Pros & Cons of Writing Under A Pen Name

Why do some writers choose to write under a pen name? What are the pros and cons of writing under a pen name? I also have a few "neutral" reasons that are a bit sticky, like obscuring your gender or cultural identity.
Warning! If you own an Amazon Echo, this video WILL set it off. Sorry! XD
Choosing to use a pen name is 100% personal, and these are only some reasons/examples of why it might work for you.
Why I chose to use a pen name: • Why I Chose To Use A P...
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[@TulilaSalome]

Imagine being called Evangeline Starr and not wanting to write romance.

[@odd-eyes9463]

I write Gothic Romance and Dark Fantasy. My middle names are Serenity Steadman. So, if I wanted to write historical romance I would and use that... but... I love Vampires and the paranormal to much.

[@bubblegum2741]

I just got flashbacks to the Princess and the Frog. Not bad flashbacks, though

[@YeeYee-cg9iy]

Evangeline Starr would be a really cute fantasy pen name though. And I personally like when the author name kinda conflicts the type of stories they write lol

[@tilbynoir8929]

I use a pen name because my real name is the same as a hardcore erotica author, and I write mostly YA.

[@Speakeeezzy]

Same! My friends and family think it's hilarious and like to rib my by insisting I'm actually the erotica author.

[@alannothnagle]

Ha ha! Here's a story for you: A friend of mine uses a pen name for her charming self-published romance novels. When I googled it a while back to see how her career was advancing, I was taken aback to discover that her pen name is also the pseudonym of an American porn star. There were pages and pages on the star, and I soon gave up looking for any hits about my poor friend. Moral of the story: Always research your pen name before you commit to it!

[@meandmybobbygee1812]

Lol

[@malhalewell6846]

Tilby Noir Mood

[@coreyklaustermeier7329]

I’ll probably use a pen name just because my last name is too long to put on book covers

[@jeff6413]

S.E. Hinton obscured her gender with her pen name. It was based off her real name Susan Eloise, but it was a long time ago and sadly she felt like she had to. She also wrote "The Outsiders" when she was only 17, so I think she also tried to hide her age.

[@beck242]

holy fuck dude, this shocked me to my core, i've always thought S.E. Hinton was a man! and i read The Outsiders in 7th grade english class, but for some reason my teacher never said Hinton was a woman. i suspect he didn't even know the gender of the author and instead assumed S.E. Hinton was a man. crazy

[@ExtremeDadDRAMA]

becca lou what state?

[@paulapoetry]

I loved That Was Then, This Is Now. I knew she was a she, and very young, when first published. I never knew her real first name, though. I love it, especially Eloise. I wish she'd used her real name, in a way - with the middle name. 😃💝

[@wk3820]

One of the early legends of sci-fi did the same, C. L. Moore. Her real name was Catherine Moore, and she was married to another legendary sci-fi writer, Henry Kuttner.

[@springcampbell2395]

I am going to read “The Outsiders” soon.

[@julianfantasia9033]

I want to write fantasy, and I think my real name “Aaron J. Fantasia” is almost _excessively_ appropriate. It almost feels tacky. If I were picking for myself I would probably never pick something so intense.

[@DhampirParadox]

AJ Fantasia Maybe just use your full middle name as well, that way your surname won’t stand out as much. Cool surname btw. :)

[@rafaelpalma4963]

its quirky but its dope though. A. J. Fantasia. thats sounds awesome

[@jessedaniels4494]

That is too perfect. Though dope name though my name is mega boring

[@TheDorianTube]

Feels like something I would pick up the shelf just for the name lol

[@bubblefish4597]

I'm not sure whether I would skip that book for the tacky name or pick it up for the cool name. But I don't normally look at names, so you're safe.

[@nickyarsenik]

you made my amazon echo go crazy with the amount of times you said "alexa" lol

[@AmethystWoman]

Yup. You never know what will happen to the pen name you choose AFTER you choose it. Alexa got way way more common. Have you seen the SNL version of Alexa fir seniors? Quite funny (btw, I'm a quasi senior.)

[@saffirechanning7286]

OMG. your above post made me LAUGH so hard!

[@izunshirucreepercat3732]

Alexa, play despacito

[@keeshlon]

😄

[@randomhumanbeing4288]

Another pro is, if you’re using the narrator in the story. A good example is Lemony Snicket. It added a whole extra layer to the books, knowing that there was a reason he was following their story. It can be super interesting too add that into your books.

[@Ivory.Beaa111]

jiminy cricket!

[@mudkipjuice]

As a trans person I can confirm that parents feeling insulted that you would change your name is not a far-fetched concept lol

[@billgoobinhoffer4705]

Nitewulf they might just be upset bc you are confused as to what gender u are. Biology is biology. I wish u the best.

[@AmethystWoman]

@@billgoobinhoffer4705 because you said this supposedly under your real name, just having this comment possibly come up in Google is a great reason for you to use a penname unless the maga/alt right is exclusively your audience. (Even years from now when this comment makes you look dumb.) I would NEVER read a book by anyone I knew thought this way. Yes, what you post everywhere becomes part of you are as an author and bamm, years ago (or recently!) you said something that now hurts sales. Yes indeed, careful what you say online under your real name if you ever want to do something with your life that involves the rational public. And I think you are being facetious when you wish them the best or you wouldn't have said what you did. That's not pretty either. Your career.

