As a writer of literary fiction, I’ve been seriously grappling with my pen name. My debut book comes out next year, and for the last five years I’ve been writing under the name, Ben Davies—a nod to my mum’s surname and a small stab at anonymity. Yet, it’s proved challenging to distinguish in an online world brimming with Ben Davieses of various professions.
When you can’t find your own author website on Google, despite doing author marketing as a profession, you know you’ve got a problem. When you’re doing marketing for another author whose old, un-optimized website ranks first on Google because of their unique name, you realize there’s an alternative, yet it might not be what you want.
The question: should I keep my current author name or should I add a twist to my name for better recognition? And, importantly, what does this choice say about me and my work and being an author in general?
This personal dilemma is one I know a lot of writers face. The act of naming, so central to fiction, becomes an exercise in self-invention when it turns inward. It also feels strange and a bit hollow and fake, and dirty to think of ourselves in this way, but that is the world of writing today. We are as much writers as we are marketers and these are things you can’t hide away from if you want any chance of (even minimal) success.
Why Writers Choose Pen Names
Throughout history, pen names have served various purposes. For some authors, they’re shields—protecting privacy or allowing them to write freely without societal or familial judgment. For others, they’re tools for reinvention, enabling writers to shed parts of themselves or adopt a persona that aligns with their work. (Both a consideration that certainly influenced my original decision)
For instance, Mary Ann Evans became George Eliot to ensure her novels were taken seriously in a male-dominated literary world. Samuel Clemens adopted the moniker Mark Twain to reflect his roots in riverboating. And J.K. Rowling’s initials were a publisher’s suggestion, designed to make her Harry Potter series appealing to boys who might shy away from a female author (let’s not delve into the ironies here...).
In modern times, the reasons often extend to pragmatic concerns like SEO and branding. A unique name is easier to find, remember, and associate with your body of work. This is the problem I’m facing because, let’s face it, I’m never going to compete with a Premier League footballer.
The Balancing Act: Identity vs. Strategy
When considering a pen name, I find myself caught between two competing desires: to remain authentic to my identity and to create a name that stands out in a crowded literary landscape.
My original pen name, Ben Davies, means a lot to me, my mum, and feels natural but unfortunately it lacks uniqueness. Searching it online, I was buried under a sea of actors, athletes, and professionals sharing the same name. There’s even a Benjamin Davis —a co-founder of the wonderful Chill Subs—whose name is similar enough to cause confusion.
Then, I discovered another author using the same name. Then, when I searched my actual name, Ben Crisp, I found yet another writer/creative with the exact same name.
This is a problem, and in a world where every author is struggling to get read, it’s basically shooting yourself in the foot before you’ve even started.
Luckily my debut book, a short-story collection, And So I Took Their Eye, is not out until next year and although it’s going through final drafts right now, it gives me a glimmer of opportunity to change things before the point of no return.
Options:
Ben Gaddini-Crisp — Adding “Gaddini,” my wife’s surname, which is more uncommon, and creates a nice personal connection to my new family
BD Crisp / BC Davies— Sleek, minimalist, and gender-neutral, it’s a name that could work across genres and evoke a sense of mystery. It also feels pretentious as hell.
Ben Davies-Crisp — Combining my parent’s surnames, which is important to me, yet similar SEO-related issues as my original choice.
Ben Gaddini-Davies — Similar to the above but feels like there are too many syllables going on
Each option reflects a different aspect of my identity and aspirations, yet each carries implications for how readers might perceive my work.
Am I happy with them? No, not really. I prefer Ben Davies, I’ve used it for years now and it feels me. But that’s not an option, so what should I do?
(All suggestions are very welcome…)
What Makes a Good Pen Name?
In considering these options, I’ve come to realize there are three key factors to weigh when choosing a pen name:
1. Memorability
A good pen name sticks in the mind. Names like George Orwell or Haruki Murakami are easy to recall and visually striking. Adding a unique name, like “Gaddini,” makes it stand out without being overly complicated.
2. Authenticity
Readers often feel a connection to the author, especially in literary fiction, where the work can feel deeply personal. A name like BD Crisp is polished and professional, but does it create the same sense of intimacy as “Ben Gaddini-Crisp”? For me, this is a critical question. Does the name reflect not just the writer I want to be but the person I am? Also, BD Crisp sounds really painfully pretentious, and I don’t want that to be “my brand.”
3. Practicality
This is where SEO and branding come into play. A common name like “Ben Davies” gets lost in search results. Adding a middle name, initial, or unusual surname can solve this problem. However, practicality must be balanced with the other factors—a name that’s too obscure or hard to spell might alienate potential readers.
The Wider Context: How Pen Names Shape Perception
Your name, like your book’s title, is the first point of contact with your audience. It sets expectations. Literary fiction readers might expect elegance and depth from names like Kazuo Ishiguro or Toni Morrison.
Then there’s the question of gender and initials. Using initials like BD Crisp can make a name gender-neutral, which might appeal to a broader audience. However, it also creates a slight sense of distance. For literary fiction, where connection and authenticity matter, this could be a disadvantage.
What pen names have other people chosen, why and are they working?
Please comment below as would love to discuss, get some fresh insight (and for someone to provide the answer because I’m pretty lost right now).
Thanks for reading Ben Davies/BD Davies/B Gaddini-Crisp
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