Publishers, librarians, teachers, readers and fans want to pronounce your name correctly. Here are some ways to make that easy for them.

1. Include phonetic spelling or “sounds like” or both. KÆZ WIND-nuhs or Kaz (rhymes with Jazz), Wind (like the weather) + ness (like Loch Ness).

2. Voice record your name and include a link on your website or email signature. Apps make this easy. Example: https://namedrop.io/

Here’s mine: https://namedrop.io/kazwindness

    3. Teaching Books has author and illustrator name pronunciations here: school.teachingbooks.net/pronunciations.cgi Author & Illustrator Pronunciation Guide | TeachingBooks Ask your publisher about being interviewed and featured on Teaching Books. Here’s mine: TeachingBooks Audio Name Pronunciation | Kaz Windness

    4. Always say your name in social media videos but avoid long intros. “Kaz here!” or “Professor Kaz Windness here, reporting from burnout mountain.” or “That’s all from Kaz Windness!”

    5. Go by one name that’s easy to say or very rememberable. Think Lady Gaga, Madonna, or Bob the Drag Queen. It’s okay to change your name and brand yourself that way. Nom de Plumes exist for a reason.

    What else? Comment with resources or more ideas.