Is it normal to change my name so i can be taken more seriously as an author?

10 Comments

I have two books that are ready to be self-published and I want to change my name so that I can be taken more seriously as an Author.

I'm of asian descent and have an unusual name. My whole life people have underestimated me solely based on the fact that I'm asian and have a weird name. I'm going to be honest here. Asian Writers are rare in the U.S. and very few are taken seriously. People will also judge you strongly based on your name alone and if you have a weird name people are less likely to acknowledge your work.

I really want to do this and I won't feel any regrets either. What do you guys think?

I agree with your viewpoint. You should do it. 30
I don't agree with your viewpoint but you can do it if you'd like. 24
I don't think you should do it. 8
Other (Add a comment) 6
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Comments ( 10 )
  • Ihadtomakeyetanotheraccountffs
    12 years ago

    Joanne Rowling changed her author name to J.K. Rowling, as a female author may not have been taken seriously. And, y'know, she's done pretty well, so yeah.

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    • ebulliance
      11 years ago

      J.K. probably wasnt the best thing tho.

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      • Ihadtomakeyetanotheraccountffs
        11 years ago

        Why? John Kennedy?

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  • UniqueOne
    11 years ago

    It depends on what your name is, if it's kinda childish or easy to make fun of then i suggest you use your initials...

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  • Lynxikat
    12 years ago

    Why don't you just use a pseudonym?

    I mean, if you legally change your name to something else, I don't see anything wrong with that, but I personally think it'd be easier if you just used a pseudonym.

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  • Legion
    12 years ago

    I think most authors and other famous people have changed their name for similar reasons. I dont think Gene simmons would have been as awesome sounding to people if he went by his real name, Hyam witts.(That may be spelled wrong)

    plus, a pseudonym is fun cause you can be as creative with it as you want. plus, you can completely create an image for yourself.

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  • Couman
    12 years ago

    I figure it makes alot of sense to choose a pen name as an author. You didn't get to pick your name, but inevitably people will judge your book by it (at least to some extent), so why not pick something that reflects kind of image you want for your work?

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      12 years ago

      I'm glad you agree with me. I've always hated my name because it sounds so stupid. All of my names are all one syllable and it really sounds silly when you say my full name.

      I'm gonna change my name to something that I can be proud of and will make a good first impression on my potential readers :)

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  • duckmoopoo
    12 years ago

    It's a great idea. If you make it big your real name will likely be known anyway though.

    I plan on making children's books and I plan to find a pseudonym for myself- mostly because of my messed up family though.

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  • TerryVie
    12 years ago

    Other:

    Do change your name. Many authors do.
    Even if just so it sounds "nice" and round.
    Think of prominent authors, except the russian "classics" most of them have rather "smooth" names, and first names often get shortened to initials.

    Just pick something you like :)

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