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Posted on June 2, 2016May 4, 2022 by Angela Tague

Name Game: What Surname Should a Writer Use?

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Name Game: What Surname Should a Writer Use?

As a writer, your name is your money-maker.

A byline links you to your work, web presence and influence. So, what’s a writer to do when a name change looms?

Stop and think, a lot!

Marriage, divorce, adoption or privacy concerns may lead you to consider changing your name, but if you’ve started building your career on the moniker, it can be a tough decision. Publicly, you may want to stick to your original name to avoid confusing your readers. Then, use your new legal name for all personal situations.

I write under the name I was born with.

I know writers who use pseudonyms, a hyphenated last name, their first and middle name initials in place of their first name or shortened versions of their legal last name. You have options!

I have chosen to stick with my legal birth name for a few reasons:

  • Career Consistency: My writing and photography career were both well underway long before I said “I Do!”, and are still in place after getting divorced. I felt it would be difficult to explain to future clients that the name on all my samples is actually me after going through a public name change. I didn’t want to lose 10+ years of career building by changing my name online after I got married.
  • Privacy: When I was married, and legally changed my last name, it was nice to have a  separation between my personal and professional life online. News and updates related to work were communicated on my business social media accounts under my maiden name.
  • Ease of Communicating: My maiden name is easier to spell and pronounce than my married was, so, all-in-all, it made sense to stick with the name I was born with for professional use!

Have you had to make decisions about what name to use for your online work? Do you use a pseudonym? Have you hyphenated two last names? Let’s chat in the comments below or on Facebook.

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Note: This blog post was last updated on May 4, 2022.

 

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Posted in Uncategorized, Work-Life BalanceTagged byline, changing your name, content writer jobs, name change, pseudonym, writing name

Published by Angela Tague

Hi! I collaborate with content marketing companies, SEO agencies and media publishers on their web content production. I utilize my background in print media journalism to write, research, conduct interviews, fact-check texts, follow client-focused style guides and meet deadlines. I strive to create content that fits seamlessly with your company’s marketing and journalistic goals by aligning with the audience and voice you prefer. Connect with me on Twitter @AngelaTague. View all posts by Angela Tague

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Angela Tague

Angela Tague

Hello! I'm a blogger, brand journalist, influencer and all-around wordsmith writing marketing content behind the scenes for brands including Tom's of Maine, Walmart, Cura Global Health and Purina. If your content marketing agency is looking for a writer, let's chat at angela.tague@yahoo.com today!

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