Q & A Monday Q: Whats the deal with pseudonyms (pen names)? Why do some writers use pen names? Does it depend on the genre they write? A: Writers use a pen name for several different reasons: 1. Sometimes their real name is too long to look good on a book cover or is difficult to pronounce 2. They may write in multiple genres and prefer to keep separate identities for each. 3. There may be business reasons that make it necessary to change names and reboot their career. 4. The science of shelving in the bookstores: Some people believe it more advantageous to have a last name that starts with a letter closer to the beginning of the alphabet than to the end of it because of where the books end up on the shelves. Eye level on the shelves to catch the buyers eye is highly desirable placement. Q: Why do I not use a pen name? A: I began my career with Bantam Books, writing for their Loveswept romance line. One of their selling points was that their authors used their real names. So, I didnt actually have a choice. As it happens, my name balances well and looks good on the cover of a book, and H is closer to the beginning of the alphabet than to the end of it, so I get good shelf placement.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 05:38:37 +0000