Comments on: Publishing books…?

By: Sky

Sky — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:30:59 +0000

Using a pen name would be a good idea.

But I will caution you: Mainstream publishing won’t take you at your current age.

No offense, but the skills you have now won’t stand up to really good writing.

Like I told another teen author: "You have to spend a lot of time developing and honing your skills if you want to become published."

But you also have to know the market inside and out. The world of publishing is a lot more complex and vast, than the self-help guides paint them to be.
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By: loryntoo

loryntoo — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:51:59 +0000

All legal documents (including the contract) will require your real name so that’s what you give to the agent. The manuscript should have your real name and address on the cover page. You can follow your real name with "writing as _________" and give your pen name.

Now if you are referring to real people in your book and that’s why you are using a pen name, be aware that it will not protect you from lawsuits. Same thing with "borrowing" paragraphs from published works. Anyone who is concerned enough to find out who you are will simply contact the publisher.

If you would like to know more on this subject or other areas pertaining to writing, there’s a new amateur writers chat called "The Write Stuff" on Friday nights at 10:30 Eastern time. Location is http://www.burryman.com. It’s a private chat room so there’s no bots and no perverts. Moderated by professional writers.
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7 books published including SEARCH FOR THE SUN, the 2001 Eppie Award winner for Best Mystery.

By: grrluknow

grrluknow — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:42:59 +0000

You submit the manuscript to agents using your real name and tell them you would like to publish using a pen name. I had an online sale for a book for which I used a pen name and the site needed my real name on the contract but published the book using my pen name. Congrats on your successes. I wish you luck selling your book.
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