How to Choose a Pseudonym: 7 Rules Every Writer Should Follow

Choosing a pseudonym sounds simple until you sit down to do it. What should it sound like? Should it be serious or playful? Should you use your initials? What if someone else already has it? It can feel like naming a character and a company at the same time. And in a way, it is.

A pseudonym isn’t just a name. It’s a brand. And whether you’re writing fiction, ghostwriting nonfiction, or publishing online, your pen name can either build credibility or create confusion. We’ve worked with a lot of authors who use pseudonyms, and over time, we’ve noticed patterns in what works and what backfires.

This guide will walk you through how to pick a pseudonym that actually serves your goals, not just your whims.

Know why you need one

The first question to ask is simple: why are you using a pseudonym at all? For some writers, it’s about privacy. For others, it’s about building a separate brand. In ghostwriting, a pseudonym can help you publish work under a consistent identity without revealing your client list.

Other common reasons include writing in a different genre, separating personal and professional identities, or distancing your work from your day job. Whatever the case, your reason should shape your choice. A pseudonym used for privacy might need to sound more generic. One used for branding should be memorable and marketable.

Research your genre

Different genres have different expectations. Romance authors often use initials or gender-neutral names. Thriller writers might go with short, punchy names that are easy to remember. If you’re writing fantasy, there’s often more room for play.

Take J.K. Rowling, for example. She used a gender-neutral version of her name to appeal to a broader audience, then later adopted the pseudonym Robert Galbraith to separate her detective novels from the Harry Potter brand. Genre affects perception, so study the names in your niche before choosing your own.

Make it easy to remember and spell

If people can’t spell it, they won’t search for it. If they can’t pronounce it, they won’t talk about it. The best pseudonyms are simple, clear, and easy to recall. Aim for names that pass the phone test: if you told someone the name over the phone, would they be able to spell it?

This matters more than most people think. In publishing, discoverability is everything. If someone hears about your book or article but can’t find you, that’s a lost reader. Every extra step creates friction.

Check if it’s already taken

Once you have a few options, search them. Start with Google. Then try Amazon, Goodreads, Substack, Instagram, and Twitter. If someone else is already using the name for writing or publishing, move on. You don’t want to compete with another author’s search results, and you definitely don’t want to confuse your readers.

If your pen name might become a brand, consider checking domain availability. You don’t need to buy a website right away, but it’s good to know if yourname.com or yourname.substack.com is available.

Choose something with staying power

It might feel fun to choose a quirky or clever name. But ask yourself: will this still feel like a fit in five years? Will you want to introduce yourself with this name in interviews, bios, or on stage?

This is especially important if you plan to write across genres or build a long-term writing career. Pick something you won’t outgrow. Something you won’t cringe at later. You can always pivot, but switching names mid-career can come with confusion and SEO headaches.

Decide how private you want to be

Some pseudonyms are thin veils. Others are airtight. Think about how private you want to be. Are you trying to fully obscure your identity? Or are you more concerned with branding than secrecy?

The answer changes how you set things up. For total privacy, use separate email accounts, register domains under a different name, and be careful about public records. For lighter separation, you might just use the pseudonym publicly and keep everything else tied to your real identity.

If you’re earning money under a pseudonym, you’ll still need to use your legal name for contracts and payments. You can write anonymously, but you can’t get paid anonymously.

Try it before you commit

One of the easiest ways to test a pseudonym is to use it. Sign up for a newsletter platform or writing community. Post a few pieces. See how it feels to write and publish under the name. Ask a few people what the name makes them think of.

Sometimes a name looks good on paper but feels awkward in public. You won’t know until you try. A dry run can help you catch problems early before you commit to printing books or building a brand.

Treat your pseudonym like a business name

You don’t need to overthink it, but you shouldn’t treat it casually either. A good pseudonym helps you show up consistently, build a body of work, and grow an audience over time. That’s hard to do if your name keeps changing or your brand feels scattered.

So treat your pseudonym with care. You’re not just naming a writer. You’re naming the face of a creative business. Choose a name you can grow into.

Working on your next book?

We can help.

At Column, we work with pseudonymous authors all the time. Whether you’re publishing under a pen name for privacy, branding, or positioning, we can help you write, edit, and distribute your work while staying behind the scenes.

From outlining and drafting to handling formatting and distribution logistics, our ghostwriting service is built to support creators who want to focus on ideas, not admin.

You can learn more about how we work at columncontent.com/ghostwriting-service.