Celebrities Who Secretly Wrote Bestselling Novels Under Fake Names

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J.K. Rowling as Robert Galbraith

After enchanting millions with the Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling found herself longing for a world where her writing could stand on its own—without the blinding spotlight of fame. So, she became Robert Galbraith and quietly released “The Cuckoo’s Calling” in 2013. Critics praised the book, with many noting its sharp plotting and believable characters, without any idea of the author’s true identity. Rowling’s experiment worked: the book’s sales surged only after her secret was revealed by a Sunday Times investigation. Since then, the Cormoran Strike series has blossomed into seven novels, with “Troubled Blood” published in 2020 and selling over 600,000 copies in the UK alone by 2023. Rowling’s journey as Galbraith proves that true storytelling can shine—even in disguise.

Stephen King as Richard Bachman

Known as the King of Horror, Stephen King wanted to see if his books would sell without his famous name on the cover. Enter Richard Bachman, a pen name King used to publish several novels in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including “The Long Walk” and “Thinner.” These books, gritty and often darker than his mainstream work, attracted a loyal following. When King was unmasked as Bachman in 1985, sales of the Bachman books skyrocketed, and “Thinner” shot up bestseller lists. King has said that writing as Bachman was a way to “publish more than one book a year” and to test if his success was a fluke or the result of real talent. The answer, judging by millions of copies sold, was obvious.

Nora Roberts as J.D. Robb

Nora Roberts is a titan in the romance world, but she craved the freedom to experiment. So, in 1995, she became J.D. Robb and began the “In Death” series, blending futuristic crime with a dash of romance. The debut, “Naked in Death,” launched a new era for Roberts, letting her delve into crime, suspense, and science fiction. The series has ballooned to more than 50 books, with millions of copies sold worldwide and a fiercely loyal fanbase. Critics and readers alike were surprised at how seamlessly Roberts switched genres, proving her storytelling knows no boundaries. Even today, she alternates between her two identities, keeping both romance and mystery fans hooked.

Joyce Carol Oates as Rosamond Smith and Lauren Kelly

Joyce Carol Oates is a literary powerhouse, but she found creative freedom in becoming Rosamond Smith and Lauren Kelly. Under these names, she explored dark psychological thrillers, writing novels like “Lives of the Twins” and “The Stolen Heart.” These books allow Oates to experiment with narrative voices and suspenseful plots, far from her usual literary fiction. Critics often praised the psychological depth and intensity of her alter-ego’s works, and the novels attracted a new audience. Oates herself has said that writing under pseudonyms gave her “permission to be someone else” and venture into unfamiliar territory. Her thrillers, often bestsellers, showcase her fearless approach to storytelling.

Dean Koontz as Leigh Nichols and Others

Dean Koontz, now a household name in suspense and horror, started his career using pen names like Leigh Nichols, Brian Coffey, and others. In the 1970s and 1980s, publishers often limited how many books an author could release each year—so Koontz found a way around it. Under these various names, he churned out thrillers that quickly found eager readers. Some of these novels, such as those written as Leigh Nichols, went on to become bestsellers and are still in print today. Koontz’s use of multiple identities let him experiment with style and subject matter, building a foundation for his eventual mainstream success. Today, his books have sold more than 500 million copies worldwide.

Evan Hunter as Ed McBain

Evan Hunter was already respected for his novel “The Blackboard Jungle” when he decided to try his hand at crime fiction. As Ed McBain, he created the 87th Precinct series, starting with “Cop Hater” in 1956. This series revolutionized police procedurals with its gritty realism and ensemble cast, inspiring countless writers and TV adaptations. McBain’s books were not just popular—they were critically acclaimed, with dozens landing on bestseller lists. Under the Ed McBain name, Hunter wrote over 50 novels, and the series sold millions of copies, cementing his place in literary history. The success of the 87th Precinct showed that a change in name could lead to a renaissance in storytelling.

Anne Rice as A.N. Roquelaure

Anne Rice shocked her fans when she revealed she’d been writing erotic fantasy under the name A.N. Roquelaure. Best known for “Interview with the Vampire,” Rice released “The Sleeping Beauty” trilogy in the 1980s, exploring themes of sensuality and power. These novels developed a cult following, praised for their lyrical prose and boldness. When Rice’s secret identity was revealed, sales soared, and new readers discovered a different side of her imagination. The trilogy remains controversial and influential, a testament to Rice’s ability to challenge norms and captivate audiences under any name.

Agatha Christie as Mary Westmacott

Agatha Christie, the queen of crime, wanted to explore love and emotion without expectations. So she became Mary Westmacott and published six romantic novels, starting with “Giant’s Bread” in 1930. These books allowed Christie to write about relationships, heartbreak, and personal transformation—far cries from the puzzles and poisons of Poirot and Miss Marple. Critics and fans were surprised by the depth of feeling and introspection in these novels. Even though the Westmacott books didn’t match the sales of her mysteries, they earned respect for their honesty and humanity. Christie’s experiment showed that even legends need to reinvent themselves.

Isaac Asimov as Paul French

Isaac Asimov, a giant in science fiction, turned to the pseudonym Paul French for his Lucky Starr adventures. These books, starting with “David Starr, Space Ranger” in 1952, targeted younger readers, mixing space-age excitement with science lessons. Asimov wanted to create a character to rival the popularity of contemporary space heroes, and under the Paul French name, he found success. The books were praised for their imaginative plots and accessible science, helping countless kids fall in love with reading and science fiction. Today, the Lucky Starr series is remembered as a fun and educational gateway into Asimov’s larger universe.

Louisa May Alcott as A.M. Barnard

Before “Little Women” made Louisa May Alcott a literary icon, she lived a double life as A.M. Barnard, penning sensational gothic thrillers. These stories, like “Behind a Mask” and “A Long Fatal Love Chase,” were packed with intrigue, romance, and daring heroines—far from the wholesome world of the March sisters. Writing as Barnard allowed Alcott to experiment with darker themes and dramatic twists, reaching audiences who craved excitement over sentimentality. These early works were rediscovered decades later and now enjoy a passionate fanbase, shining a light on Alcott’s untamed creativity and the challenges faced by women writers in the 19th century.

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