Pros and Cons of Pen Names?

Is this some sort of a riddle?

The whole point of using a pen name is so that nobody
knows who authored the work.

If the licensee is writing a professional book under a
nom de plume they obviously aren't concerned about
referrals or being included in the state database.

I would handle it by explaining their options, telling
them to decide and stop giving me a headache.

Unless the Health Professional were actually treating a patient, then their license shouldn't come into it. For instance, I follow that Dr. Mike kid (in his 20s, to me he's a "kid" ) but I realize that he gives good information but I cannot use it as my own personal doctor. The idea is that he's not MY doctor and if I have questions about my own personal health, I need to ask my own health professional. I can read a good book about medical stuff or watch YouTube videos that give great information, but the only time the license would come into play is if the author or YouTube person is treating me, personally.



The person with the pen name simply should make sure that people know that he or she is not their doctor.

I've seen a couple books (one was a kindle book) where there is a statement in the first or second page of 'legal info' stating "Jack Jones is the pen name of Dr....blah blah".

I'd think the legality might depend on the licensing laws in the state. If the books are providing medical advice it may be required to link the pen name to the professional. Personally, if it were my client...I'd tell him to take examples to a lawyer for a legal opinion rather than take a chance on risking his license

If he were writing books about a totally different topic I wouldn't see a problem with pen name - ...

But you mention he might REFER patients to the books which I think clouds the issue. If he is writing books giving advice about the profession he practices with a license....there may be regulations that would cover it.

Well what is the reason for using a alias or alternate name if the doctor want people to connect with them.

Is their real name foreign and hard to spell or just extremely common .

I'm more interested in why an expert/professional may not want to put their own name on a book on their expertise

Licensing issues can be tricky - and the consequences for violating license rules can be devastating to a career. I can't judge whether it's ok or not for the 'medical professional' - my advice was for Mark to avoid giving advice on a potential legal issue.

The reasons why this is being considered:

1. Safety. Seeing local people in an office is different than having a countrywide audience. During the worst of COVID, they pretty much went remote treatment only with telehealth. Now they are wanting to start marketing with books, YT channel, etc. so they will be even more well known. But, they are afraid some weirdo is going to show up at the door one day.

2. Appearances. This is a group of professionals all with the same last name - in the office that's all right because it's a family business and everyone knows. But they think if every book or video or whatever else they may do refers to 4 different "Browns", people will think that's weird. Authors: John Brown, Suzie Brown, David Brown, and Frank Brown. So, they've thought of using their middle names as pen names so it would be John Michael instead of John Brown. They think this shows a more diverse staff.

Mark

If they publish under pen names....they won't be 'more well known' - in fact they may end up competing with themselves.

Sounds to me like they are brainstorming rather than thinking things through. They need to start with a pros and cons list and work through it.

I wonder if they have considered creating their own 'publishing group' - using the surname as part of the business name.

If all are writing - could publish under one name such as 'brown syndications' or Brown Publishing Group...If they are trying to build their brand they can't hide behind pen names entirely.

Will be interested to know what happens with this one, Mark.

Pen names may make social events more difficult, especially if you forget and introduce yourself by your given name, or if you don't reply when someone addresses you by your pen name.