Authors use pen names (a/k/a nom de plume, alias, literary double or pseudonym) for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s to preserve anonymity (because oh what would my boss or the neighbors say??). In other cases, authors use pen names to cross over into other genres (the mystery writer who delves into romance, for example).
Whatever the reason, the question is often asked:
“what happens to my copyright if I don’t use my real name?”
The Copyright Office permits authors to register their work in their given name, a pseudonym or even anonymously.
Below is the official guidance offered by the Copyright Office [last updated December 2011]: Continue reading “An author by any other name? — Copyright and Pseudonyms”