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For New Authors: Use Your Real name or a Pen Name?

ken_gitahi

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Imagine you are a new and unpublished author trying to decide whether to use your real name or a pen name for your self-published works. Which one do you choose?

There's no universally correct choice here, as it depends on your personal circumstances.

If you use your real name, you openly declare your author identity, associating yourself with your work. Your success and reputation are interconnected, strengthening your personal brand. You can leverage existing publications and resources tied to your name, and there's no confusion about work ownership or royalty distribution.

However, using your real name may expose you to personal risks, especially when addressing controversial topics. Additionally, a negative reputation tied to your real name could impact your author image.

On the other hand, using a pen name offers you the freedom to experiment with new writing styles, genres, and ideas. It provides more privacy and allows you to explore controversial subjects more comfortably. You can create a unique and memorable author identity that isn't tied to your real name.

However, building an author reputation and linking it to your real name might be challenging. It could be difficult to utilize existing resources and publications tied to your real name, and identity and work ownership issues may arise.

So, what do you think? Which of the two seems to be the best option for you and why?
 
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