The writing life is wonderful, no? Drink coffee, write beautiful prose, and get paid to do it.
Well, there is a little more to it than that.
Being a writer, doesn't just mean writing. It means editing, marketing and networking.
We're going to talk netwworking today.
When I attended my first writer's conference a few years back, a light bulb went off. I realized there is a gate-keeper in this business and they're at writers conferences. Editors, agents, and authors are there to meet others. They're there to meet you.
Writer's conferences are great for learning your craft, socializing with other writers, but in my opinion, above all--networking.
I told you I made friends with some well known authors at a conference. We've maintained contact. They've given my work endorsements to aid in marketing. They've given me invaluble advice. I promote their work through word of mouth, Amazon reviews, this blog-site and and anyway I can. Networking.
One of the benefits of having a blog is also networking. I met CJ on this site. She has offered me advice and recently given me a couple names of authors whose work may be in the same genre as mine. Information I didn't know but can definitely use. I told her of a publishing house that might fit her writing. (Too bad she already knew. Oh well.)
Writing can be a lonely business. But, it doesn't have to be. Write authors from their web-sites. Tell them you enjoy their work (if you do), make friends. They're just people. Go to a conference if you can afford it. They're invaluble. Belong to critique groups and writers groups. You need other writers. They can help your career in ways you've never imagined. And you can help them.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
The Power of Networking
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I've been pleasantly surprised myself at the graciousness of the authors I've corresponded with. They've always answered my questions. I want to be like that someday. It's a great reminder to always treat people like you would want to be treated.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I feel the same. I was so star struck at first but these authors don't see themselves as celebrities, I don't think. They're as happy to hear from other writers, I think, as we are to hear from them.
ReplyDeleteWith each step up I take, I try to reach a hand out to at least one other writer helping them climb too. Because, someone has always had their hand out to me. As it should be.