[@AmethystWoman]

@@horrehbarn6632 what? People like to think they are trans when they are not? Are you in high school perhaps? Real world. Um, no.

[@billgoobinhoffer4705]

AmethystWoman no I’m not being facetious when I wish them well. I genuinely wish ppl well. Just because I disagree with someone doesn’t mean I don’t like them. I love and appreciate everyone. Also, there are many things that do come up when u google my name. Many intolerant people on the left want to smear ppl who disagree with them. I wish more ppl were as tolerant as me.

[@AmethystWoman]

@@billgoobinhoffer4705 yeah, "tolerant" was the giveaway. When you live in Florida, you tolerate roaches, cause you will have them. We don't "tolerate" human beings and call that love. I was referring to you saying confused about their gender. Maybe time to educate yourself if you want to be who you think you are. Anyway. I love my trans friends and glad they have found true happiness. And there but for the grace of god go I. Truly, what would you do if you were born in a female body and think and feel exactly as you do. It's as simple as that. Not hard to imagine you might want surgery too to be who you feel you are.

[@Digitalhunny]

I want to use my real name. But, my children have asked me not too. They are afraid that I will become famous & their friends will make fun of them?! That's a great compliment...I think?? LOL It's also as likely as hitting the lottery. *sigh "kids."

[@rivermay109]

thats so cute!

[@rebbiejoanthony5362]

That's a legitimate concern. Maybe you can use a variation on your real name that you don't use as often, and may not be as recognisable to their friends? For example, your whole first name if you usually use a nickname in real life. Or including your middle name, if not many people in your personal life know your middle name. Or your maiden name as your author "middle name" instead of your real one.

[@jasonyntig717]

But just don’t expect! Hehehe

[@user-dx4cc8sn1e]

But people will know you regardless, it’s just a matter of time that someone or company gives out your real name right…

[@kdnxnhdhdbfn2769]

My first name is Emily and my last name is almost Dickinson so nah... not gonna use that

[@platypuschallenger]

So your pan name will become Kdnxn Hdhdbfn

[@RashmikaLikesBooks]

That's SUCH a cool coincidence oh my gosh.

[@tonybounds1069]

Dick Dickinson is better. Problem solved.

[@karelhynekmacha6294]

What if your pen-name was a knowing wink to this? Many roller derby women and some punk rock musicians have names that pun and play off of famous names of authors, characters, movies, books, actors. How much cheese can you tolerate? I dunno: "Envy Dickenson", "Renegade Dickenson" , "Belle Starr Dickenson" ...

[@DrVVVinK]

@@karelhynekmacha6294 M.E Dix.

[@NicoleCamp88]

I am probably going to use a Pen name. I am writing Gay Romance Literature and work for a Catholic Hospital in a free to work state. I could be easily fired for writing it. For of those of you who think they won't they have fired people for working other jobs that they don't approve of.

[@tappkalina]

That's sad, actually.

[@AmethystWoman]

Sad and completely true. I know a woman who for years VOLUNTEERED and was hired to sing at charity events for Catholic charities. When the found out years later she was married to a woman, they fired her from raising money for them. So bizarre. At least they are consistent. And I guess proud to discriminate.

[@MizzGabrielle1987]

So sad

[@SylentONE]

Optics

[@sylvie_on]

Yaoi much?

[@ronniewilliford3449]

Now I have this uncontrollable desire to read a book called Brightly Burning. I need to buy a copy right now.

[@tealrose3248]

Ronnie Williford there's a Mercedes Lackey book of that title. But you'd do better to start at the start with her Valdemar stories.

[@maddiesiegmund5623]

I like writing AU/Sci-Fi, mostly have male protagonists and feel no need to identify as a woman. Szalay is the family name that died out in our branch and I want to incorporate it. I feel it is unusual but fits into the genre. It's also in honor of my grandfather who stood up to and was imprisoned by the Soviets, which fits a lot of my themes.

[@pigeon4511]

That's a really cool name!

[@neuralmute]

Considering that I've already legally changed my surname in order to sever all connection to a toxic branch of the family tree, and have used a number of stage names and other pseudonyms in years of performance as a burlesque dancer, fetish model, and work as a Professional Dominatrix, using a pen name just seems like the obvious choice to me! Why on earth should I allow just anyone to know my legal name?!?

[@KYNGA100]

My father is an asshole and I don't want ti be affiliated with him. It's perfectly okay to choose not to use your name, no one should tell you otherwise ;-)

[@MikeFrazee222]

Same here. I'm from a toxic family and gaslight is my father's favorite. He has attacked my writing and everything I wanted to do, since I was seven. He excepted me to be cutting up trees instead. Yeah, at seven.

[@odd-eyes9463]

Honey, write a Memoir. I'd read it.

[@fernandoleamshake7031]

It sounds like you wdre the problem

[@waypay1]

@Kranky. K! You must live in the city. 😂

[@absenceofcolour]

Happy to admit.... I'm really glad Leonardo Dicaprio didn't change his name for screen. His agent tried to make him, saying the name was too long and difficult to remember, but he refused. But I completely see your side, and agree maybe a pen name is better than using real name.

