In the past, writers—often women—have used pseudonyms to protect their identity, yet many of their books still came to be known as some of the most famous in the world. For instance, George Eliot’s real name was Mary Ann Evans, and the works of George Sand were actually written by Amandine Lucie Aurore Dupin. But the age of smartphones and social media has seemingly made anonymity a thing of the past. Today, authors are expected to take an active role in marketing their work, appearing at events, conducting interviews, et cetera. Success for indie authors appears to be especially tied to social media, and they are frequently seen posing in the background of book trailers. Pseudonyms, when used, are often an open secret; it is common knowledge that Cassandra Clare is actually the pen name of Judith Lewis, and best-selling romance author Nora Roberts writes suspense novels under the name J.D. Robb. So where does that leave authors who truly want to remain unidentified? Is it even possible to be successful as an anonymous author today?
There are a plethora of reasons why an author might wish to remain anonymous. Many authors are introverts, so maybe they’re uncomfortable in the public eye. Maybe the idea of their boss or grandmother reading what they’ve written makes them shudder in horror. Or perhaps, like Roberts, they’re an author who is already established in one genre and wants to branch out to another without preconceptions influencing potential readers.
What can these authors do to become a success while maintaining their privacy? The fact of the matter is that the very technology that has forced so many to reveal their identity can actually be these authors’ best friend. Indeed, social media can be a great tool in helping authors engage with readers without sacrificing their anonymity. Posts can be focused on the author’s books rather than themselves, creating what emPower PR Group calls “a book platform instead of an author platform.” If they wish to add a more personal touch, authors can post other unrevealing content—perhaps photos of their current reads, hobbies, or nature. Authors and their publishers can also partner with well-known book influencers to get word out. It would also be helpful for these authors to have websites that are up-to-date and accessible, with an option for readers to subscribe to newsletters.
The poet known simply as Atticus has experienced tremendous success despite remaining anonymous. At the time of writing, he had over 1.6 million followers on Instagram and had appeared on the New York Times bestseller list on three occasions, with book sales in the hundreds of thousands. Rather than foregoing public appearances entirely, Atticus wears a silver full-face mask to protect his identity, allowing him to have a foot in both worlds. Other anonymous authors might consider adopting something in a similar vein. With meeting platforms like Zoom, anonymous authors can participate in live interviews while keeping their camera off. They could also interview in print form if they have anxiety about live situations, or concerns that their voice could be recognized. Such interviews could be conducted through email via the author’s agent or publicist.
Exposure through any of these channels will help authors reach their intended audience. And so, writers who wish to remain faceless should take heart that while it may be a little more difficult to find success, it is possible with some clever workarounds.
Back Matter
Source: https://www.panmacmillan.com/blogs/classics/famous-female-authors-with-male-pseudonyms
Fact: George Sand (Amandine Lucie Aurore Dupin) and George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) were actually women writers using male pseudonyms.
Fact: Cassandra Clare is the pen name of Judith Lewis.
Source: https://us.macmillan.com/author/jdrobb
Fact: J.D. Robb is a pseudonym used by romance author Nora Roberts.
Source: https://empowerprgroup.com/book-marketing-tips-for-authors-using-a-pseudonym/
Fact: Definition of a book platform versus author platform
Source: https://www.atticuspoetry.com/about-atticus
Fact: The poet Atticus has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list on three occasions.
Source: https://bookscan.npd.com/s?ds=303-0-&q=atticus&type=0
Fact: Atticus’s books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies.