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Careers: Writing/How to publish with penname
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Question
Let's say you don't like your name and want to publish under such alias as T.H Thriller. How do you make a A(cover letter), B (if chosen how do you get paid roylaties?
Certainly anyone can claim to be T. H Thriller. I hope you don't need to get another social security card.
Hi, Heather!
Never fear! This situation is as old as dirt. :) First, a publishing contract is entered into under your REAL name. So, that's who royalties go to, and that's the same name that will appear on the copyright. No problem. In the contract it will usually stipulate what pseudonym the books will be published under. The publisher will consider you to be "T.H. Thriller" in press and other interactions with the public, but to your editor (in private emails and conversations) you'll still be "Heather." Does that make sense?
Now, keep in mind that the copyright WILL be in your real name and so it will appear in the book on the copyright page. If you DON'T want that, you'll want to talk with your editor and attorney/accountant to see if you want to start a company or Trust to hold the copyright so your real name doesn't appear anywhere.
Does that answer your question?
Cathy
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Answers by Expert:
Cathy Clamp
Expertise
I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)
Experience
I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.
Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.
Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others.
Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.
Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.
Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
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