WRITERS NEED TO NETWORK, TOO!
By networking, you increase your chances of success and reach a wider audience. It gets you in the frame of mind of not just being a writer but of getting on the road to referring to yourself as an author. Here’s how:
Building Relationships
Networking provides endless opportunities to build relationships with other writers, published authors, editors, and industry professionals. These professional connections will lead to collaborations, mentorships, learning opportunities, and many opportunities for success and career growth in the future.
Finding Beta Readers and Reviewers
When you connect with others in your industry, you will quickly find the best audience to help you with your book. Networking done right can help you find beta readers and reviewers who can provide valuable feedback before publication and improve your final product.
Marketing and Promotion
What better way to promote your book than by connecting with bloggers, podcasters, and influencers, and engaging in synergistic networking?
Additionally, attending events and conferences will help you meet potential readers, and you can promote your book in person.
Keeping Up With Industry Trends
Through networking, you will learn about fresh marketing strategies, publishing options, and industry news that can help you make informed decisions about your publishing journey.
Networking Avenues for Writers
There are plenty of networking opportunities for writers, and your strategy depends on what you are comfortable with, your niche, and the type of audience you want to pursue.
Here is how to network as a writer:
Join online writing communities such as forums, Facebook groups, or Twitter chats, where you can meet other writers, ask for advice, and share your experiences.
Writing groups and organizations focused on publishing are communities that can help unlock resources, advice, and networking opportunities.
Collaborate with other writers on a project, guest post on each other’s websites, or even promote each other’s works on social media.
Attend publishing events and conferences to learn about the industry, meet other authors in your niche and out of it, and connect with industry professionals.
Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers who specialize in your genre or niche—they can help you promote your book and reach new readers.
Attend writing workshops to build relationships and connect with others in the industry.
Create a book club or podcast related to your genre or niche. Invite readers and other writers and authors to join, and use this as an opportunity to discuss your work and others in your genre.
Participate in online writing challenges and connect with fellow writers. Use this opportunity to network and build relationships.
By thinking outside the box and exploring various avenues, you can build relationships and expand your reach in unique and creative ways.
Making the Best of Your Networking Opportunities
The essence of networking is about synergy and building relationships. Approach networking with an earnest intent to provide value. Then, the exposure your work seeks will naturally follow. Go at it with the focus of selling books, and your networking efforts may end up futile, especially in the long run.
Here are some networking tips for authors and writers to help you maximize your networking opportunities. These are some networking basics that you can use.
Be Proactive
Don't wait for opportunities to fall into your lap; seek them out. Don’t hesitate to reach out to other writers, industry professionals, and potential readers to build relationships and expand your network.
Be Prepared
Before attending events or connecting with people, ensure you have your elevator pitch ready and your promotional materials in order. This can accelerate your networking intent and leave a better impression on those you connect with.
Be Genuine
Don't approach others with the sole intention of promoting your work. Focus on making genuine, meaningful connections. Instead of focusing solely on what others can do for you, see how you can also be a giver. Offer to provide feedback on their work, promote their content on social media, or collaborate on a project.
Follow Up
After meeting or connecting with someone, make sure to follow up. Send a personalized email or message thanking them for their time, and continue to engage with them on social media or other platforms.
Stay Organized
Keeping track of your contacts—i.e., their names, contact information, and how you met them—is essential when building and maintaining a network. Use a spreadsheet or a contact management system for the same.
Also, it’s good practice to organize your networking activities, such as attending events or sending follow-up emails, in a calendar or planner.
Engage Regularly
If you haven’t gauged it yet, networking is not a one-time event. It requires ongoing effort and engagement. Check in regularly with your connections, share relevant content, and comment on their social media activities. The goal is to be consistent and authentic in your interactions to build trust and rapport with your contacts, which ultimately translates to the exposure you seek. Call it karma.
Networking Isn’t An Overnight Affair
Networking is an essential component of self-publishing success, and it does not happen overnight. Building and maintaining a network requires ongoing effort, authenticity, and a willingness to contribute selflessly. The key to successful networking is not just about promoting yourself, but also about genuinely connecting with others and providing value to them.
So, take the time to build your network, be genuine and authentic, and focus on providing value to others. With patience and persistence, you can network your way into publication and achieve the success you deserve.
As far as publishing is concerned, networking is both the force and the mover: a cyclical machinery that ferries you forward in your self-publishing journey and career. Reach out to Press 49 to add the essential oils of perpetuity to the machinery.
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Content credit: K. Dinkin
Image credit: Jonathan Borba
