Glossary
Pen name
Pen name: A pen name, or pseudonym, is a name an author publishes under instead of their legal name. Mark Twain, George Orwell and George Eliot were pen names. On Amazon KDP you can publish under a pen name while contracts, tax and royalty payments stay in your legal name.
Why authors use a pen name
- Privacy. Keeping a book apart from your job, your clients or your family.
- One name per genre. Readers who buy your thrillers may not want your cookbook; separate names keep each audience clear.
- A name that sells better. Shorter, easier to spell, easier to remember, or a better fit for the genre.
- A fresh start. J.K. Rowling published her crime novels as Robert Galbraith to be read without expectations.
Famous pen names
| Pen name | Real name |
|---|---|
| Mark Twain | Samuel Clemens |
| George Orwell | Eric Blair |
| George Eliot | Mary Ann Evans |
| Lewis Carroll | Charles Dodgson |
| Robert Galbraith | J.K. Rowling |
How to publish under a pen name on Amazon KDP
- Open your KDP account in your legal name: tax interview and bank details are always in your real name.
- In the book details, type your pen name in the Author field. Use the same name on the cover.
- Claim the book in Amazon Author Central to get an author page under the pen name.
- Keep the same pen name across the books of one genre so readers can find the next one.
Amazon does not allow a name that imitates a well-known author or misleads readers about who wrote the book.
How to choose a pen name
- Search it on Amazon first: no other author in your genre should already use it.
- Check the domain name and the social media handles you will want.
- Fit the genre: a cozy mystery name does not sound like a business book name.
- Easy to spell and to say aloud, so word of mouth works.
On create-ebook the author name is a field of the book: you can put your pen name on the cover and change it at any time, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to write under a pen name?
Yes. Using a pen name is legal as long as it does not impersonate a real person or mislead buyers about who wrote the book.
Who owns the copyright of a book published under a pen name?
You do. The pen name changes the name on the cover, not who owns the work. Contracts and payments remain in your legal name.
Can I have several pen names on Amazon?
Yes. Many authors use one pen name per genre, all from the same KDP account.
Do I have to reveal my real name?
Not to readers. Amazon knows your legal name for tax and payments, but it is not shown on the book page.