John asked Melissa Lenhardt:

Is Melissa Lenhardt a pseudonym? Why do so many authors adopt a pseudonym? In your opinion what are the significant benefits to there use?

Melissa Lenhardt Hi, John! Authors adopt pen names for a variety of reasons: to write between genres, especially if they are writing in YA and adult/erotica, at the publisher's request, to maintain anonymity. Sometimes if a writer hasn't succeeded as well as expected, or was dropped by a publisher, the writer will adopt a pen name for a fresh start. In my mind, the two biggest benefits to a pen name are anonymity and freedom to write between genres. As to the former, the internet can be a mean-spirited place, and using a pen name protects the author from that to a degree. As to the latter, when you pick up a book by a favorite author you have certain expectations as to what will be inside. A pen name allows the author the freedom to write outside that paradigm, and find new readers as a result.

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