An author of a ed work can use a pseudonym or pen name. Authors cannot register s for creative work under a pen name. Write that string in a corner or back of the application form or even the book itself. The other issue is that you must choose your pen name carefully. Can i register and pay for a pen name before i start my book. They will require your real name and taxpayer id in order to pay you but they will be happy to the book under your.
Using a pen name can also complicate selling subsidiary and reprint rights to your work, your. Women authors used to write under male names, some authors didnt want to be known as authors, and some wanted to write outside of their established genre. Since you can register the text under your pen name, the only question is proving that pen name is you. If you use a pen name, beware there are a few legal myths about using. If you register a subsequent work using your real name as well as your pen name, previous works written under that pen name are then given protection for the authors.
Seven legal myths about pen names sidebar saturdays. And according to law, whatever youre calling yourself, you automatically own the to your own book just by having written it. Regardless of the reason for authors writing under a pen name, the u. If you write under a pseudonym but want to be identified by your legal name in the. Rowling has written and published books under the pen name robert galbraith. All you need to do is add your new name as the authors name in the contributors section when you are preparing the book for publication. Why do some writers choose to write under a pen name. Heres how to register a to reflect the pen name or pseudonym printed on your book covers, but also keeping your legal name connected to the records. Writing under a pen name can also give you the freedom to author material you might not want tied publicly to your real name.
Rowling authored a book under the pen name robert galbraith so. Contact the companyorganization that registered it for you, and request a change of name. Copyright office provides protection for works written as a pseudonym. Operating under a pen name requires full commitment and even then can get confusing at times. Rowling authored a book under the pen name robert galbraith so she could submit the manuscript without being. Pen names have been a part of literature for as long as literature has been around.
Since you can register the text under your penname, the only question is. How to change your author name to a pen name when selfpublishing. A work is pseudonymous if the author is identified on copies or phonorecords of the work by a fictitious name. If you write a book under the pen name taylor swift or derek jeter, you may be accused of trying to pass yourself off as the celebrity. Put the notice in the book with your pseudonym, 2018 by denise smithers. Writing under a fictitious name was a very common practice in the. You may register the of your work under your pseudonym, your real name, or both. Very few people actually operate professionally and successfully under a pen name.
If you are publishing with kindle direct publishing kdp, using a pen name on amazon is very easy. Do i need to get a for a pseudonym, or will a for the book under my chosen pen name be sufficient. What are the pros and cons of writing under a pen name. Here is the screen shot of the registration application.
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