Do you take the opportunity to network with other writers when you can? Are you aware of the benefits of networking for writers?
I spend a lot of time with writers who are at all stages of their craft or their profession and I never walk away from an encounter without having learned something I can use in my own writing/publishing business.
This week, I’m organizing a networking opportunity for SPAWN members. I’ve invited members of SPAWN who live locally to be SPAWN’s guests at a Book Tea to be held in conjunction with the 2nd annual Ojai Writers Conference June 23 in Ojai, CA. So far, we have one table for 6 filled. I’m hoping we can fill another one with SPAWN members who are eager to meet other authors, editors, publishers, freelance writers and artists.
What an opportunity to learn more about SPAWN and the leaders in this organization, to learn about innovative book marketing ideas, to meet someone you could collaborate with, to enjoy being with others who understand your passion for writing and your challenges as a writer.
SPAWN, by the way, is Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network. http://www.spawn.org
Do you accept the invitations for networking that your local writers groups provides or that your neighborhood library or community college sets up? Do you sign up for or offer to volunteer at writers conferences or book festivals? Do you attend book signings for local authors or those who are signing or speaking at venues during your travels? Do you join writers groups and/or organizations and then participate?
If so, then you know the benefits of hanging out with other writers. You’ve, most likely connected with those who could further your career, help you make a few sales or introduce you to someone who could. And, perhaps, you have helped others in return by warning them about a company whose ethics are below standard, or recommending an editor you like a lot, or telling them about a blog site that you find valuable, or sharing your list of book review sites, etc.
The next time you are presented with the opportunity to network with other freelance writers, authors or small publishers, etc., I suggest you seriously consider attending. And then use your best networking skills in order to get the most out of the experience.
Learn more about networking as well as writing, publishing and promoting your own book by reading my latest book: Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author. It’s at Amazon.com and other online and downtown bookstores. You can also order it here: http://www.matilijapress.com
I would love to hear some of your best networking-with-other-writers stories. I know one prolific writer, for example, who finally began following her passion after talking to writers at a local book festival.