Using a Pen Name

[Rustymeister]

I am on a roll today, it is my third posting, so hopefully I am not wearing out my welcome.

I primarily write books for children, but decided as well to write more mature fare,  By that I do not mean x-rated, but basically stuff that appeals to adults.  For example my first book is called "The Hitmen Narratives" and is a series of short stories about hitmen.

My concern is that if/when my Author Spotlight is viewed, it might not look so good if next to a bunch of children's books is a book about fictional hired killers.

That leads to a question or two - 1) Are there publishing concerns about using a pen name as far as copyrighting or commissions, etc? 2) As for lulu.com - can I create a separate account for a Pen name and if so, can I link them?

Thanks!

R

[Ken Anderson]

Last question - Yes and No. Better still create two websites for your IDs.

[kevinlomas]

It's not unusual to write books for all ages, many famous writers have done so. Here's one example -   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Dahl#Adult_fiction  So that's one answer.

It has always puzzled me as well about copyrights and pen names, but many do that as well, so as long as you can prove it's you then go for it.

You can have as many Lulu accounts as you like, but you cannot link them, not that that really matters because with a free Lulu ISBN they will end up on Amazon, and if you then create your own website or sites, you can then point people at Amazon, etc, that way they do become 'linked'.  Click on my banner below as an example.

[Rustymeister]

Thanks all,

I guess I have to decide on how important it is.  I am just concerned about perception.  I mean if Dr. Seuss wrote Steven King-type books as well as children's fiction, wouldn't a few people be scared away if he used the same pen name?  I think I will come up with something separate.  I guess in my author spotlight I can alway mention that I write under a different pen name.

That said, is there a way to say I write mature fiction without making it sound like I write pornography (which I do not write needless to say)?

R

[orion725]

"1) Are there publishing concerns about using a pen name as far as copyrighting or commissions, etc?"

For copyright purposes, you can use whatever name you want. All that matters is that you have created the work under that name. I have been using a pseudonym on my art and photography for many years.

For commissions, you do need to have them paid under your legal name for tax reporting purposes. When I show my work at galleries or sell it to a publication, the name on the work is a pseudonym but checks are made out under my legal name.

If you have already published and sold books under one name, hy not use that same name for the books geared to the adult market?

[Rustymeister]

Hmm, I guess I have a bit to think about.  I appreciate all the advice.  I don't know that I would lose sales just for using the same name, so perhaps I should write undr my real name.  Honestly though, while I have no problem with my real name of Rusty Trimble, I believe it lacks flair for an action/thriller book or for my other fictional stories, so thought something with more ring may be appropriate too

R

[kevinlomas]

I guess I have to decide on how important it is.  I am just concerned about perception.  I mean if Dr. Seuss wrote Steven King-type books as well as children's fiction, wouldn't a few people be scared away if he used the same pen name?

No, why should they? Some children's books can be very nasty anyway, it's not all 'Spot The Dog'. The example writer I gave certainly churned out stuff that children really wanted. Dr. Seuss's stuff was 'heavy' also. Not everyone thinks that children should be protected from such nastiness. Often also the only difference between the age groups in publishing is how much swearing and sex is in the story and the age of the main people in it, and that's often all. It's usually up to some editor what group to stick a story in anyway, and as far as I know, only books in the USA have warnings on them.

  I think I will come up with something separate.  I guess in my author spotlight I can alway mention that I write under a different pen name.

Why? I get the idea that you may be a little ashamed (of what some people may think?) as a childrens' writer, that anyone will know you also publish for the older market. So you either mention that you do, or you don't mention it, you can't do both.

That said, is there a way to say I write mature fiction without making it sound like I write pornography (which I do not write needless to say)?

No, why do you need to say anything? Covers and Descriptions and the tone of a site's pages are often the clue.

[kevinlomas]

Rusty Trimble sounds like a film star, pre-1970s :-)

[Peter May]

You can use a pen-name on the cover and inside but where it says

Copyright (c) 2012 -name -

use your real name. Check commercially pubbed books, lots have copyright in a different name from the name on the cover.

Re having two different sort sof books in your spotlight - I'm not sure how many purchasers actually look at the Lulu authors spotlight but the different covers and author name will indicate different audiences.

If a parent buying a book for their child likes your style they may buy the adult book for themselves - and vice versa.

Having separate Lulu accounts will split your revenue stream.

BTW - you've read Lawrence Block's series?

[Maggie]

I have a pen name for books of a different nature. I do not mix adult material with children's books, in any way and under any circumstances.

 

I strongly advise against it. I would be creeped out if Judy Blume, say, wrote S&M. I would view her children's books differently. Perception and reputation matter.