Not long after Sheldon started writing science fiction, in 1967 she adopted the name James Tiptree Jr. The name "Tiptree" was from branded jars of marmalade. The "Jr." was the idea of her husband. In one interview, Sheldon said: "A male name seemed like good camouflage. I had the feeling that men would slip by less observed. I've had too many experiences in my life of being the first woman in some damned occupation."