Pen name generator
A name that suits you, sounds good on a cover and fits your genre.
Found your name? Makebook helps you write the book that will carry it, in your voice.
Write my bookThe guide
A good pen name reads easily, is pronounced without hesitation and sticks after a single encounter. It should also match your genre: a soft name suits a romance, a plain one suits a practical guide. Picture it on a cover, in small print, on a phone screen.
Start from what matters to you: a family name, a city, a word that represents you. Personal clues are the best starting point because they give the name a story you can tell. Keep two or three candidates and read them out loud for a few days.
Avoid complicated names, accents and initials that are hard to spell, which get in the way of word-of-mouth. Also avoid names too close to a well-known author in your genre.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a pen name to publish an ebook?
No, it isn't required. Many authors use one to keep their private life separate from their writing, or for a genre different from their usual work.
How do I check that a pen name is available?
Search it on Amazon and in search engines. Avoid a name already used by a well-known author in your genre, because your readers might confuse you with them.
Can I use my own first name as a pen name?
Yes, it's often the simplest solution. You can keep your first name and change only the last name, or swap the two. Either way, choose a name that's easy to remember and spell.