Professional Practices
What is your website URL? Is it (FirstName) (LastName) .com? Or is it something like (LastName) (ObscureReferenceFromBook1) .com? While I am all for obscure references from earlier works, that URL just doesn't quite roll off the tongue. Simplicity is the key for websites. You want your URL to be clear and concise, and you want your website functional.
Do you have professional email and social media handles? You can tell much about a social profile by their username(s). Handles like (FirstName) Loves (SpecificThing) and (SchoolMascotGraduationYear) give away just enough personal information to paint an interesting picture. Aim for a professional profile across the board.
As an author, you want your email to be simple (and ideally connected to your website). (FirstName) @ (Author’sWebsite.com) is the way to go. Your readers know exactly who is emailing them. You don’t want your main account to be HighSchoolNickname123 @ Email.com. I know I would be a little confused.
How do your social media usernames stack up? If you have professional and personal accounts, by all means keep using your personal handle for your personal account. But make sure your professional one is professional! (FirstName) (LastName) Author is a classic (one of my favorites), especially if FirstNameLastName is not available.
Email signatures are still very important. Even though we answer a lot of communication through texting or messaging, emails still reign supreme for professional contact. Setting up an automatic signature will save you time and convenience. Include your name, your website, your social media links, and clean links to purchase your book. Carefully consider the addition of your address and phone number. It may be in your best interest to have a contact email without, then transfer your vetted contacts to a secondary .com email with your phone number.
