Best-selling 'The Housemaid' author Freida McFadden has revealed her identity. Her real name is Sara Cohen, a doctor who treats brain disorders and secretly balanced her medical career with writing best-selling novels for 23 years.
In a phone interview published by USA Today on April 8, the author said she used disguises to remain anonymous and avoid conflicts with her hospital work. Tired of speculation and rumors, Cohen finally stepped forward, saying she has “nothing to hide,” while continuing to write under her pen name.
With her identity now public, her story also shines a light on a long-standing literary tradition. Indeed, for centuries, writers have used pen names to publish their work.
A pen name, also known as a nom de plume or pseudonym, is an assumed name used in place of an author’s real one. By adopting an alias, writers can conceal their identity for personal, political, and ethical reasons. Writing anonymously can also ensure privacy, avoid overexposure, and, in the case of many female authors, help combat sexism and prejudice. So, do you know who’s hidden behind a book cover?
Click through to discover famous authors and their pen names.