Reasons Why an Author Uses a Pseudonym
Today, many authors both established and unknown are choosing to write under a pseudonym. An established author may write novels under his or her real name as well as write a short story or two under a pseudonym. Alternatively, an unknown author may write novels or short stories under a pseudonym in an attempt to explore different writing styles. By using a pseudonym, an author doesn’t get his or her name tied to one particular style. One example of an author who has written under a pseudonym is Daniel Handler. In fact, Daniel wrote a series of popular books under another name. Check out a few more reasons why many authors write books using a pseudonym.
A Book That Stands on Its Own
An established author may write under a pseudonym because he or she wants to see if a particular book can stand on its own merit. Some novelists who write for a long time under their real name develop a following of readers. In some cases, these readers will automatically buy a new book by an author just because of the name on the book jacket. Some successful authors use a pseudonym to test their skills to see if their books would sell without the famous name on the book jacket. This is a creative challenge for many authors who are concerned about honing their skills as an engaging storyteller.
Writing in Different Genres
Some established authors write under a pseudonym as a way to try their hand at an unfamiliar genre. For example, a successful romance novelist may want to try writing a horror novel. But, people may not pick up her horror novel because they don’t associate her name with that genre. However, if she writes under a pseudonym, she can take her famous name out of the equation and readers can judge the book on its content. A writer can explore a lot of other genres with the help of one or more pseudonyms.
Finally, many authors use a pseudonym to try to garner a new group of readers. Some readers expect a certain type of writing from an author with a well-known name. But, when they pick up a book written under a pseudonym, they have no preconceived ideas about the quality of the writing, the subject matter or any other aspect of the book. A pseudonym can be a helpful tool for a writer who wants to keep improving his or her work.
What do you think about authors writing under a pseudonym?
I write under a pseudonym because I write erotic romance. I don’t want any Tom, Dick, or Harry to get the wrong idea and be able to look up my address online. :-/
I don’t mind it for all the reasons you listed. It makes sense to me 😀
I completely understand authors choosing to write under pseudonyms…particularly is they’re going to try a different genre. Richelle Mead writes both YA and Adult, but her genre is similar. Daniel Handler, on the other hand, would want to keep his writings separate. One thing I didn’t understand was why JK Rowling published The Casual Vacancy under a pseudonym but the publishers plastered everywhere that it was her writing as someone else. And now, her name is on the cover. Hmm…
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…#2015HW #ShelfLove Review ~ Raphael ~ DB Reynolds
Yea I still wonder if the pseudonym thing for JK Rowling was a publicity stunt heh.
A very interesting, well researched post. I admit I never thought about it, and now that I read this, I thought, “Well, yes, of course!” Lol 🙂
Ramona recently posted…Funny Grammar Rules