Moral dilemma in regard to publishing Asperger's content

[TerryJ2]

I have written several dozen poems about my son and our relationship and struggles. I have searched several book publishers and although Asperger's is a popular topic, I have not found a single poetry book out there, so I know it's an open market. I am very close to finishing up the collection. My problem is, my son would have a fit if people were buying my book and knew I was his mother.
Do I use a pen name? Maybe it's as simple as that.

 

[Malika]

Yes, maybe it is

 

[klmno]

That would be my recommendation, if I was to get up the gumption to publish them. I'd have to think long and hard about doing it before he was 18yo but then I don't know what kind of info you have in there. I'm sure you aren't spilling all his secrets. LOL! I can understand him getting upset though if it was easy for people to find out or figure out he's the subject of the book- think about teachers, peers, peers' parents, girlfriend, college, future job......

 

[InsaneCdn]

Pen name can still be traced - but you really have to know what you're doing.
Get the pen name set up through the legal process, including having all communication and payments through a lawyer.
That way it is easy to get back as far as the lawyer, but the lawyer isn't going to blow your cover.

(publisher might - for various reasons)

 

[TerryJ2]

Yes, the publisher might. Sigh.

No, nothing that personal, klmo! lol! But there are rages, arguments, dxes, etc.

"Think, think, think" said Pooh Bear ... It is only 4 yrs until he's 18 ...

 

[InsaneCdn]

If its done through the lawyer, then the publisher can't spill the beans - because the publisher will not know.
The cheques will be made out to pen-name, sent to lawyer.

Of course, the lawyer gets part of it, for the trouble... but it does provide protection

 

[HaoZi]

My poetry is published under a pen name (self-pubbed), no lawyer involved. Realistically, poetry isn't a big seller, so the chances of someone making serious attempts to find out that a book of poetry was done under a pen name and who they really are is pretty darn slim.

 

[BusynMember]

I'm with some e-publishers. It's a lot like paper back publications (in fact my books can be bought in paperback too). You can use a pen name, but there is no way you are 100% anonymous. If you look by the copyright of ANY book, you will see a name. That is the real name of the author. The pen name is not allowed there.

 

[HaoZi]

You can use a pen name on the copyright.

 

[TerryJ2]

Goodness, you are all more knowledgeable than I expected. Thank you!
I'm off to MN to help take care of my dad Tue-Sat but should be able to check the board a cpl times while I'm there.