I have some fiction that I want to self-publish. But I'd like to use a fake name instead of my real name.
Is this completely legal?
2007-01-16 22:08:45 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
It's called a' Nom de Plume' or pen name and is not only legal but very common.
2007-01-16 22:12:33 · answer #1 · answered by penny century 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most legal systems, a name assumed for a nonfraudulent purpose is a legal name and usable as the person's true name, which is however preferred or required for various official purposes. Such a "stage name" is called a pseudonym. Many writers have one. Ex: Mark Twain's real name is Samuel Langhorne Clemens.
2007-01-16 22:26:58 · answer #2 · answered by Buru R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is legal if the name you use has not been taken and you have it registered. An example, the name iPhone was registered before apple releases its phone version, therefore, it is been sued because the name was already in use for another phone. Is the same thing for people. we have seen many actors, singers and people that presents their work under a name different from their real name. A "stage name", is a marketing strategic too.
Good Luck!
2007-01-16 22:21:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
to get paid for their work, actors and writers use their real name. However, in many cases some actors real names aren't "stage" friendly, so they are often credited as a more "public" or "stage" friendly name, but for tax purpose's and on their drivers licenses, ect, it's still their real name.
Many authors, for the same and sometimes personal reasons as well have their work published under a pen name, even though they are still using their real name.
2007-01-16 23:10:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of authors do it. Some even change their name after publishing some books, if they want to change the style or target audience.
So it must be legal.
2007-01-16 22:21:08 · answer #5 · answered by Gnomon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but it's called a "pen name". Stage name is for actors.
Nom de plume is the French origin, but it's a bit over the top for most people to take.
2007-01-16 23:56:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pen names are very common, it's not a problem.
(And Shakespeare was Shakespeare not Francis Bacon as some people think. Comparative analysis of style makes this obvious.)
2007-01-17 00:17:03 · answer #7 · answered by replybysteve 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is indeed, many writers have a penname which they use. John Wyndham (authour of 'The Day of the Triffids') used one, as did the writer of A Series of Unfortunate events, using the name 'Lemony Snicket'.
2007-01-17 01:48:54 · answer #8 · answered by thialanigirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called a pseudonym. Mine is Helen Cordell. Yes, it's completely legal.
2007-01-16 22:17:44 · answer #9 · answered by Away With The Fairies 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, most actors would write under their stage name, rather than their real name.
2007-01-16 22:22:27 · answer #10 · answered by plwimsett 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