How To Connect With Other Writers
Networking as a writer can lead to many opportunities
The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work. Marinate on that for a minute. — Robert Kiyosaki
Writing can feel very lonely sometimes. This is why some writers quit before they achieve their potential or dreams. They feel alone, aren’t seeing much happen, don’t feel like they are getting better, and stop.
When I first started writing, I felt very lonely. I was writing on my blog and had minimal traffic. It seemed like only family was reading my content on a good day.
Some writers who have inspired me and helped me achieve my dreams are Frank McKinley, Nicole Akers, Janis Cox, and Jim Woods. All of these folks have helped me on my path to becoming a self-published author.
Because of these lessons, I thought I would share a few ways to help you network with other writers to help you and them.
5 Ways to Network with Other Writers
Networking as a writer doesn’t have to be complicated. It is straightforward. You write, reach out to others, and connect with like-minded ones. Yet, getting to the place of connecting can be hard sometimes. So, here are five ways to network as a writer.
- Find writers who inspire you. Don’t try to connect with the big names, but people who have similar followings to you. They might write about topics you like, or they seem to be doing something different. Check out their work, follow them, and decide how you will reach out.
- Reach out authentically. Do not use a template! I have had writers reach out to me, and it was a template they plugged into LinkedIn chat or by email. Contact other writers by talking about a story you connected with and ask a question related to that story.
- Ask to chat over a call. Some of the best conversations I have had come in chatting a while over messenger, and then we get on a call. Several writers, I connect with regularly probably talk on the phone once a month or every couple of months.
- Look for ways to help others out. If they are launching a book, join their launch team. If they are looking for someone to do work for them, offer to do it or connect them with someone who can help. Ask for and give feedback on posts when you can help out connections form.
- Champion other writers, and they will champion you. One of the things I have learned is the importance of rooting each other in writing. Whether it is sharing posts, encouraging them, or simply giving shout-outs, these things help all the time.
And it is simple as that. Sometimes, it can take a lot of work, especially if you have a full calendar already. Time zones can make things difficult too. But, try and make it work and people remember those sorts of things.
Final Thoughts on Connecting with Other Writers
It’s okay when things don’t work out. I have struggled at keeping up with some writers for one reason or another. Sometimes it is because of schedules or crazy life events.
However, a good rule of thumb is to try and connect with someone once a week. Whether by chat or phone. Don’t overschedule yourself. And be gracious if they don’t want to connect.
Key Message: Connecting with other writers will help you become better as a writer, but it has to start with helping them out.
How have you networked with other writers? Share in the responses below!
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J.R. Heimbigner is a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon who loves helping people grow in their faith and helping writers become authors. You can connect with him on Medium, his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Ko-fi!
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