[@gatevibes]

I think you have a lot of great points here, Alexa! One thing that I've also heard as per actually CHOOSING a pen name is kind of interesting but I'm not sure how legit it realistically is. So I've heard that you may want to consider where your book would be shelved (in a library or store etc.). So, for example, if you're writing YA fantasy and you pick a last name starting with C, you'll be near Cassandra Clare and odds are, it's more likely readers who like YA fantasy already will find your book as well because its near a popular fantasy author's collection. What are your thoughts on this?

[@AmethystWoman]

Really interesting! Guess it would be the same for mysteries and bookstores who alphabetize

[@acep7415]

Oh wow I never even thought of this! That's an amazing concept. Though, I do wonder how many people are simply blind to anything they aren't looking for, like, say Cassandra Claire's books will 'jump off the shelf' at them because it's familiar, and as a result, skim past the surrounding books 🤔 (I know I've been guilty of this)

[@anwenm]

I hadn't thought of that at all; it's true I often check out books next to my favourite authors

[@kdandsheela]

Well if the market is fast moving or your book become popular enough to stay awhile the books around your name could change!

[@goodgrief888]

Wow, I never thought of that, but it’s super smart!

[@chelsisxr]

My real name is Chetachi. I’ve been going by Chelsea because my parents thought it’d be easier for me to assimilate into American culture (I’m Nigerian. Specifically Igbo.) and it has been but now I’m kinda just tired of it. Chetachi sounds cool anyways. I’m going by that from now on. (I’m sure no one cares but Cheta in Igbo mean “remember” and Chi means “God.”) Ah: I’m also 19

[@frankf1616]

I think you've got an awesome real name.

[@celisewillis]

Chetachi is a really cool name! There's a million Chelseas in the US anyway

[@aprilgosa5779]

JK Rowling was told to do that it wasn't exactly her idea

[@SylentONE]

It worked for her. She's a billionaire now

[@odd-eyes9463]

That's why I'm using J.S Taylor. It's easier than using my first name or my own middle names, which sound to romantic.

[@amanaakther2300]

I want to get a pen name because my books have erotica in them and I don´t want my religious parents to find out. Nor my siblings. Welp--

[@beck242]

my book will have pretty explicit/romantic sex scenes. my mother is religious but i won't publish a book without her knowledge because we are very close so i'm basically just gonna have to be like, "mom, i'm sorry...but you need to read this." kinda fearing that day 😬

[@PrismCasillica]

Exactly! The last thing I need is Aunt Hilda screaming at me for something new at Easter dinner 😂😂

[@odd-eyes9463]

@@beck242 how old are you? I wouldn't be afraid. Just talk it over with her.

[@hawwaayoob1910]

Same here. My book's not even in the romance genre. But my parents are VERY religious, and they're like: "you can't write fiction bcs you are actually telling a lie." I'm trying to understand if I can really keep it a secret. Like if I have a hardcover copy and a paperback of the same book, they're gonna suspect, right?

[@prafulag5838]

The cons didn't bother me much. I didn't have social media accounts with my real name so I would have had to start from scratch either ways :) I chose a pen name because well, firstly, I am a very private person and I wanted to protect my privacy, but also because in India it is usually quite easy to deduce someone's origin and economic status by knowing their last name... I don't know how it works in other parts of the world but last names can create a sense of community. So, I decided to get rid of my last name altogether. And btw, this was a great video

[@richardwadholm4019]

So, just a straight-up mechanical question - How do you submit under a pen name? How do you get paid? What name goes on the royalty check?

[@gewgulkansuhckitt9086]

I think she made it clear that with traditional publishing, the publisher has to know your real name. With self-publishing, I'm not sure of the mechanics of it. I asked the same question.

[@FantasyForay]

I don't know about other self publishing platforms, but I believe that in Amazon's KDP dashboard there is a place where you specify whether your by line is a pen name, and requires you to enter your legal name and info for paying you.

[@rulersreachfan243]

My last name is in that weird zone where its somewhat common but not 'mainstream' (for lack of a better word) and it's shared with famous children's author Jeff Kinney. I've had to tell countless people that I'm not related to him, as far as I know. So yeah. If I ever write a book, I'm gonna have to use a pen name.

[@lizlovescookies2689]

I relate! I write fantasy, and I really want to use my name. My name, though, while being pretty uncommon, is shared with Brandon Sanderson, one of the most famous sci-fi/fantasy authors out there. I'm really struggling with that because long before I even heard of him, I was imagining my name on the cover of my books. Ouch.

[@k-0316]

Always research your pen name before fully deciding on it. I had a pen name that happened to be really close (one letter off) from a superhero. It was a minor superhero that most people did not immediately think of when I used that name, but if you searched my pen name the superhero would pop up.

[@Mimiki203]

My last name is really common, also a sexual act and racial slur. So yeah. Pen name for me.

[@AmethystWoman]

Ugh. Yup. I'd almost change it irl.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Mimiki203 >>> I *HATE* to admit this, but I am *clueless.* But if you knew me personally, you WOULD NOT be SURPRISED...LOL

[@jasperdent4363]

@Kranky. K! LMFAO!

[@KathrynFaye007]

I've spent years cultivating my pseudonym and some people, including my full-time job, don't seem to know my real name. My agent actually asked why I chose a different name, and I told her I didn't want to be asked if I was related to another big name author. Plus, I write romance.

