It’s Your Name – Choose It Wisely

What’s in a name? Does your author name matter? Should you write under your given name? Should you borrow someone else’s name?

Taking these questions one-by-one, here’s my experience for you to consider.

What’s in an author name?

Reputation. What will be the first thought prospective readers will have when they see your author name?

If you saw a book written by ‘Charles Manson’, would you examine it, bury it, or grab it and race to the checkout? What would you expect that book to be about? Is that the kind of book you are itching to write? Would you feel cheated if you paid money for a book to find out that ‘Charles Manson’ was a pseudonym – not the real deal?

Aside from the obvious mislead to direct readers to your book, using the name of a famous – or infamous – person could ruin you in too many ways to list. Quash that shortcut to fame you won’t want in the long run.

If you’re going to write using a pen name, do your homework. Is it already being used? Is it trademarked? Will you be stepping on someone else’s toes? How many dollars and how much time do you want to spend on promoting the ‘other’ author’s works?

Does your author name matter?

It does, in my opinion. I have written under four pen names. At first, I thought I had to use my real name. Then I asked myself why when I’m not particularly fond of my ‘real’ name. I don’t hate it, it’s just a ‘blah’ name. It’s hard to spell. And I get growly when I have to repeat how to spell it.

Give me simplicity in pronouncing and spelling. I chose ‘Alexie Linn’ because it’s easy to say. It roles off the tongue. And it’s an anagram of my given name. I, the person am hiding in there somewhere.

If I took on the chore of rebranding my works, I’d choose ‘Aaralyn Rae’ for my new name.

“Why?” you ask. Because Aaralyn means ‘beautiful melody, a song’; Rae means ‘grace, timid, and bashful’. It defines me – or who I want to be. It’s okay that you, the reader, aren’t going to look up the meaning of my name. It comforts me and gives me the courage to keep on writing.

The name is suitable for any genre I care to write. If it isn’t, I’ll choose another name for the project.

Should you write under your given name?

You absolutely should if you don’t want anonymity… if you’re not timid or bashful. And your name is not John Jones. Not that the name is bad, but how many readers will you lose to the six hundred other John Joneses?

It’s your name, choose it wisely…

Choose a pen name that you will be proud of and want to use. If you change it, you’ll be starting over with building an entire new reputation and brand. A frustrating endeavor in my experience.

Happy Naming…

Alexie Linn

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