Many publishers in this wild and crazy digital age have "groups" that, as one of their authors, you can be a part of. These can be exclusive groups on Facebook, Yahoo! or any other number of places. These are literally places just for the authors of the publisher where no outsiders (readers, fans, stalkers) can be a part of.
While you may feel intimidated coming into a publishing house and their inner sanctum as we shall call it, this is only natural after all, do at least say hello to everyone once you join the group. All these authors are people who you will want to know to some degree. Be friendly, but do not over share, there is a fine line there that you will have to personally set for yourself. Every author has a line they won't go over, now you just need to find yours.
Chat with other authors but tread with care. You don't yet know these people so approach it as you would a first date (it's an example - chill!). Say "hi", give a little about yourself like your chosen genre and maybe a tiny bit about your personal life. For example: "I'm married, just celebrated our tenth anniversary and we have two darling if slightly exuberant kids, a boy and a girl". It's simple, lets everyone know right off you have a family that takes up some of your time and yet doesn't reveal too, too much.
Now if you make friends with another author or several others you can always chat, OFF-SITE please, about other things. This is why messenger programs were invented - use them. But your on-line presence in your publishers group should always remain professional yet friendly. On your personal page and fan site you can be a little more outgoing and giving of the information, but you need to remember that every author of the publisher is likely on the publisher site and doesn't want drama there.
These sites are for assistance, moral support and general information that the outside world doesn't need to know about. Even if your publisher doesn't have a direct presence on the site, there are some that are strictly author's only or no "parents" allowed, you still have to keep a professional face there. After all, do unto others as you would have them do to you. Remember it, live it, breathe it and don't forget it.
So, quick recap. Be friendly, be polite and share just enough to make yourself a human being to these people. But don't go overboard - they needn't know every minute detail of your life - that's why you have a personal and fan page.
The Moderator
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