[@Kikilang60]

I have a friend who's last name is "Starr", and her first name is Scarlet. She doesn't write.

[@Kikilang60]

There was a writer named "Rob Dyke". He changed his name.

[@AnnaMae41194]

I've had that weird moment when someone calls me by a different name. I use my middle name almost everywhere online, because I like the way it sounds more and I think it gives people who don't know me in person a better view of who I am (just by how it sounds) but my name is Tori (not victoria, Tori) and since I go by AnnaMae online almost everywhere I kinda forget that some people don't know my name isn't Tori... long story short I got a free commission from a friend of mine who mentioned me in her comments as Anna and I'm just like "Who in the flying fu -Oh, it's me... nevermind." This is part of why I've decided long ago to pay homage to my middle name that I love while making a short and sweet and easy name to pronounce and say. T A Mae.

[@victoriagarciacolombo9678]

In spanish that is pronounced basically "aunt Mae". I love it.

[@AnnaMae41194]

@@victoriagarciacolombo9678 lol I'm actually puerto Rican so it works

[@marinewauquier8630]

That's great, I've actually been thinking about using a pen name a lot recently, because my name is more and more politically connoted in France (i'm french) (first name = leader of far-right wing ; last name = leader of right wing) and you cannot control what the reader might think when they read your name on the shelf, and my name might hurt my career

[@sashacat936]

Damn, I'm french and see where you're coming from! I see you wrote this comment 3 years ago, have you made a decision since ?

[@mollyrosen2573]

I want to use a pen name for my memoir (yes I know your opinion of those) to protect the guilty. Basically I don't want my mother to be humiliated publicly.

[@GenXersJustWalkItOff]

Molly Rosen I think that is totally reasonable... by the way, memoirs are a highly popular genre... it’s all in how they’re written...!

[@MizzGabrielle1987]

Do you ever fear that your real identity gets exposed after publishing?

[@lootjoot84]

I plan to do the same thing.

[@PrismCasillica]

I think that's a good idea, especially since some people who get bored and facebook stalk as a hobby.

[@mondedesign4988]

Thank you so much for this video. One of the things that really stops me from committing to writing is the idea of putting my personal identity out there. So I loved when you spoke about your pen name giving you a different persona, that really connected.

[@DebiRose062]

OMG yes! The biggy for me is, when do I use my pen name, and when do I use my real name? That’s the one I always battle with. Signing up for a masterclass... pen or real? Actually, it’s almost always when I’m signing up for something to do with writing that I don’t know when I should or shouldn’t use my pen or real name. So confusing.

[@isabelsterling8878]

Yes to the different names on FB vs Twitter etc! People get so confused since my pen name doesn't resemble my legal name AT ALL. I've been considering making a regular FB page with my pen name but that's so much work.

[@egdeaile6864]

Thank you for all your advice. A good bit of it is fresh and very welcome. Please keep making these videos; I'll keep watching!

[@powertoallexcepthaters7975]

I have a culturally specific last name and it’s really easy to pronounce but I’m scared people won’t read my books if I use it, since there’s a stigma that we’re bad at English. Also it’s very very common.

[@gewgulkansuhckitt9086]

One thing about the United States is that it's a melting pot of many cultures. So if you have an non-English last name, that's okay. Just so long as your first name sounds American, that makes you sound American. So if you see a person with a Polish last name and an English sounding first name like Thomas Wiśniewski, people tend to assume that person is a native English speaker, NOT a Polish person (even if perchance Thomas is a common name in Poland - Tomasz is the Polish version actually.) If your first name isn't English, you might make it English either by finding out the English equivalent (like Jorge in Spanish is George in English) or simply pick a first name that's popular in English speaking countries that sounds similar to your real first name (even if they are completely different names). So maybe your first name is Ansgar (a Danish man's first name) and you decide to use the first name "Garth" or "Ansel" or "Anthony" because they vaguely resemble Ansgar. By the way, lots of popular first names in English speaking countries that people ASSUME are English actually aren't. What matters in this case is the PERCEPTION that they are English, not the reality. Like Marcus is a Latin name originally or Agnes is Greek, but most English speakers just think they're "English".

[@jeffwatkins352]

Excellent advice all the way around. Especially like the idea of signing books differently from one's legal signature. That's so insightful, and something one wouldn't think of until it came back to bite them in the rosy red parts.

[@lolacolleen]

My family not knowing that I write books is actually a pro. Lol. My writing is quite more liberal and pro-queer than my (not-immediate) family would get. But generally I think trying to keep everything separate would just be too much to keep up with.

[@JustSamD1]

I have similar issues

[@happinessescape]

Hello! I quite enjoyed this video, and you seem very sweet. I really respect how you addressed concerns about ethnic names and gender expectations, which (1) is so, so important, and (2) was done really thoughtfully. I absolutely agree that it's frustrating and unfortunate (to put it lightly) the situations of "because your name is [some gender], you can/can't write [some genre] well" or "if [people from a different ethnicity than yours] can't write/say your name, that's your problem, not theirs".... as you say, while it shouldn't be this way, the world would be a better place if things weren't like this, it is what it is, and people need to make their own decisions about this. Thank you for making this video! I hope you're doing well these days.

