Should I use my name or a pen name?

Question

I'm writing a children's book(3-5yr olds). I have a giraffe Named Jonesy helping me throughout the story. Use the name Jennifer Jones or a pen name?

Answer 1

If you are lucky enough to have a children's book published, why wouldn't you want the world to know your name?

Answer 2

That depends on you. If you feel using "Jennifer Jones" (which I'm guessing is your name) would be using a too-common name, then by all means pick something that will appeal to your target audience.

Perhaps you can use your character's name in the book and list the author as, "By (your character's name) as told to Jennifer Jones". On the other hand, I see no reason to NOT use your real name as the author; it's a personal choice.

Good luck with the book, and I'd love to hear how it goes! Have a great day!

Answer 3

Hmmmm. Keep the pen name simple, and that might be better than Jennifer Jones. Maybe...

Jenny J. (but that's a bit like a rap star, no?)
Jen Jonesy (lol)
Jen Jones
J. Jones
Jennifer J.
Jenny Jones
J. (your middle initial) Jones
Jenni

And so on. The more you connect with kids through your name, the better off you are.

Answer 4

Well, it depends on how much you love your name. You have some serious alliteration going on with Jennifer Jones. Either way, using a pen name can actually get on your nerves unless you are absolutely in love with the pen name.

Also, remember to submit your real name to the people who write the checks, they won't allow Jennifer Jones to cash S. T. Hunton's check.

Answer 5

Don't worry about it until you sell the book. When/if you have a contract, the publisher will ask you then if you want to use a pen name. Then your editor may help you come up with suitable names or just give advice about the pen name you propose.

Answer 6

Well, I guess it is kind of weird that the giraffe is named after yourself. People will likely make that connection, so as long as you're comfortable with it, then use your own name. Otherwise, a pen name is perfectly acceptable..
How about Joan Jennings? Josie Jenn?
Good luck!
(-from another jonesey)

Answer 7

I would go with Jenny the Giraffe. It sounds cute. However, my daughter who is a 1st grade teacher has told me that girls will read books with girl names but little boys are not fond of reading a book with a girl as one of the main characters. Maybe a neutral gendered name would work better for the sale of your book

Answer 8

Jennifer Jones sounds nice, but maybe you could try Jen Jones? Shorter for the kids to rmb!

Answer 9

Use your own name! Good luck! I'm trying my hand at some childrens books as well. Going with a character my father made up. The Ring Tailed Vreeble.

Answer 10

I think pen names usually sell more books. Have you heard of S.E. Hinton? She wrote the book "the outsiders." She didn't use her whole name because she thought that if people saw the book was writen by a woman it wouldn't sell as much.

Answer 11

I agree with 'xx' Jen Jones is shorter and much easier for the kids to remember. I think using your name is fine. Even if you do plan to write other stuff for older audiences in the future, since what you are writing now is for kids, it won't affect your credibility much.