of this process (I promise!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To properly choose, copyright, and use a pen name:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Do all of your research<\/strong> using the 5 steps above, ensuring that you\u2019re not choosing another well-known person\u2019s name. (Just a note: While it\u2019s okay to choose a pen name of a different gender, it\u2019s not as acceptable to choose a name specific to a different ethnicity than your own. There\u2019s no point in unnecessarily offending potential readers.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Purchase URLs and secure social media handles<\/strong> for your pen name.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legally set up a business using your pen name<\/strong>, especially if you plan to open bank accounts or other accounts using your pen name. Most authors choose sole proprietorship or LLCs, but you should discuss this with your financial advisor and attorney before proceeding to make sure you\u2019re doing what\u2019s best in your specific situation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Apply for a Fictitious Business Name Statement (FBN Statement)<\/strong> if you plan to receive payments under your pen name. This is a type of DBA (doing business as) statement. Some places in the US require you to have a qualifying word, like \u201cbooks\u201d or \u201cpublications\u201d after your name when setting up an FBN Statement. These registration websites differ by state. (Amazon will make payments to the account owner name of your KDP account, so if you\u2019re only selling on Amazon, this may not be necessary.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inform your agent and publisher<\/strong> of your real name for contracts and tax purposes, if possible. (There are a few exceptions to this rule \u2014 you can sign contracts with a pen name \u2014 but using your real name for official purposes makes things easier in most cases.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use your pen name on your <a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/book-copyright-page-examples-ebook\/\">book cover and copyright<\/a> notice<\/strong> (like this: \u00a9 2017 [your pen name]).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Register the copyright for your work <\/strong>under your real name and\/or your pen name. There are drawbacks to using only your pseudonym. In particular, it\u2019s harder to prove your ownership of the work with a pen name only \u2014 plus, it reduces the amount of time your copyright will be in effect. Attorney Helen Sedwick <a href=\"https:\/\/www.janefriedman.com\/choose-set-pen-name\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">says<\/a>, \u201cI recommend that authors register their pseudonymous works under both their real names and pen names. This creates a permanent record of ownership, and few readers are going to research copyright records and find out the author\u2019s real name.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Trademark a Pen Name?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it's uncommon for pen names to be trademarked, it is actually possible, unlike real names which cannot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Authors, therefore, have to be careful when selecting a pen name to look up trademarks to make sure that pen name is not already protected by law. You can search through your local government's trademark listing to ensure it's safe. Here are the links for the US, UK, and Canada:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspto.gov\/trademarks\/search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">US Trademark Search<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search-for-trademark\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UK Trademark Search<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ic.gc.ca\/app\/opic-cipo\/trdmrks\/srch\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Canada Trademark Search<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do You Trademark a Pen Name?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you'd like to trademark your own pen name, you will need to prove that the name has &#8220;secondary meaning&#8221;, which means that it is part of a unique brand used specifically in marketing and business. It helps if the name is recognizable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example: J. K. Rowling is a trademarked name owned by Joanne Rowling. While you definitely don't need to be as popular as her, you should have an established brand before you register a trademark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also note that while you can't copyright\/trademark your real name,<strong> people can sue for identity theft.<\/strong> For example, if I decided my pen name was Stephen King, you can bet that I would hear from his lawyers about it, even though Stephen King cannot trademark his own name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-create-a-pen-name-in-kdp\">How to Create a Pen Name in KDP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you finally choose a pen name, make sure you have it set up correctly in KDP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To set up your pen name in Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for Amazon book sales:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/kdp.amazon.com\/en_US\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">KDP website<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select a book already uploaded to your account or start the process of adding a new book.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter your chosen pen name in the author First and Last Name fields.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Press \u201cSave and Continue\u201d and finish publishing your book to KDP.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Because you entered the name within your KDP author account, which is under your legal name, Amazon knows you\u2019re the true owner of your book. There should be no legal concerns of someone with the same name claiming authorship or any other legal standing for your book with Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Amazon will make payments to the name listed on your KDP account, not your pen name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will also be taxed via your KDP account with your legal name. If your KDP is used to publish books by multiple authors, you will be responsible for ensuring they cover the taxes for their books \u2014 and that you pay them what they\u2019re owed for their book sales. Pen names won\u2019t help get you out of your dues to Uncle Sam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch the video below to see how to set up a pen name in your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/amazon-author-central-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amazon author account<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Create a Pen Name in Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1xkYM-jl-hw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Want more videos like this? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/kindlepreneur\/?sub_confirmation=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Subscribe<\/a> to my YouTube channel!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">So, What\u2019s Your Pen Name?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, there are many steps that go into choosing a pseudonym.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A pen name shouldn\u2019t be something you carelessly decide because it can be an important part of marketing your book. Pen names can be your brand and your identity \u2014 and once you've established that brand, it can be costly to erase and restart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose wisely using the tactics and criteria listed above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Did the pen name generators give you any perfect or terrible pseudonyms? What about our <a href=\"https:\/\/app.monstercampaigns.com\/c\/qsnykevudykxl4k2ixrv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">pen name generator<\/a>? Let me know your results in the comments below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cheers,<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"45\" src=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Dave-Signature.png\" alt=\"Dave-Signature\" class=\"wp-image-383\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don\u2019t know how to choose a pen name? Want some famous author pen names? Need tips for how to copyright your pen name? Learn more here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":16967,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3887],"tags":[3895],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.9 (Yoast SEO v22.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Come Up With a Pen Name in 2024 (+ a Pen Name Generator)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Don\u2019t know how to choose a pen name? Want some famous author pen names? Need tips for how to copyright your pen name? Learn more here.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/kindlepreneur.com\/how-to-choose-a-pen-name\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Come Up With a Pen Name in 2024 (+ a Pen Name Generator)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Don\u2019t know how to choose a pen name? Want some famous author pen names? Need tips for how to copyright your pen name? 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