pseudonyms

[Ember]

Why do authors have several pseudonyms, is it for tax purposes?

[HGKinsey]

It is usually so that they can write in a different style and appeal to a wider audience. For example, Ruth Rendall is well known for her psychological thrillers. However, she also writes as Barbara Vine in a slightly different style. If you've read a Ruth Rendall and been put off it you would never touch another book of hers. However, you might then pick up a book by Barbara Vine and actually enjoy it, not being put off by the name of the author. Ultimately it's about making money I suppose!

[BadBob]

I would agree with the above but also... imagine picking up the lastest crime thriller only to so the Authors name is Kitty Kitkins or the lastest Romantic Novel by Butch McJones.

[andy hughes]

Horror writer Stephen King used the pseudonym Richard Bachman because his publishers weren't keen to saturate the market with his novels. Mr King writes 365 days a year, so he used his alter-ego to get his material into the market place. Because Richard Bachman was 'unknown', the books sold moderately, but the publishers soon realised they were missing out, and re-published them under a 'Stephen King writing as Richard Bachman' campaign, and they shot to the top of the best seller list. King even incorporated his 'second self' into the plot of one of his novels. Check out everything he's written - it's all wonderful.

[bobbobley]

also they can write something which they're not entirely convinced is all that great compared to their earlier efforts, and if the public agree that it is in fact a lot of pish, then they need never let anyone know that it was in fact them responsible for it.