Can I change my pen name?

Question

I wrote a book about 4 years ago and sent it to only 1 publisher. Although I did not have it published, that publisher knows my pen name and my book. I'm beginning to revise my book and send it out to more publishers...can I change my pen name and some details of the book, or could I look like I'm committing forgery and dishonesty? HELP!

Answer 1

Since it was unpublished and only one other source knows of its existence, I think you are in the clear to change your pen name. Just make sure you have documentation of your ORIGINAL pen name and your original manuscript, just in case something comes up later. Also, it wouldn't hurt to inform the publisher who has the first version of your decision.

Answer 2

Basicly a pen name is an alias. Lots of writers use them.
How would that be forgery? So long as you aren't using the name of someone alive today like President George W Bush or someone famous from the past like Elvis you should not have a problem with it being forgery. That is not to say that someone else in this world isn't going to have the same name you decide to use, and if you hit it big, try to get a cut of the action but that gets fought out in court. If you have had no contact with that person and never heard of him or her before and are trying to represent yourself as some authority that you are not, and that person is, then you should not run into any tangles with forgery.
Now, you said your book has never been published so ofcourse you can do what you would like to it, as long as it is your book-meaning your own fictional or true story, written in your own words or opinions. Don't slam anyone living or dead in it tho because you do not want a suit for liable. You also do not want someone else stealing your ideas so it would be good to get it copy writed first for a few dollars. Look up copywriting on the net and you should find out what it costs and where to send your money and a copy of the manuscript you want to copywrite. Keep in mind that there are alot of books out there that have been revised and you can do that too as often as you like as long as the book is your book. If you change it several times, get copywrites for those changes or somebody can copy what you write and make money off it instead of you making it. I wish you all the luck in the world-do a bang up job!

Answer 3

Since I'm assuming the publisher has your real name as well, there's no reason to be concerned. Many authors have changed their pen names (or, write under multiple names). I wouldn't worry at all!