Description

This article is from the misc.writing Writing FAQ, by Wendy Chatley Green wcgreen@cris.com with numerous contributions by others.

3.1 Do I have to use a pen name? (misc.writing Writing FAQ)

No--unless your name is identical or similar to that
of someone already in print. Reputable publishers will ask
you to select a different name or modify it to prevent
confusion.

For example: There is a well-known author named
Jack Mingo. If this happens to be your name, you should
switch to "John Mingo" or add a middle name (Jack Xavier
Mingo or John X. Mingo.)

Jacqueline Mingo, although obviously not Jack Mingo,
could be confusing to a reader who wonders if "Jack Mingo
got a sex-change" (e.g. the composer Walter/Wendy Carlos or
the author James/Jan Morris.)

Publishers often have the final decision in this
matter.

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