Writing under a pen name, how do I cash checks?

Question

Im writing a book using a pen name (not my real name), How do I cash checks with this name? I Asked the bank, they seem clueless though.

what if im self publishing?

Answer 1

File a fictitious business name in the name of your pen name. Take the fictitious business statement and a copy of the name registration (usually done with the city) to the bank and open a business checking account as a "dba" (doing business as) account.

Your checking account will say dba and you can deposit checks that are made out to your pen name.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

You would probably have to get some document from a court verifying that you are writing under that name, so the bank has some assurance that you're not depositing checks intended for someone else. An attorney with expertise in this area would be the best person to ask for more details.

Answer 4

Your Bank doesn't know? Maybe you need to find another bank. You have a signature card for your checking and if that name is on your account, doesn't need to be on your personal checks, there would be no problem cashing or depositing a check in your pen name.

Answer 5

Some authors use two names when publishing their books, for example they use one name when publishing a adults book and they use another when publishing a childrens book. So the answer to your question is yes- pen names can be used. However you will need to tell your publisher your real name (they will have to keep it confidential) but other than that like i said pen-names are ok! As for publishers the Preditors&Editors website is good but you will need to have completed your book in order for you to get it published ofcourse. Best of luck! Hope this helped!

Answer 6

I self-published a book through Xlibris using a pen name. However, Xlibris has my real name on file, and although the book is published strictly with my pseudonym, any royalty checks from Xlibris are written to my real name. Doubtlessly, whaterver publisher you may select will use a similar system. Good luck with your book, though regardless of its degree of success, you will experience a marvelous sense of accomplishment in having created a material contribution to the world of publishing.

Answer 7

I am with Screen Actors Guild, and my professional name is different from my legal name. If you have any documentation with your pen name on it, present it to your bank, and add your pen name to your bank account. Since I am in SAG's credit union, they are used to doing things this way. If the publisher has your social security number on file, then that would be proof enough that you are the same person to whom the checks are made.

Answer 8

Incorporate yourself through your state's Secretary of State office...many times it can be done online and relatively cheap. Then register your company and trade name as a "dba." For example, your company can be "Creative Writing Incorporated" and your trade name can be dba "Roger Smith" (or whatever pen name you are using). Once you do this online, then you will be able to take this document to your bank, set up a separate account for your business/pen name (Creative Writing, Inc. dba Roger Smith) and then each time you get a check under your pen name, they will be able to cash it.

Answer 9

Since your book would be published by a publisher, you just need to tell the publisher your true name and request that they cut checks using your real name.

Answer 10

Just get the publisher to make the cheques out in your real name. The bank can't cash a cheque made payable to someone else.