Welcome to Writers Talkback. If you are a new user, your account will have to be approved manually to prevent spam. Please bear with us in the meantime
Afternoon TBers
This question may have been asked before but I am wondering how many of you use a pen name and what happens when you submit work. Do you submit using only your pen name?
Comments
General suggestion I've seen, and been told is best, is (real name) writing as (pseudonym).
I think the author name often contributes to the story.
e.g. I write a lot of humour. Some of the jokes are funny woman to woman. If written by a man, them man comes across as a misogynist or sexist pig.
Or if I was to write a first person account of a migrant settling in England, awkward prose written by Michael Scott sounds like awkward prose. Awkward prose written by Carlos Dominguez is charming.
Her cover sheet stated - for example
Mary Bloggs
writing as Susy Smith
And leave a memorable saying (aphorism) I made up, for good measure. In hopes I will be recognized with my future writings. I leave in my final farewell to readers with: 'Be Immune to rumor". I have many catchy sayings, but be immune to rumor is every ones favorite. I know this by field testing on the public for their candid opinions. Be immune to rumor really has the best mind tingle with most people. It makes them think about what ever they think it means I guess. Thank you for asking, good question.
On the other hand, you could be just a typing error. On reflection, that seems more likely, this forum abounds with eccentric typos.Our resident proof-reader will be in touch.
(Real Name) writing as (pseudonym)
If or when you're sent a contract to sign, it will ask for your contact details and name to be included. Again, in the author's name section, I always write (Real Name) writing as (Pseudonym). Shouldn't be any confusion that way.
My observations on church life , preachers, congregations etc are based
on actual incidents.
New here .... but if I could offer some advice based on experience?
There are a lot more complications to using a pen name than you might think. It can create problems if you register for PLR and ALCS. And then if you ever need to prove your copyright .... that can be a real hassle.
Worst snag is though that if someone likes your work and wants to get in touch (for example, another publisher who wants you to write for them) they probably won't be able to find you.
Hope that helps!
Mark
If I'd written L-Shades of Grey I'd have used a pen name!!!!!