Should I use my name or 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).

Can I sign a contract with my pen name?

The bottom line — signing a contract using a pen name is possible. That said, most contracts involving a writer whose creative endeavors require a pen name are still signed using the writer’s legal name.

Do you have to use your legal name on a contract?

A contract can be entered into only by an individual (called a sole proprietor or just a proprietor), a corporation, a limited liability company (LLC) or a partnership. You must use your corporation’s full legal name at the beginning of the contract and above your signature.

Should you publish under a pen name?

Yes. Absolutely. Here’s the rule of thumb: Submit without hiding your real name. Publish under your pen name. All dealings with agents, editors, publicists, and other industry professionals (like the staff at Writer’s Relief) should be conducted under your real name.

Is it legal to sign a contract under a pen name?

Using a fictitious name does not provide any special legal privileges, nor shield a writer from say, a breach of contract claim. An author is still bound by the contractual obligations, whether they signed using their legal name or pen name. The bottom line — signing a contract using a pen name is possible.

Can you use a pseudonym when writing a contract?

But from a contract standpoint, here are a few tips when using a pseudonym. Contracts are an exchange of promises memorialized in writing (either on paper or a digital file) and signed by persons who have demonstrated unequivocal intent to be bound by the terms (either personally or for the business they represent).

What do literary agents and editors expect from writers using pen names?

Literary agents and editors will expect a certain protocol for writers using pen names, especially if submitting a query using a pen name . When sending queries to editors or literary agents, use the name you want to publish under for the byline and use your real name in the information block.