Should You Use a Pen Name or Your Own Name?

A pen name is also called a pseudonym or alias. It is a name you use instead of your own. It can be completely different, even with a different gender, race, or nationality

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Pen Name Pros/Cons

  • Pros

    If you are a new writer, it may help to publish your books under a pen name. It takes the personal risk out of the equation.

  • Cons

    You do not get boasting rights over your pen name’s success. 

Own Name Pros/Cons

  • Pros

    You get full credit for your books. Your name will be on the cover, and people who know you or get to know you can find your books. This can actually bring in a lot of sales, because people are curious and want to know what you write.


  • Cons

    If you are at all worried about publishing, it makes it a lot harder when your person is involved. It may feel as if you will fail if a book fails. If it is just a pen name’s book that fails, it is not such a big deal.