[@TimPReed]

Alexa...Thanks for sharing. These are some thought provoking ahas (mostly on the pros side), which I hadn't considered. I need to jot them down and balance them. Your point that friends, family, and acquaintances won't know you're published sticks out. In part, if I'm I'm honest, it sticks out because who doesn't want to announce to the world, "I made it!". But more importantly for me, it sticks out from a legal prospective and from a job/professional continuity perspective. Have you run into any legal, financial, or tax issues? I suppose not, given that you're actually paid under your real name. Also, in a related video, you mentioned one of your big reasons for writing under a pen name-separating your YA writing career both from your writing for other genres (in case you decide to do so) and from your professional writing career. Have you run into challenges where you needed to show your diversity in writing (e.g., provide you've written creatively) to a potential employer? Thanks again for such great content.

[@alabamajenny8751]

Thank you for being “real” and completely honest on so many levels. I agree with you on it ALL.

[@Waynemcd100]

Excellent video, thanks for all of this information I can honestly say this is the most comprehensive video on the use of pseudonyms I have ever come across. When using a pen name to obscure one's identity is it okay to include photos for social media and the likes? I understand that the use of these images could compromise the pen name, but I don't really want a secret identity more just to keep my writing and my professional life separate. One pro I don't think you included is that using a pen name for a first self published book is a great way of not burning out your name for trad publishing if your book tanks.

[@UnicornHunterbooks]

This is the best video. I've gone by a name that is not my legal one for both my books and my professional music endeavors, because I like it more, I want to stay private (which in music is difficult to do), and several other reasons, most of which you touched on in this video. But with my writing, I do go by initials, so it's definitely very weird being called by initials during things like interviews and the like. (I just went to a panel that NK Jemisin was on at BookExpo, and the moderator started off calling her NK, but then switched to calling her Nora, and I thought "who's Nora?" before realizing that, duh, it's her name.) And I definitely get the Facebook name with author groups. Facebook made me change my name back to my legal name a few years ago, and I don't go by that first name or last name, so it's definitely weird.

[@62flamenco]

Alexa, you are a riot. I mean, you have such a comic gift. Great videos, too. Very enjoyable, heartwarming and fun.

[@phoenixfreefall]

I fully feel the branding/confusion reason... given that I write in sci fi/fantasy where Lois McMaster Bujold has long been a big name. I've always loved my last name, though, so the decision is a very tough one.

[@DaisyEarl]

I mostly use the name Daisy, because my actual name Margarida isn't recognized right away by most people and it's quite long. I know that when i see a long name i dont recognize i just keysmash in my mind. Also I enjoy having a shorter name for this kind of thing. Besides if I decide to make other kinds of work that i want to separate, I'll have more options in names in the future i feel like

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

*_HAL9000_* sang a song about you...😉😉😉

[@Darkovika]

I've decided after years and years that I want to publish under a pen name. Darkovika is associated directly with my real identity and a simple search for either pulls up basically everything. I'm almost 30, and I've started thinking about having children, and on the EXTREME OFF CHANCE that a book took off and I somehow became famous, I'd feel better knowing no one knew my kids existed.

[@mohdshahnawaz3864]

Absolutely loved this video. Thank you so much for this valuable information mate. Lots of love from an Australian 🇦🇺😀

[@SakuraKuromi]

I just found your Video and you really got me thinking here... For me it was always a sure thing, that I would take my Internet-Name for a Pen Name. Most of the time, I'm the only Sakura Kuromi (so far I only found someone with the same name on Deviantart). It's my name while doing Cosplays as well and some of my friends even call me Sakura in RL. I'm so used to this name, that it feels natural to me. It was always clear to me to use this name, whenever I publish something. Being it Art, Writing or whatever. I never thought about the fact, that it might be hard to remember, or not fitting the Genre, or my readers. I mainly write Fantasy, but I also write Realfiction and Poems. And I wrote two children tales as well. Now I'm not so sure any more if it would still be a good idea. I like this name and I feel more confident than with my own name in RL, but I'm not sure if it would do me any good, if I ever would come far enough to really publish...

[@akayla-rainreads5918]

What do you think makes a good YA pen name? I know you explained some of what makes a good romance and middle grade but I feel like it’s hard gaging what would be a intriguing and marketable YA pen. Also the fact that Daniel Steele’s name is actually that blew my mind! It sounds like the perfect pen name!

[@AlexaDonne]

That's a great question, and it's slightly tricky to pin down... but generally I'd say YA names are "approachable" and catchy. Neutral names with initials do work, but I find the most successful names use full first names (so we feel like friends/real people), and the last names that work best are short, sweet and unique in some way. Longer names (especially when they are your real name) aren't a problem, per se, especially paired with a shorter first name, but if you're purposely designing a pen name, I'd go with short and unique-ish. Essentially, you're designing a commercial name that readers will remember, and you want to feel young/fresh/friendly. It's hard to pin down sometimes, honestly! My IRL name just felt like a "business" name, but I knew I was in a good spot with my first name--no other commercial YA writer is named Alexa, and it's very "hip" right now (top 100 baby name, which it definitely wasn't when I was born!).

[@akayla-rainreads5918]

This helps so much, thank you!

