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✅ Pros of pen names |
❌ Cons of pen names |
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Freedom of expression: A pseudonym empowers you to delve into uncharted territories without being constrained by your existing reputation. |
Identity confusion: Managing multiple identities can be mentally taxing, particularly when it comes to separating one from the other. |
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Enhanced privacy: In this digital age, maintaining privacy can be a challenge. A pen name creates a protective shield, allowing you to maintain a greater level of anonymity. |
Building a brand: Consistency is key when building a loyal readership. Juggling multiple pen names may dilute your brand and confuse readers who are dedicated to a specific style or genre. |
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Genre versatility: Experimenting with different genres becomes a breeze when you have the freedom to adopt various pen names. With each new pseudonym, you can conquer a new literary domain. |
Loss of personal connection: Using a pen name can create a disconnect between you and your readers. You may miss the authenticity that comes with using your true identity. |
The Pros & Cons of Pen Names in 2024
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to reinvent yourself? To become someone entirely new while still embracing your true passion for writing?
Let's look into the shady world of pseudonyms, where authors can don a new identity. We'll also talk about the pros and cons of using a pen name, before diving into a personal story of an author who changed tack (spoiler alert—me)!
1. What are pseudonyms and pen names?
A pseudonym, or pen name, is an alter ego that authors adopt to separate their real-life identity from their creative endeavors.
It's like slipping into a different skin, allowing you to explore genres, styles, and themes that may be outside of your norm.
2. Why do writers choose pseudonyms?
A pseudonym grants you the freedom to embrace new genres without confusing your loyal readers or diluting your brand. It can also grant you special anonymity.
Here are some famous pen names:
- After the success of the Harry Potter series, JK Rowling wrote as "Robert Galbraith" to release an adult mystery series.
- George Orwell, famous for 1984 and Animal Farm, was actually called "Eric Arthur Blair." He used a pen name to avoid any embarrassment to his family.
- Lewis Carroll, who wrote Alice in Wonderland, was actually a called "Charles Lutwidge Dodgson", but he wanted to maintain privacy as much as possible.
Using a pen name is an opportunity to express yourself without fear of expectation or judgment. But it does have its pros and cons.
3. Weighing the pros and cons of pen names
Even if it's a tried-and-tested technique by many famous authors, it's worth taking these pros and cons into account before taking the plunge for yourself.
4. My journey: Why I stopped using a pen name
Now it's time for a personal confession.
I started my writing journey using a pseudonym. I hadn't published any books yet, but I felt that I wanted to keep my personal writing projects separate from my professional work.
So via a pseudonym, I shared my novel-writing experiences on Instagram, TikTok, a blog, and a podcast. In the meantime, I maintained a professional presence under my real name on LinkedIn.
But as time went on, I realized that juggling multiple identities was becoming overwhelming. I had to manage separate platforms for each profile, and over time, I began to feel inauthentic.
Was I really being true to myself? Deep down, I longed for a more unified approach, where I could showcase all my endeavors under one name.
Starting my freelance writing business, "The Paris Writer", was the last straw.
I decided to drop the pseudonym, and rebuild everything under my real name. It means I can showcase all of my work—both personal and professional—under one banner.
I realised that content marketing and fiction writing are not so different; they each require entrepreneurship, an understanding of the human psychology, and how to create addictive texts that hook in an audience.
Any novels I publish are actually part of my 'portfolio', a proof of the work I can accomplish. And in turn, my content marketing knowledge can equip me to effectively market and release a book.
It was a long journey to reach this conclusion—and it won't be the right choice for every writer. But even though I now have a lot of rebuilding to do, I don't regret it one bit.
5. Wrap-up: A checklist to find your literary identity
Before you decide whether a pen name is the right path for you, take a moment to ponder these essential questions:
- Does using a pseudonym align with your personal and professional goals?
- Are you seeking the creative freedom to explore new genres without risking your established reputation?
- Can you manage the complexities of multiple identities while maintaining a consistent brand image?
- Do you prefer a sense of privacy that a pen name can provide?
- How important is a personal connection and authenticity to you and your readers?
The decision to use a pseudonym resides solely within you. Whether you choose to write under your own name or a pen name, let your words flow with honesty, and a touch of your true self.
About the author
Megan Bouton is a British writer based in Paris. She works as a freelance content marketer and author via her business The Paris Writer. To keep in touch, you can join the monthly newsletter to get insider tips and insights into what it looks like to be a writer in 2024.
