When a piece gets accepted for publication, often the last thought crossing an author’s mind is protecting their privacy. However, to avoid unwanted situations later on in a publishing career, the writer should take steps early on to protect their personal security.
Safety Tip #1 for Writers: Keep It Far Away From Home
All writers should consider renting a post office box. This adds more credibility in the eyes of editors, because it shows that the writer is taking their writing seriously as a business and also allows the writer to keep a home address private and ensure personal security.
Many price options are available from the Post Office, depending on what size box is desired. Not only can this be written off as a possible business expense, it also decreases the likelihood of important editorial correspondence getting lost in the shuffle of regular household mail.
One veteran poet who wishes to remain anonymous recalls an incident that happened several years ago. She was published in a lower end poetry journal and the editor used her entire submission heading as a byline, which included her home address. She did not think anything of it until she received a strange letter several months later. The letter was from an inmate who had been published in the same journal as her, giving him access to her home address. The correspondence made her uncomfortable and she not only rented a post office box for future submissions but also made plans to move out of her apartment.
Safety Tip #2 for Writers: Consider Using a Pen Name
Using a pen name can protect privacy when publishing and also establish genre branding. A pen name can be established by changing either the author’s first or last name. Some female writers continue to write under their maiden name after marrying. Other authors choose to write under an entirely different name.
Pen names can be especially helpful when a writer chooses to cover sensitive subjects which have strong supporters on both sides of the issue. The author can then maintain anonymity as a writing precaution.
Safety Tip #3 for Writers: Establishing Separate Correspondence Mediums
Writers may want to establish separate e-mail addresses and wireless phone numbers for writing communication purposes. Again, this sets a writer apart as a professional and helps protect personal privacy once publishing opportunities present themselves.
If a writer attracts an overzealous fan, it is much easier to switch business e-mails and change a wireless business number than to contact an entire list of friends and family to inform them of a new personal e-mail address and phone number.
By taking a few safety precautions when writing, an author decreases the chance of uncomfortable situations manifesting later on down the line.
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