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Why did I choose a pen name to begin with?

When I first decided to break out of my shell and write original fiction with the intention of mass publication for a public audience, I debated over whether or not to use a pen name. There were a number of reasons, the main two being that I wanted the privacy that a pen name would provide my life with my family and friends should I ever be blessed enough to publish and gather a wide following. Secondly, I wanted to honor my father, Roman Naum, who passed away when I was shy of my eighth birthday. I could accomplish that by using my middle name, Jennifer (Jenni), and my father’s name (Roman). I had mixed feelings about using a pen name, fearing that some people might think I was being dishonest or trying to hide from scrutiny because I was doing something nefarious. My qualms proved valid, and I should have listened to them before launching my Author’s platform on my website, blog, and social media like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

What Changed my mind about using a pen name?

My mind was changed about using a pen name too late for my launch in April 2023, when I began querying literary agents and attending writers’ conferences for the first time. I’d read many articles and blog posts about the advantages and disadvantages of using a pen name. Still, I’d never spoken to an industry insider about it until I contacted them in queries and during face-to-face pitches to literary agents. I discovered confusion over who I was at these events because I would register and pay under my legal name, Pauline Grabia. Still, I would submit pitches and manuscript samples under my pen name, Jenni Roman. That was one indicator that there was a problem. I don’t want my future readers, agents, and others confused over my identity. Another indicator was when three literary agents kindly and wisely advised me that using a pen name was not in my best interest as a budding author building my platform and brand in today's competitive writing market. Name and face recognition is key to marketing my platform, brand, and, in the future, my books.

Hearing that from not one but three agents at the same conference convinced me I should have listened to that small, nagging voice that told me using a pen name wasn’t a good idea. Hindsight is 20/20, as they say. Following that conference, I concluded that I had to change the name of my Author’s Platform and Brand from my pen name, “Jenni Roman,” to my real name, “Pauline J. Grabia.”

Changes to my website, blog, and social media began in September 2023.

As a result of my decision to change the name of my Brand and Author’s Platform, starting in September 2023, this website and blog changed its domain from www.jenniroman.com and “Jenni Roman” to www.paulinejgrabia.com. This name change is being made to my social media accounts, too. If you use my old domain, www.jenniroman.com, you will be redirected to my website and blog under “Pauline J. Grabia.” My content will remain the same. You can still access blog posts and my novel Filling the Cracks using that URL for now. Once the transition is complete and people are used to using the new domain name for my website and blog, the old URL and domain name will be discontinued. I understand that this change will be confusing in the short term, but in the long term, it will be better for the consistency of my brand over the internet and social media.

Should writers ever use a pen name?

I’m not prepared to tell others what name they should or shouldn’t use as their author’s name and brand. That’s a personal decision that should be made after research and reflection. I believed changing from a pen to my real name was the correct decision for my Author’s platform and brand, but I know that may not be true for others. There are pros and cons to using a pen name. Below, I list some of the pros and cons of using a pen name. Do your own research into the subject and make the best decision for you.

Pros for using a pen name:

For this list and the Cons list, I gathered research information from blog posts belonging to Nathaniel Tower, “Should You Use a Pseudonym as a Writer?” and Deborah Wirsu, “The Pros and Cons of Writing Under a Pen name.” Check out their Pinterest accounts for more great information! The Pros of using a pen name include:

1.     Many famous writers used pen names (pseudonyms): Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans), J.K. Rowling (Joanne Rowling), and Mary Westmacott (Agatha Christie).

2.     Using a pen name, you can protect your privacy, especially if you write about controversial issues or risqué content. For example, if you are a teacher or counselor who writes erotica in your free time, you may not want that fact to be made public because it might harm your profession, In such a case, a pen name might be a good idea.

3.     If you write in different genres, using a different name for each genre might be better. Readers can become confused if an author suddenly switches genres using the same author’s name because they often buy a book based on the author rather than the content. Someone accustomed to Jane Doe writing mystery might be disappointed to buy a book based on her name only to find it is a historical romance instead. Many authors find using a different pseudonym for each genre they write beneficial.

4.     Some names still bring with them the risk of discrimination. To avoid being discriminated against based on gender, race, religion, politics, or sexual orientation, it is sometimes useful for a person to use a pseudonym. Unfortunately, this is necessary for some to be accepted.

5.     If your reputation is tainted somehow, using a pseudonym might be for you. It might allow you to begin anew with a fresh start or escape certain legal issues.

6.     If your name is common, unique, or similar to a celebrity’s, you might find using a pseudonym beneficial. For example, if your last name is “Smith” or “Jiggleheimerschmidt,” you may want to use a pen name.

Cons for using a pen name:

The following examples are especially true if you write nonfiction, but they can apply to fiction writers, too.

1.     If you’re an expert or authority on a subject, why hide that fact under a pseudonym? Your real name, used as your profession or source of expertise, will only work toward building authenticity and confidence in your book and brand.

2.     Your book might be a lead magnet to your business, organization, or profession.

3.     As mentioned, using your real name will build authority from your book to establish your business or brand across more than just publishing. As an author, you are a business. Using a pseudonym might interfere with name recognition and growth.

4.     If you use a pseudonym, how do you share personal stories? Do you create new ones to fit your alternate persona? It makes this more complicated.

5.     If you intend to build a business off your book, such as coaching or online courses, affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, or proofreading/editing services, for example, it could become complicated quickly when using a pseudonym. Do you use your pseudonym for your proofreading services, too? How does that work with banking or taxes?

Ultimately, you must decide what works best for you as a writer/author: using a pen name.  I decided that for my purposes where I am now as a writer and aspiring author, it was best to change from using my pseudonym “Jenni Roman” to my real name, “Pauline J. Grabia.” Perhaps down the road, if I decide to switch genres, I might consider using a pseudonym based on a variation of my real name. For now, I’m satisfied with using my own name for my brand.

I’m interested in hearing what you think. Please leave your comments in the section below. If you have any questions or suggestions, I’d love to hear those, too. Sign up for my monthly newsletter in the space below to stay abreast of what’s happening on my website and blog. Check out my other related blog posts listed below. If you haven’t started reading it yet, now’s the time to begin enjoying my novel, Filling the Cracks, which I’m publishing weekly on my blog, one chapter each Wednesday, for twenty-five weeks. Chapter Five is currently up, but you can start with Chapter One by clicking here. Please share my blog with your friends and family and keep coming back each week for more new content. Thank you for reading. May God bless you richly!

Pauline J. Grabia (formerly Jenni Roman)

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