Overview: Choosing an author name or pen name is an important step in creating your book’s identity. Whether you use your real name or a pen name, this is the name that will appear on the cover, title page, and metadata of your book. In the Made Live platform, you can easily enter and update your author name or pen name through the Project Settings menu. This flexibility allows you to make changes at any time, ensuring your book is attributed to the correct name as you progress through your self-publishing journey.
How to Enter Your Author Name or Pen Name in the Made Live
- Click on Project Settings in the navigation menu.
- Locate the Author Name field and enter your name or pen name. If you’re unsure whether to use your real name or a pen name, consider how you want to be perceived as an author and how the name aligns with your brand.
- Click Finished to save your changes.
The name entered will be correctly attributed to your book throughout the platform.
If you’ve already entered an author name but wish to update it, simply delete the existing name and enter the new one. Remember, you can change this name at any point in the publishing process, so don’t worry if you’re still deciding.
Choosing Between a Real Name and a Pen Name
When deciding whether to use your real name or a pen name, think about your long-term goals as an author. Using a pen name can provide a sense of privacy, create a unique identity, or allow you to experiment with different genres. On the other hand, using your real name helps build credibility and personal branding.
Considerations for Choosing a Pen Name:
- Genre Alignment: Choose a pen name that fits the genre or tone of your book.
- Personal Branding: Consider how the name contributes to your overall brand as an author.
- Privacy and Anonymity: A pen name can help protect your privacy or separate your writing persona from other professional roles.
Considerations for Using Your Real Name:
- Credibility: Using your real name can establish trust and authenticity.
- Personal Brand Building: If you plan to build a personal brand, using your real name makes it easier for readers to find your other work.
- Recognition: Readers can associate your real name with your books and any related content, like author interviews or blogs.
If you have a common name, you may want to consider using a pen name to make it easier for readers to find you and easier to build an online presence, secure your domain name, and secure your social media handles.
