Another thought or two on building name recognition, based on some discussions in a couple of writing groups I’m in . . .

Try to avoid controversial topics when it comes to blogging or commenting on blogs, writing letters to the editor of publications, or posting to e-mail loops or forums. I know we all have strong feelings about topics, and if it is a topic on which you are passionate and must have your say, then do so, but just remember, the internet is forever and every editor and agent out there has access to the internet and knows how to do a google search. They want to publish authors who are going to reach the broadest audience possible and might be leery of publishing authors who have a tendency to speak out often on hot-button topics or respond to others in an abrasive or attacking manner that may offend potential readers.

Remember, every person you come into contact with is a potential reader. What kind of opinion do you want them to have of you when they see your name in print?

This is one of the reasons why I do not blog about politics or religion, and I rarely if ever leave comments on blogs or forums that are polarized emotional boiling pots. It’s not that I don’t have strong feelings, it’s just that I don’t want my opinions coloring the way potential readers, editors, or agents may view me as a writer of fiction. This is also true of expressing your opinion of topics on e-mail loops or forums. You are eventually going to want to use every contact avenue you have as a place to market your book. You don’t want to have to battle negative word-of-mouth when trying to build readership and recruit influencers.