If you want to change your name, try doing it for fun. Choosing a pseudonym is especially useful for hiding your true identity on a site or social network or after writing a book or article.
Steps
Step 1. Assess how much of your real name you want to keep
You could shorten it or choose a similar one.
Step 2. Decide what you want to write or which site you want to post on and choose an appropriate name
- If you want to write about fantasy or science fiction, initials are fine (think J. K. Rowling or J. R. R. Tolkien).
- For literary works, “flowing” names work best, such as Nicholas Spark or Barbara Kingsolver.
Step 3. Make sure the full name isn't weird
It should be easily pronounceable. Avoid extreme alliteration.
Step 4. Select several aliases by mixing them together
Maybe it sounds stupid, but write each name on a piece of paper and leave some space between the different names. Work on it to figure out which one is right for you.
Step 5. Do an internet search to find out if your alias has already been chosen by someone else
If so, discard it and create a new one.
Step 6. Say the alias aloud several times
For example, put it within sentences such as "I want to read the last book of (pseudonym)" or "(Pseudonym) will he be there to sign the books?".
Step 7. Choose your preferred alias from all the options you have
There is no formula for determining which one is best for you. If you like one in particular, use it!
Step 8. You can use the random name generator that you find on https://www.behindthename.com/random/ and try different combinations.
You can choose the origin of the name, its translation into another language or even a mythological appellation.
Advice
- You can use a writing program to create your book cover and see how your pseudonym fits. Put the title at the top, obviously written in an appropriate font and with the right size, and, at the bottom, write your name. If you don't like the final effect, keep working on it, otherwise, keep it!
- To fix the pseudonym in your head, practice the signature you will write in the books. Either way, don't show off! You're just giving it a try for the moment when you truly become a writer!
- Don't pick a name that's too eccentric, which you might be ashamed of.
- Don't pick a name you wouldn't recognize if you heard someone else say it. When you get famous, people will call you to get your attention.
- Make sure you like your alias!
- You could use the anagram of your name. For example, Tim Jones could become Jon Miset or, to give it a French twist, Jon Misét.