[@---ng7ke]

If you’re writing fantasy, I like the idea of using a pseudonym with the same name as some sort of god in your world. It’s like youre a god retelling an important story.

[@MarkSedg]

Thanks for sharing your light and knowledge with dreamers. You seem like a great and fair person! 💪🏼🎁☀️❤️

[@kaya5377]

I enjoyed this video a lot and didn't realise that it was 20 minutes until it was finished XD

[@AlexaDonne]

Haha that's how I get you! I hit you with so much content you don't notice how long winded I am :P

[@Kairi1416]

I didn't notice either 😂

[@leonidasnoble6939]

You are a beautiful girl. Thank you so much for the guidance and help to old newbies like me. I may never publish, but I just love putting words together. You balance just the right amount of encouragement and tough love. Thank you (got to go write)

[@leslieens5406]

Thanks for this. I use a pen name for my KZbin comments, but my real name for my flash fiction, short stories, literary reviews and poetry. I'm writing a novel at present, and, although I plan to use my real name, I'm concerned that being a poet and being an "older" writer might turn agents, editors, publishers and maybe even readers against me. I would love to see a video from you on ageism in the publishing industry and also the pros and cons of switching from primarily poetry (one full-length collection and two chapbooks) to trying to publish mainstream/literary novels. I love your comments and I've learned much from you.

[@sherrytee2962]

Binge watching ! Longish yet suitably engaging👌

[@JonTanOsb]

Hang on, I finally got it, once I saw it in print. "In real life." BTW, Danielle Fernande Dominique Schuelein-Steel was born in New York City to a German father and a Portuguese mother. She was married four times, but used a shortened version of her birth name to write.

[@shanenanigans27]

My name is Shane Doyle and somehow people call me or compare me to Shane Dawson at school. Nothing wrong with Shane Dawson, but it's so frustrating. I'm definitely using a pen name when I decide to begin writing.

[@krystenindisguise]

That is an interesting point. If I'm honest, Shane Doyle sounds like a really cool name and I personally wouldn't associate that with Shame Dawson. I think those mean people at your school are only a small fraction of (putting it nicely) annoying pests who diliberatly do that to provoke you. Not that you should change your mind or anything but I think Shane Doyle is a great name.

[@wolfswail2115]

Maybe s. Doyle? I love the name Doyle, it’s very recognizable.

[@FantasyForay]

I think Shane Doyle is an excellent name to use. Perfect, actually.

[@abbiepancakeeater52]

This comment aged well haha

[@JRWhite]

Thank you for this! It helped me make my mind up!

[@dcvmarvelbuild7153]

My 11 year old son loves your videos and is writing a lot and will let him know about what pen names are

[@teri-annfisher5290]

I was considering Tara Foxx, turns out she is a famous adult actress! Maybe not!

[@SylentONE]

LMAO so glad you googled it first 😂😂

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

How about _"Tara Firma"?_ 😊😊😊

[@gewgulkansuhckitt9086]

Just don't call yourself Tara Rist.

[@futurepig]

How about Fara Toxx?

[@southernjewishvegan3207]

Alexa, Thank you so much for doing this video! After friends and family telling me the last few years that I need to start writing, I’m halfway through completing my first manuscript and starting to research and thinking about marketing. I want to be ready when the time comes down the road. More likely than not, I will use a pen name. Parts of my IRL name are fairly common and probably will not fit into my genre. I am also in education and want to keep my two lives separate. My question is when it comes to marketing with a pen name, do you use your picture for your website, social media, etc? I want to be able to connect with readers on a personal level through the “author version” of myself, but want to make sure my two lives stay separate. Any advice you have is greatly appreciated!

[@wildchildlikeu]

And I had just sent you an email on the subject. Thank you for covering this topic. I wonder if you could add more on how private pen names are to the public. And also, how to answer the question if asked, "what do you do?" ☺

[@AlexaDonne]

Hi MJ! So sorry I hadn't gotten the chance to respond to your email yet! Glad this video helped answer some of your questions! Re: keeping pen names private... it really depends? Some authors are VERY good at it--they set up their pen name and accounts associated with it (I've heard creating an LLC for your writing adds a shield layer), and they basically keep the writer life totally secret from IRL in order to keep the streams separated. It's doable but is a lot of work. Generally they're not public as long as you do things like protect your URL/website owner information (you can pay for privacy shielding), and are careful. Your publisher won't tell people your "real name," for instance. When people ask me what I do, I have an easy fall back because of my day job, so I typically answer with that. But now I do sometimes say I'm an author. I didn't really share that I was a writer/aspiring author until I was pretty far into the process, ie: already had an agent, was on submission etc. Since I've never done it full time, it's kind of a sticky area.

[@inspirationfiles]

Would love you to delve deeper into the author persona! Great video!

[@atinyarmy6703]

I use a pen name!! I use it for everything because I don’t want people knowing what I watch, read, write, like etc. That’s because I read/write bxb fanfics

[@snitchoncupid]

Same :,)

[@monaleekasade9732]

Army! 💜

[@biblionerd]

My favorite author pen names are Pseudonymous Bosch and N.E. Body. I especially like N.E. Body because she used it for her Anybodies series.

