Writers generally work at home, pounding out words they dream will one day be noticed by an editor who will publish those words making the writer successful enough to rent an office and interact with other people every day. But, the reality is that most writers work alone. Writing is a business and, like any other business, professional contacts made through networking can help a writer get her work and herself noticed.
The Internet
With the click of a mouse a writer can find himself in contact with writers, editors, agents and other publishing professionals. A web search of internet writers' groups turns up over 700 hits. Some offer reviews of specific online groups,while others, provide lists of writers' groups, making it easy for the writer to narrow his search.
Critique Groups
Critique groups, both online and face to face, are networking opportunities in disguise. Say one group member knows that her editor is looking for a specific type of middle grade novel and she shares that information with a member who writes middles grade novels. Another group member mentions that her agent is accepting clients. Along with comments on their work, the writers come away with important information that could help further their careers.
Retreats and Workshops
Putting writers in groups while practicing their craft naturally leads to conversations about writing which can lead to making new writing friends and contacts. Writers' retreats and workshops are two such networking opportunities. Both come in many guises. Some are small, others large. Retreats offer unlimited uninterrupted time to write while workshops provide facilitators who oversee the participants' out put and classes that participants are required to attend. But, however they are structured; retreats and workshops offer another way to network.
Conferences
Writer’s conferences offer networking opportunities both casual and professional. Some large conferences, like the national conferences sponsored by The Society of Book Writers and Illustrators, give writers the opportunity to have their work critiqued by editors and agents, resulting in one on one sessions to review the critique. Lunches, dinners, and cocktail parties are more casual settings for striking up conversations and making contacts.
Rejection Letters?
Rejections are the bane of a writer's existence but what if a writer could make them work for him? In his article, "Networking for Writers" writing teacher Waverly Fitzgerald says "Every rejection letter is a networking opportunity, especially if they are personal letters." When an editor takes the time to write a personal rejection, she sees the writer's potential and often invites him to submit to her again thus creating a solid professional contact for the writer.
Working the Room
Although writing is a lonely profession, networking opportunities for writers are many. Searching the internet, joining a critique group, getting away from it all at a retreat, and attending conferences are all ways for writers to connect with fellow professionals, make valuable contacts and get their work noticed. Even rejections have their place in the networking food chain.
 |
