Publishing under my maiden name- any issues around payments?

[WhotheDickens]

I'm looking for advice from self-published or trad published authors.

I'm already an author of non-fiction books and articles in the mainstream press (broadsheets etc.) These were written under my married surname, with one article under a pseudonym (client suggested that and I was already listed for payment with my usual surname.)

However, I've always slightly regretted changing my name. I am now going to self publish a novel (Kindle to start with) and want to use my maiden name.

Is there anyone out there who can explain how I'd be paid through Amazon if my pen name is different to my bank account names?

I'm sure this is pretty straightforward but I'd just like to be sure.

this looks useful @WhotheDickens

https://gatekeeperpress.com/how-to-get-paid-under-a-pen-name/

It is if you're in the US.

If you're in the UK, getting a "T/A" (trading as) designation on your business account (assuming you're a sole trader) is fairly easy. I have an "also known as" observation in my passport which covers the ID requirements for banking.

I don't use a business account.

I use a normal current account that is purely for my work.

My DW did the same when working under her maiden name (as a musician). It worked smoothly until I helped out at a concert and received a cheque payable to Mr Myfirstname Hermaidenname 😂

If you only use it for work earnings, it's essentially your business account. Lots of sole traders just use a current account in that way.

Try simply asking them to add "t/a Joanne Smith" to the account name. If they require proof, a letter from an editor, agent, or accountant plus proof of the name change should do the trick. Otherwise a passport with observation as I said upthread.

I write using my married name (trad published) but I'm paid into a bank account in my maiden name it's never been questioned. My maiden name is my 'legal' name.

Also I know self published authors who use pen names and they don't seem to have any issue so it must be easily sorted with Amazon. It's very common to use a pen name.