Can I use a Pseudonym
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Can I use a Pseudonym
I told my mum that I did NaNoWriMo this year, and she's decided that she wants to do it next year as a challenge. But, she wants to use a Pseudonym, so I was wondering if that would be possible and if there would be any complications by doing so.
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
I don't see why there would be. Authors use them all the time to publish, but NaNo is even less formal than that. My name certainly isn't GabrielleLaRue. In fact, that's not even my writing pseudonym (it's N. L. Compson). Tell her to go for it for sure.
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
You think my name is Aggie80? Of course you can use a pseudonym. No one has to know you are doing NaNoWriMo and you don't have to share the novel with anyone. Even the verification tool doesn't look at anything other than the number of words.
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
Your name's not Klatez, right?
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
Well, one of my names is Tyburn Cross. Not saying which one though.
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
I've considered using one too, if I ever become an author I think I would. Or something similar but not quite my name. And as everyone else have said, it's completely possible, but nanowrimo doesn't focus on that. Tell her to go ahead with it if it makes her feel more comfortable.
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
Thekherham is the name of my alter ego, an alien.
And I'm certainly not an alien, or I'd certainly be in the news.
But that's the name I use in this forum, and a number of other places.
And if I were to ever get one of my science fiction novels published, Thekherham would be the name I would use.
For other things (e.g. poetry) I'll probably use my real name.
MOD NOTE
Moved from Reference Desk. OP noted.
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
You can use any name you like either on the forums or on your proof copy. :) My username and general online handle is BloodRoseAngel. On my 2010 proof copy, I use Rebecca Blackwell (real name, not a pseudonym), while one of my friends used the name Cat Turnbull on hers, which is a combination of her real name and a pseudonym. On my business card, I have both, so people know who I am! XD You can put any name you like on your profile or proof copy, no one's going to tell you off for doing so. ^^
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
I should clarify that the proof copy offer is not on this year... I meant to state 'on your book', rather, if your mum was either thinking of just getting a proof copy or getting published when her novel is done. :)
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
sily question for ya what is a proof copy? and how do you choose a peen name i am considering using one but not sure how to go about it! when sending manuscripts if you wer to kepp paid how would it work it so confusing . ihave two genres and would like two seperate names. I have tried and tried and cant figure out a good one!
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
A proof copy is the final preview you get before publishing a book. It's bound and looks like a real book so you can see exactly how it'll look, and can make note of the final corrections that have to be made.
Picking a pen name is tricky, and if you get an agent and/or publisher they can ask you to change it. It has to be easy to remember, yet unique (so a web search finds YOU and not a hundred people), and has to make it so you appear on the bookshelves at the right height when someone is looking for a book. It also has to suit the genre you're writing. Isobelle Florentine doesn't sound like a crime/thriller writer, wheres Matt Rocks doesn't sound like he'd write romance.
There's heaps involved, and often your agent/publisher will direct you further on what you should use. Some people like to keep their first name, then make their last name something that still relates to them. The street they grew up on, their mother's maiden name, etc
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
Proof copy = a copy of your novel that you can review before it goes for sale. CreateSpace used to give us a freebie code for winners, but I don't think the offer stands this year.
As for pen names, you can pick whatever you like. Make sure it's easy to remember and easy to spell (and easy to sign! :D). Different genres have different pen name conventions (Romance author names are generally female, sci-fi are usually gender neutral, etc.). Your tell your publisher your real name and the name you would like on the covers of your books.
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
So.....what I've gleaned from the comments....there won't be proof copies this year for NaNo winners?
Re: Can I use a Pseudonym
Details on that are here:
http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/special-offers-and-greetings-from-nano-sponsors/threads/29373