Voice & Tone
How does this pen name sound — in books and online?
How does this pen name communicate?
Witty
Dark
Poetic
Raw
Warm
Sarcastic
Mysterious
Playful
Intense
Vulnerable
Confident
Dreamy
Sharp
Soft
Unhinged
Ethereal
How does this pen name show up online? What's the vibe?
What's off-brand? What breaks the illusion?
Emotional Territory
Every pen name owns a specific emotional space. Define yours.
Pick 3-5. What do readers FEEL?
Obsession
Longing
Dread
Comfort
Rage
Devotion
Heartbreak
Euphoria
Tension
Safety
Awe
Chaos
Yearning
Danger
Catharsis
Seduction
When someone finishes your book, what do they feel?
Who gives readers a similar emotional experience?
Visual Identity
The look and feel across covers, social media, and everything visual.
These will anchor your covers, social posts, and website.
Pick 2-4 that describe your look.
Gothic
Ethereal
Minimalist
Moody
Luxe
Whimsical
Gritty
Romantic
Dark Academia
Cottagecore
Celestial
Vintage
Neon/Cyberpunk
Witchy
What should your covers look like across this pen name?
Content Pillars
What does this pen name post about? Not every post is "buy my book."
These are the themes you rotate through.
Trope Talk
Writing Process
Character Teasers
Aesthetic Mood Boards
Book Recs
Reader Q&A
Behind the Scenes
Spicy Excerpts
Author Life
Villain Appreciation
Playlist/Music
Quotes & Lines
Memes & Humor
Fan Art/AI Art
Release Countdown
Hot Takes
Describe what your 9-square grid looks like at a glance.
Guardrails
What's off-limits? Boundaries keep the brand sharp.
Content boundaries, topics you won't touch, lines you won't cross.
Non-negotiables. The standards you hold no matter what.
What could dilute or damage this pen name if you're not careful?