[@BWB31975]

Enjoyed the video and the informed perspective. One thing I thought about as a result of this video, but which was not specifically mentioned, was the idea of self promotion. I am probably not alone in thinking that promoting myself and going out into the digital world to sell myself would be very, very uncomfortable. But with a pen name, you could potentially distance yourself from that persona and be much more effective at promoting that "other" author rather than tooting your own horn.

[@saungbriesen]

I think people who want to use a pen name would be very interested in the cons. When someone likes something or wants to do something, they often aren't thinking of what the cons or consequences would be, so hearing that side of it would be very interesting and informative .

[@empresslithia]

Luna A. Lucifer, a silly pen name of mine, yet also an anagram of my true name. I have doubts on how acceptable it would be to publishers though.

[@gewgulkansuhckitt9086]

It might alienate some of your readers. Now you might think, "I don't want those readers! They're not my kind of people!" But a name like that might actually cost you half or more of your income from writing. You might also assume, "Yeah, but people who would object to the name Lucifer aren't going to be reading my extremely non-Christian novels anyhow.", but you might be surprised.

[@kitteridgesimpson8144]

my pen name (Noel M Savery) is still very connected to my family. My family is very holiday oriented so Noel and Savery is my Gramma's maiden name. M is just Maxine so which is inspired by my best friend edit- I forgot to mention that it's also connected to my Nani, Because her name was CAROL. I did a festive name in honor of her

[@milomazli]

super awesome video. thank you! :)

[@ariannagarcia8304]

I'm glad what was said about cultural names, I had been debating whether my pen last name should still be in Spanish or English, now I won't use my legal name but I can let my heritage shine through with a Spanish last name ^_^

[@avivastudios2311]

I chose to use a pen name for these reasons 1) i hate my name [Eloise Wilson] first name is okay but the last name is boring and it doesn't roll off the tongue 2) i wanted something pretty and smooth for the fantasy I'm writing 3) it's cool to have a pen name 4) I'm writing on wattpad and most people are anonymous on that site anyway I thought about using my initials like this: E J Wilson, but that just looks boring and not fantasy-like at all. My pen name is Talia Rivers

[@brookelorren141]

One of the best things I ever did was start to use my pen name in high school. Years before I ever published anything. When I started blogging and signing up for social media accounts, that's what I used. Writing something was always in the back of my mind though.

[@maisey2363]

You’re so pretty and I love your videos- thank you

[@ulyssesdenice5071]

Oh boy Finally, thank you for some advice I'm not a proper writer yet But I've been pondering this topic ever since I started writing As of now, I write under my Online name since I'm still thinking about a proper author name I want to use my real name but since I don't have a middle name I want to add my grandmother's surname into that slot instead (since I'm especially close to her and her side of the family due to my dad cutting himself off from his family branch due to personal reasons So I never knew that half of the family well) And use that as a sort of pen name But the problem is As someone with a Afrikaans first name (Liandri) and a Dutch Surname (I'm South African so naturally I'd have a name along those lines) I don't know if people would be able to pronounce it correctly Especially since I write for the Young Adult genre So pronounciation is a big question over there I could use my grandmother's surname instead but I want to keep the Dutch Name in because it was my late father's surname and because of that, I want to keep it in to continue his legacy and immortalize the man I looked up to throughout my entire life And I could use initials but, I don't know if I'd need it So, if anyone can help me out here That'd be appreciated

[@Nanna_Damaris]

I want to write fantasy and was thinking of using a pen name like Ophelia Saga, and I wanted to know what people would say about it. So, here I am asking you guys for your own opinion of the name.

[@odd-eyes9463]

I'm just using mine as initials: J. S. Taylor. I write dark fantasy, romance, Supernatural, and adventure in YA to New/Adult fiction so, I think this will work, my middle names could work but... they're very Victorian Romantic in a sense so, I'm not sure if that'd work.

[@nataliek6555]

At what point does a new author create the pen name? I'm in the process of my first novel. My personal deadline to have it finished is roughly 3 months away from now. Do I go ahead & set myself up with the pen name, fb or website, & then continue with finding an agent or publisher? Or is this something that is not done until you have a closed book deal, contracts, money in hand etc.? Sooo many questions & I'm loving the crap out of all your videos. I just found your channel a few days ago & I'm still binge watching. 💕

[@leonr5378]

">:( We don't like the name we gave you?" is my life as a trans dude lmao

[@meganyoon1]

I love your frog in the background!! :) Where did you get that from?

[@midgetwthahacksaw]

Rowling = Rolling I've always known this but a lot of people don't. Especially America for some reason according to J.K herself.

[@smellerbee4905]

Lmao I'm from america and that is true 💀

[@dacksonflux]

I'd like to hear someone from southeast Asia consistently pronounce it correctly. The question is, does it fucking matter?

[@subinitamazumder1307]

@@animemusicyui Lmao I'm Indian and used to spell as Raowling too. Guess because in India we learn British English.

[@jessedaniels4494]

I use my characters names on my books i.e Seth Luxamos and The First Elements by Seth Luxamos or Turning Point by Adam Hale (He's the main character). I find it makes it more immersive.

[@SweetbreezeTornadoWinxBiz]

Wait-that’s pretty cool. :O

[@eclipsies3430]

When I write a book (though I haven't yet, at the rate I'm going right now I will most likely do it inside the next five years) my pen name will probably be K. Felice. People have often complimented my name, saying that it just, "flows off of the pen," so maybe that'll be memorable.

