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Hi. I am new to the forum so apologies if this topic has already been discussed elsewhere. I am in the process of submitting work to various publications, but I would prefer to publish (should I be lucky enough to get that far) under a name other than my own. I am just wondering if anyone knows when the best time to request this is. At the moment I am considering adding a small note to the cover sheet of any submissions, but wanted to double check with some others who might be in the know, just in case this is considered bad etiquette. Any help or advice welcome.
Comments
I do know one thing - taking another name is a pain in the btm because your bank will only accept cheques in your real name now, because of money laundering etc. I have enough problems with the fact that I am known by my second name, not my first given name. Cheques to my second name have been a problem many times.
If your name is not unusual I'd keep your name - people just assume it's someone with the same name, not that you have written it, if it would be something you'd rather people didn't know about.
If you are still wanting to have a pseudonym, for a magazine I'd send the first page with for example 'Bailey Jones writing as Jim Jones'.
But for a book it won't matter for a VERY long time. It takes years for a book to get to having a cover with a name on designed.
There shouldn't be a problem with the bank as you'll be paid in your real name.
If it's for a book, I'd wait until it was accepted and then raise the issue. The publishers might wish to suggest an alternative.
At the moment I am submitting to magazines and journals, but my writing is definitely something I am serious about and I would like to get these finer details right from the outset. Sooner rather than later as Baggy Books said.
All of the advice offered has been great, thanks again everyone. I feel like I have a clearer idea how to move forward now.