SiteJul31
We Ask, You Answer: Have you used a pseudonym?
A reader has asked about the mechanics of using a pseudonym, and I don’t know the answer. If any of you Renegade readers have written for magazines under a pseudonym, would you mind writing about your experiences in the Comments section? We’d like to know how you worked it out with your editors and your bank, how you chose your pseudonym, the pros and cons, and any other advice you may have. Thanks! [lf]
6 Responses to “We Ask, You Answer: Have you used a pseudonym?”
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Denene Brox
Said this on July 31st, 2007 at 2:43pm:I’ve never used one but I have worked in banking…you might run into problems with your bank unless you set up your account as a DBA (Doing Business As) and use the pseudonym as the business name. Another option to avoid problems at the bank is to have the editor address the check to your legal name and add the pseudonym in the memo area of the check. But if it’s a pen name you’re using often, I’d suggest going the DBA route. Many banks simply won’t cash a check made out to someone who isn’t technically listed as an account holder. And it would be a huge pain to have to have the publication re-issue a check to correct the name.
FWIW,
Denene
LindaFormichelli
Said this on July 31st, 2007 at 5:50pm:Thanks, Denene! That’s great advice.
Jen A. Miller
Said this on July 31st, 2007 at 10:09pm:My writing name — Jen A. Miller — is not my legal name. My legal name is Jennifer Marie Miller. The A comes from my confirmation name, and I think it looks better. Not quite a pseydonym, but enough that I worried about it. Most checks are made out to “Jennifer Miller,” which is what I put under “Pay to” on my invoices. But some include the A, and it’s close enough that I’ve never had a problem.
I’ve used a completely fake name twice. In college. Enough said.
Lauren
Said this on August 1st, 2007 at 8:44am:I write with my maiden name. I try to explain this to editors before the checks go out, but sometimes I still get paid under my maiden name. In that situation it pays to carry around a certified copy of my marriage certificate, just in case the bank questions it. But the idea of a DBA account sounds like it would work out for anyone using a “real” pseudonym.
DianaBurrell
Said this on August 1st, 2007 at 9:13am:Check your state/town “DBA” requirements. In Massachusetts, for example, all you have to do is file a form with the town clerk that states you’re doing business as “Pseudonym Here.” They’ll give you a certificate or business license, which you can bring to the bank when you’re opening an account; you’ll be able to deposit checks written out to that pseudonym. Every state/town has different requirements, though, so don’t take my word as gospel!
Rachel
Said this on August 4th, 2007 at 4:36pm:I have used one quite a few times…The editors know it is me…but I often need to do it to avoid saturation in a few markets. There was one time when my articles were going to appear in seven mass market mags at the same time…and one of them had three of my articles in it. We put a pen name on one of those…
In small conflicting markets I will also use a pen name- and tell both editors I am doing so. I just remind them when I invoice them