Why Use Google Alerts

[Dianne G. Sagan]

When I published my first book a few years ago, I read an article that advised putting the titles of your books on Google Alerts as well as your name. I did that but after a while didn't think too much about it. Most of the time the alerts didn't have much to do with me. They just called attention to common words in the news or posts.

However, a couple of things that they did bring my attention to that were valuable along the way were:   1. Another author named Diane Sagan (note one 'n' in the name who lives on the west coast USA) and this could cause some confusion to my readers.

2. Another author named Dianne Sagan (note name spelled the same way) - a flag went up - I investigated and she writes erotica. Uh-oh! I write mostly Christian fiction. I immediately called my publisher and we made sure that everything I publish is under Dianne G. Sagan (using my middle initial to make sure people know the difference)

It is important to be aware of what's going on around you and how it affects you and your writing career.