[@TheAnyName]

World of Warcraft. I have that name. Under Asheron's Call, I have THAT name. When I play Dungeons and Dragons, I have THAT name as well. so a pen name is not an issue as I answer to all them, with out hesitation. My author name I'm considering My real Initials and this ( I do not use my real name on any media) last name. Thank you for the Pro/Con.

[@Coseepo]

I'm so sad because my irl name is a perfect author name (I'm the only person w the name in the world but it still sounds 'normal' and memorable) but I don't think I want to write under it because I'm quite private but there's no way I'll find a better name

[@nehajeyaram7668]

i’m aware this sounds creepy but perhaps i could borrow it?

[@terrylynn7936]

Same :D my name is technically so perfect for being put on a book, there's even a book award with the same name but I use a pen name anyway.

[@highsocietypottery9381]

#Veryinspirational Listening to your experiences does help me with the energy and desire to write, now that I no longer work an exhausting job with high demands and low-to-no pay. I'm burnt out and need the motivation to start. #Thankyouverymuch for all your help @AlexaDonne

[@macronencer]

You just reminded me that I grabbed a Twitter handle for future use and haven't set it up fully yet with a profile. I just went back to check on it, and it turns it's been THREE YEARS since I did that. Wow...

[@seallieart]

I have perfect romantic name in polish. But I'm afraid about foreigners trying to pronounce "Rzadek" hah. But you're right

[@FeeBee3001]

I am either going to use my real name or my mums maiden if I ever publish. Both look good on paper and sound good outloud. Played around with both and still have time to decide.

[@jamisondouglas6392]

My real first and last name are Scottish. I am an American, but with Scottish Lineage, so my parents gave me a Scottish name. But so many parents give their sons the female spelling of my name without knowing there is two spellings. I would go with a Pen Name, only because I don't like having attention on me. Plus I want to live a normal life outside of writing. But if my works make me famous, so what I still will go with a pen name every time.

[@DhampirParadox]

My surname is fairly common but I do have two middle names so I’ve decided if I’m ever published I’ll just use my 3 initials and my surname. My name kinda looks old school fantasy author that way :)

[@zellypenn3784]

I like what you said about embracing your culture w your name

[@Daves-not-here]

I’m a video gamer in a gaming clan. We all go by our screen names unless we know each other irl mostly out of respect so I’m perfectly fine with going by a name that is not my legal name. I also run social media for both so I completely understand the concept and how it can be difficult and even jarring at first to not be called by your given name. I am working on a book currently that when finished will likely be put up under an entirely different pen name from the other two. Which should be interesting.

[@luckyfire313]

I'm writing a VERY late comment, but I only recently found your channel! (btw, love it!) Anyway, I've considered writing under my maiden name since it's more unique and I really like it, but after watching this video I'm worried that it basically has all of the cons of using a pen name AND all of the cons of using your legal name. Would anyone be willing to chime in on what they think of this idea? Like, has anyone tried this strategy before? I'd love to hear from you!

[@greyjediwriter]

I actually have one of the most common names to where I can’t use my real name if I’m eventually published. Who knows how many authors, including romance authors in both traditional and self-published markets, use my name. I just hope I can use my pen name when I have the chance!

[@alabamajenny8751]

That was the only question I had, you briefly touched on. How does one get paid? Do you use both your pen name and your birth name on your manuscript submission? (Assuming one gets published) And how do actors do this? Do they change their name? Thanks so much!

[@rinana4408]

Not a writer, but this got me thinking about what i would use as my pen name since i personally find my first and last name are pretty ugly. I would do Maile Lee probably. Since Maile is already a middle name of mine and Lee sounds really neat with it

[@chrisg6654]

I grew up in a rural town, next to other “bigger towns” (my graduating class was 12 while there’s was 800. Neither is that big). In one of the bigger towns, there was someone with my same first and last name, just a year older. Also, when my girlfriend was telling her parents about me, they thought I was using a fake name. This video helps

[@davidkannen5687]

Hi Alexa. I enjoyed your video on pen names - pro & con. I am heavily into writing a book which is a true story about my life experiences. I really don't want to use my real name as author because of privacy concerns and the part of your video that sort of warns about the emotional entanglements that can happen between author & fan (when the real name is involved). I have chosen a pen name I really like and I am thinking of making the pen name an llc and working with a co-writer who (in effect) interviews the real me to tell the story. Will that work?

[@yoe8619]

*looks up my first name* Wait it's a male name... Perfect!

[@odd-eyes9463]

My first name is a boys name traditionally and is Irish/Scottish, but apparently no one can say it right.

[@tianachaba]

Hi! Great video! My major question I still have is - do you need to create a fictitious name in order to copyright the story under a pen name? Thanks so much!!

[@eloisenewman3814]

I'll be using my first initial and middle name + last name for my writing name. I say middle name because my middle name actually is just the letter J (thanks for the creativity, mum!) In fantasy, there seems to be a stigma that female fantasy authors only write YA, which is ridiculous! But I've seen it played out a few times. There's also a push to have feminine book covers when the writer is a female, which there's nothing wrong with if that's what the author wants, but for some, it really doesn't suit the book and can be misleading.