So, yesterday we talked about having an online presence. Are you Google-able (Good word Megan)
So now we know we can be found. We are online!
But what do you do with this new www-presence?
Your online presence is You... Online. Yes I realize how redundant that sounds but keep with me here.
Agents will Google you. Editors will Google you. Fans (do we dare to dream?) will Google you.
What do you want them to see?
Do you want them to see that drunken picture of you hugging the toilet? Remember the one you thought was so funny you had to post it to your facebook?
Do you want them to read about you ripping another author to shreds for their lack of basic writing skills? You remember that blog, right? The one you posted ages ago? Guess what, it's still searchable.
Do you want them seeing that YouTube video of you, singing "Girls just want to have fun." Yes, Karaoke is fun, just be sure that's what you want people to find when they search you out.
Now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying you need to remove any and all personal and or cutsy stuff about you from your online sites.
I'm saying, think about what you have posted.
As an Author (Think of it as a business title), your name is now your brand. You are trying to sell, "you."
Ask yourself how potential Agents or Editors, or anyone in the publishing industry will view thing when they look you up. How is a future adoring fan going to feel when they look you up?
Go ahead and Google yourself real quick. (I know, I had you do this yesterday. Do it again and study what the links actualy point to.)
What are the first few links? Are they something you want the public seeing? Do those links portray you in the light you want to be seen in? Is there anything questionable in those links?
Remember, I am not telling you not to post personal stuff. You are selling yourself here so you will have to show some of "you."
Just be aware of what you are posting. Make sure that it is what you WANT others to see. Take a step back and look at yourself through strangers eyes.
Make sure you are putting the best, "You," out there.
About The Author
Katie Salidas is a USA Today bestselling author and RONE award winner known for her unique genre-blending style.
Since 2010 she's penned five bestselling book series: the Immortalis, Olde Town Pack, Little Werewolf, Chronicles of the Uprising, and the all-new Agents of A.S.S.E.T. series. As her not-so-secret alter ego, Rozlyn Sparks, she is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with a naughty side.
In her spare time Katie also produces and hosts a YouTube talk show; Spilling Ink. She also has a regular column on First Comics News where she explores writing from a nerdy perspective.