What Is a Pen Name?

Secret identity or marketing strategy — you decide

Photo by John Noonan on Unsplash

Since the dawn of time or at least since people began writing books, authors have used pen names.

But what is it? And why would anyone not want their real name on their books. I decided to do some research and figure it out.

What Is a Pen Name?

A pen name or nom de plume is basically a ‘fake’ name — a pseudonym for writers to use instead of their real name.

Why Do People Use Them?

Pen names have been used throughout history. There are many reasons why someone might want to hide behind a persona.

A made-up name is akin to using a stage name. It gives you the freedom to create a character. For example, if you saw a detective novel by A. Mystery, it might make you more excited about the story.

Historically writers have also used pen names to allow them to write. Female writers would often use male names to bypass the sexism in the industry.

Nowadays pen names allow people to write in multiple genres or keep their own life private.

Good Reasons for Using a Pen Name:

• It gives you the freedom to write anything without it being…