If I want to get a novel published under a pseudonym, but I'm a minor, is there a way for me to not have my guardians find out? Should I get a PO box or something?
2006-07-10 19:20:16 · 8 answers · asked by The Lady of Shallot 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Psuedonyms are a totaly different thing than worrying about your parents. You can choose any psuedonym you want, you're not legally changing your name.
As far as your parents not knowing-- you cannot enter into a contract with a publisher without your legal guardian (aka Parent) singning off. YOU cannot just use another adult. It must be your guardian. So they would have to know.
And as far as the previous comment on agents, me thinks Jon R is a bit jaded. Lots of agents consider new talent. I would know-- I signed an agent this year in January. She's made dozens of sales to Penguin, Simon & Schuster, Random House, Hyperion, Scholastic....all the big ones. And I was not a published or established author. So dont be afraid to query agents.
2006-07-11 04:51:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Minors are allowed to publish things. You don't need a pen name or anything. There are a lot of authors that had books published when they were under 18.
If you get a contract or something for writing another book, you can't sign it if you're under 18 (minors can't sign binding contracts regarding money), so you'd need a co-signer. Just ask a grandparent or other relative if you don't want your guardians to find out. Why don't you want them to know anyway? I'd be proud of my kid for writing a novel!!
Good luck with your novel though!!!
PS: You can't get a P.O. Box if you're under 18 either. You need proof of ID and residency.
2006-07-11 02:23:36 · answer #2 · answered by chica_zarca 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't bother with agents. Useful ones aren't too accessible to writers who have never sold anything.
You can write under any name you want. You may not be able to enter into a valid publishing agreement unless your legal guardians sign for it, though.
Regarding one of the previous statements above, about FRANKENSTEIN: that is incorrect. Mary Shelley was around 19-20 years old when she wrote FRANKENSTEIN between 1816-1817. She was born in 1797.
2006-07-11 02:55:35 · answer #3 · answered by Jon R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its would probably be better to do it throw E-mail if you where going to do it. Where there is a will there's a way. You know the girl that rote Frankenstein rote it when she was 16, but she had famous parent. Thow it may look bleak the worst you will have to do is Waite tell you are old enuf. Until then keep them in a safe place and in as many forms as you can. Computers, Floppys, Your yahoo account, thumb drives. If you want to be safe I'd Waite. And beware of people that will steal your work.
2006-07-11 02:33:34 · answer #4 · answered by Gumby G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To get published...well to get something submitted to a publishing house..you need an agent. That is your first step...start submitting your work to literary agents and if you get a 'bite' worry about the legalities then...you might not be a minor by the time you're published!!
2006-07-11 02:49:03 · answer #5 · answered by angdarling1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure why not. They could come up with something really clever. You may although have to have a parent or guardian sign any paperwork to get things published.
2006-07-11 02:24:41 · answer #6 · answered by Gabe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure you can, depending on where you live. Minors only really use pen names if it is necessary and with their parents' consent, from what I can remember.
2006-07-11 02:23:49 · answer #7 · answered by Quynh N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u can write under pen name
2006-07-11 02:25:01 · answer #8 · answered by cool sport 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