For this Friday update I’d like to address a few questions which come up fairly often concerning my decision to write using a professional alias. First, I’ll talk about the specific reasons why I embarked upon a career in creative writing under ‘C.A. Fitzroy’ rather than using my given name. Next, I’ll briefly discuss how I arrived at the pseudonym itself. Finally, the blog will be wrapped up with a discussion of some of the pros and cons involved.

The underlying reasons behind my choice to produce content using a name other than my own are essentially two-fold: I unfortunately happen to share both a face and name with two different respective celebrities. Suffice it to say, I’d much prefer not to be associated with either of them, and it’s important to my underlying sense of integrity that my content is judged solely on its own merits.

As a result, I use a pen name as a means of anonymity to ensure unbiased reception of my work. Trust me, it gets old answering the same exact question regarding your identity on an almost daily basis. Much more straightforward to separate my personal and professional personas.

My adoption of ‘C.A. Fitzroy’ as a moniker was not just a random throw of the dart. Indeed, it’s somewhat multifaceted. Not only do the initials bear some semblance to my own, but the surname reflects both a nearby region to my office and a historical noble house of distinction.

Clearly, such a name seemed fitting for my career going forward, especially given historical fiction is one of the cornerstones of my portfolio.

Last but not least, I’d like to highlight some of the benefits and disadvantages to using a pen name, not only as a self-published author with everything this entails, but also in the pursuit of traditional publication via querying literary agents.

In the case of the former, issues such as billing identities and marketing need to constantly be taken into account: Where do I put down my given name as opposed to my pen name? Furthermore, how do I protect my anonymity whilst engaging in matters of payment and client relations? Am I alright with freelance sites using my photo identification strictly behind the scenes as a matter of verification, or should I also embrace those which demand a photo up-front on my profile?

You would think using an alter ego for professional reasons would be even more demanding when querying literary agents. However, from my own experiences and recent discussions it seems to be much less of an issue. In fact, such representatives deal with pen names on a daily basis, and are well-versed in negotiating their nuances and applications.

Naturally, you need to have a little bit of flexibility when it comes to agents and any other professional connections. If a Zoom call or face-to-face meeting is required there’s not much you can really do to get around such expectations. In these situations I feel it’s important to emphasise the reasons behind your use of a pen name, while at the same time acknowledging their own needs as potential representatives of your content. Like most things in life, a bit of give-and-take can go a long way.

Even so, there’s a big difference between your agents or close connections knowing your given name and identity versus their exposure to the wider world. I suppose it will make book signings in front of thousands of adoring fans a bit trickier to navigate (think of Brandon Sanderson walking out to a packed auditorium of Cosmere addicts), but I will cross that bridge should I ever be fortunate enough to come upon it.

My stance and approach may change in the years to come, but at the moment it definitely feels as though freelancing and marketing myself as a brand prove to be the tallest hurdle in the life of an aspiring, anonymous creative writer.

That being said, chin up. The problems are by no means insurmountable, you just need to be a bit more creative with your methods behind building a fan base. Hopefully all the hard graft pays off in the long run.

It’s Friday. Go get yourself something nice.

Best wishes,

C.A. Fitzroy