What's in a Name?

You never really know which author actually publishes under the name and which opt for something more mysterious. Sometimes it’s to maintain the enigma of their work, other times it’s to separate themselves from their professional persona. Either way, some authors love to hide behind a pen name and let their work speak for itself, and we can’t say we blame them! Let’s dive into a few common reasons why your favorite writers use pseudonyms—and why you might want to, too.

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1. To Separate Their Private and Public Selves

It’s nice to have an identity outside of work, and authors pour enough of themselves into their writing. Not everyone wants to be so closely associated with their work, even if they’re proud of it! At the end of the day, it’s nice to have a professional persona that’s completely sequestered from one's family. 

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2. To Have a More Memorable Persona

We’re not saying that authors should change their names to something insane, but a lot of writers choose a more standout moniker. Look at Hollywood: think of how many actors have changed their names to something people will never forget!

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3. To Honor Loved Ones

People honor their loved ones in different ways, but many authors work under a family name to pay homage to their heritage. Whether or not that loved one has passed away is irrelevant; the name will withstand the test of time. 

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4. To Avoid Any Confusion With Another Author

There are a lot of people out there, and there are even more essays, books, and articles published! To avoid confusion with anyone else, some writers choose to tweak their names and make their own mark in the world. 

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5. To Secure Their Privacy

You never know where your calling will take you. If you dabble in politics or sensitive material, you’re bound to ruffle some feathers, and some writers like to change their names to ensure anonymity.

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