Pseudonym v. real name. Why choose one over the other?

[sybylla]

I've recently finished a genre novel and am in the process of marketing it to an agent. My hubby says I should publish it under a pseudonym because it could work against me (and, fairly enough, him) in other business and political circles that we're heavily involved in. The political opposition (read juvenile GOPpies) might make some hay out of an adult themed novel - should it get published and be obviously connected back to me.

But two of the three ladies in my writing group think I should publish under my own name, which feeds the desire to see a novel on the rack with my name on it.

The third woman in the group thinks it doesn't matter as author names probably fall about 50/50 in the genre.

I've thought about splitting the difference and using my maiden name - which few if any of our business and political acquaintances would know. But the ladies in my writing group don't think the maiden name is conducive to print or marketing in the genre. I can't go into detail except to say that its a homophone for a slang word for a male body part.

So what's your advice?

What would you do in this circumstance and why?

[Ozymanithrax]

1. Well, if you name is F. Scott Fitzgerald, Stephen King, or Adolph Hitler....

Some pseudonyms were created way back in the day when women had a distinct disadvantage in Genre's such as Science Fiction. Andre Norton's real name was Alice Mary Norton.

Some genre's, such as Romance, just sell better with a woman's name on the cover.

If you are aiming to break into the thriving Christian Fiction market, having a name like Abdul Abulbul Amir will not help your sales, not matter how spiritual a Christian you are.

In earlier decades, people with non-Anglo Saxon names sold fewer books. This is similar to the reasons actors change their names. A ripping good western starring Marion Morrison doesn't sound like anything special. But if it has John Wayne in it.

Some published authors find that they can write more books they can sell. So they create a Pseudonym to make more money.

Some famous authors originally wrote under pen names because they were writing what was considered trash writing to make money and hoped, someday, to write something literate in their own name.

I've published several short stories under M. Frank Darbe, and have relegated by first name to an initial because I detest Melvin.

Write under whatever name you want. Just make sure they use your real name on any checks they send.

[Sanity Claws]

2. I'd use the pseudonym

I think hubby is right. (Not many times I've said that in my life.)
Also, I would prefer the anonymity of a pseudonym, even if possible harassment is not an issue.
I don't think I'd want the public to be able to identify me. I just want the publisher to know how to send me checks I can cash.