Networking as Writers
There's a lot of talk in the online writing community about networking with your fellow writers and building that all-important web of connectivity. These opportunities available to us, something writers of the past never had on such a scale, provide writers with the chance to meet countless new people, forming lasting friendships and business relationships.
As wonderful and useful as our online communities are, the question inevitably arises: How do I meet other writers/publishing professionals in person?
I've touched on this topic before here on the blog, but let's have a quick recap of a few of the most readily available (in-person) networking options:
- Conferences: Conferences can be fantastic experiences. I was able to meet Margaret Maron and Kathy Reichs at the first conference I ever attended. (I even won an auction item donated by Zoe Sharp, but that's a story that deserves its own blog post!) As fun as conferences are, they can be fewer and farther between, or potentially quite expensive depending on travel, accommodations, etc.
- Writing/Critique Groups: I belonged to my local chapter of a national writing group (SinC) for about four years, and met some excellent authors in the process. My connections through this group also enabled me to professionally publish my first short story! I also still have critique partners I met through that group. Having said that, I would also encourage you to check out multiple writers' groups in your area before selecting one. Also, decide if you want critiquing a fellow writer's work to be part of the experience. I also feel like this is an excellent stepping stone for the more introverted writer who might not be ready to jump into a large conference gathering.
- Book Release/Launch Events: A book release is one of my favorite writer events. Not only do you have the opportunity to show up and support a fellow writer, it's a great chance to see how writers/publishers/agents work with different venues to put everything together. This especially depends on whether an author has the PR department of a publisher behind them, or if any book-related events are the author's sole responsibility. Tara Lynne Groth, a regular guest here on the blog, has an excellent post on her website with her top 3 Book Release Party Tips.
- Meet-Ups/Writing Sprints: This is one of the most budget friendly networking options, and also tends to include smaller groups. I haven't been able to participate in as many of these as I would like, but I want to make this one of my quarterly goals going forward. This is one of the many events that can be held both online and in-person. Not sure where writers are sprinting in your area? Websites like Meet-Up are a great resource for finding groups of writers who meet at a public venue to write and compare ideas. I've seen more sprints sponsored though Instagram and Twitter than in-person, but I know a few writer friends of mine who will throw together a writing day every so often.
- Retreats: Similar to a writing meet-up/sprint, only with a mini-trip involved! Another goal of mine this year is to go on my first real writing retreat. Whether it's on my own, or with a group of other writers, I love the idea of taking a weekend away to devote solely to writing. You can either plan a retreat of your own, which is usually the more affordable option, or look into retreats being sponsored by other writers/writing groups. Author Kristen Martin has an amazing video on her YouTube channel detailing the retreat she went on last year in Bali.
What is your preferred method for face-to-face networking with other writers/publishing professionals? Has there been one type of event that has been more beneficial to you than others?
I'd love to hear your personal experiences, let me know in the comments below!
As wonderful and useful as our online communities are, the question inevitably arises: How do I meet other writers/publishing professionals in person?
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| Image source: Pixabay |
I've touched on this topic before here on the blog, but let's have a quick recap of a few of the most readily available (in-person) networking options:
- Conferences: Conferences can be fantastic experiences. I was able to meet Margaret Maron and Kathy Reichs at the first conference I ever attended. (I even won an auction item donated by Zoe Sharp, but that's a story that deserves its own blog post!) As fun as conferences are, they can be fewer and farther between, or potentially quite expensive depending on travel, accommodations, etc.
- Writing/Critique Groups: I belonged to my local chapter of a national writing group (SinC) for about four years, and met some excellent authors in the process. My connections through this group also enabled me to professionally publish my first short story! I also still have critique partners I met through that group. Having said that, I would also encourage you to check out multiple writers' groups in your area before selecting one. Also, decide if you want critiquing a fellow writer's work to be part of the experience. I also feel like this is an excellent stepping stone for the more introverted writer who might not be ready to jump into a large conference gathering.
- Book Release/Launch Events: A book release is one of my favorite writer events. Not only do you have the opportunity to show up and support a fellow writer, it's a great chance to see how writers/publishers/agents work with different venues to put everything together. This especially depends on whether an author has the PR department of a publisher behind them, or if any book-related events are the author's sole responsibility. Tara Lynne Groth, a regular guest here on the blog, has an excellent post on her website with her top 3 Book Release Party Tips.
- Meet-Ups/Writing Sprints: This is one of the most budget friendly networking options, and also tends to include smaller groups. I haven't been able to participate in as many of these as I would like, but I want to make this one of my quarterly goals going forward. This is one of the many events that can be held both online and in-person. Not sure where writers are sprinting in your area? Websites like Meet-Up are a great resource for finding groups of writers who meet at a public venue to write and compare ideas. I've seen more sprints sponsored though Instagram and Twitter than in-person, but I know a few writer friends of mine who will throw together a writing day every so often.
- Retreats: Similar to a writing meet-up/sprint, only with a mini-trip involved! Another goal of mine this year is to go on my first real writing retreat. Whether it's on my own, or with a group of other writers, I love the idea of taking a weekend away to devote solely to writing. You can either plan a retreat of your own, which is usually the more affordable option, or look into retreats being sponsored by other writers/writing groups. Author Kristen Martin has an amazing video on her YouTube channel detailing the retreat she went on last year in Bali.
***
What is your preferred method for face-to-face networking with other writers/publishing professionals? Has there been one type of event that has been more beneficial to you than others?
I'd love to hear your personal experiences, let me know in the comments below!
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