Can a pen name be your real name?
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Can a pen name be your real name?
A pseudonym, also known as a pen name or nom de plume, is a fictitious name that a writer or author uses instead of his or her real name. A pen name is listed as the author’s name on a published book, and readers often do not know the real name or identity of the author.
How do you legally use a pen name?
There’s no real legal process to using a pen name – typically you can just pick one and use it. While most states have laws requiring people doing business under another name to register with the state, these laws generally don’t apply to writers using pen names.
What is the purpose of a pen name?
A pen name, otherwise known as a pseudonym, is an assumed name that an author will publish under, rather than his or her real name. Some of the most well-known, famous authors have used a pen name to conceal their identities.
How do you get a pen name?
How to Choose and Set Up a Pen Name
- Research the name. Search the internet and bookselling sites.
- Buy available domain names. You will want to buy a website domain for your pen name.
- Claim the name.
- Use the name.
- Be open with your publisher.
- Register your copyright.
Do you have to copyright a pen name?
If you use a pen name on your work, it is protected by copyright for 95 years from the date of publication or 120 years from its creation, whichever is longer. If you make your legal name public when you register the copyright, then you own the copyright for your lifetime plus 70 years.
How many pen names can you have?
Speaking for Amazon, you can create up to three pen names under one author central account.
Should I have a pen name?
To use or not use a pen name or pseudonym is a personal choice. There’s not really a right or wrong answer on this—unless you do share a name with a well-known author and/or celebrity. Just remember: If you do use one, be ready to take on that new persona (even if it’s very similar to your actual identity).
Should I use a pen name or pseudonym when I write?
Of course, you’ll want to make sure your correct name is included on your tax forms and in your contracts. In fact, your contract should probably include your real name with a note that you’re writing as (pen name). To use or not use a pen name or pseudonym is a personal choice.
Is it illegal to use a pen name for legal purposes?
Pen names cannot and should not be used for any unlawful purpose, either civil or criminal. Legal Myth No. 6: A pen name will allow an author to avoid paying taxes. The old cliché about death and taxes comes to mind – two things you cannot avoid. Attempting to skirt income tax by using a pen name would be tax fraud.
Can a writer sign a contract under a pen name?
Legal Myth No. 3: A writer cannot sign a contract using their pen name. Contracts are an exchange of promises memorialized in writing (either on paper or a digital file) signed by persons who have demonstrated unequivocal intent to be bound by the terms (either personally or for the business they represent).
Legal Myth No. 1: Authors cannot register copyrights for creative work under a pen name. Copyrights protect whatever work a writer creates, automatically. While authors tend to use their legal names to register copyrights, authors can register a copyright under their pen names, or both if they like.