Dear Writers,
Welcome to another edition of our Business of Writing newsletter! This week, we're diving into a topic that's crucial for success in the writing world: networking.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your reach, building meaningful connections within the industry can open doors, spark collaborations, and propel your career forward.
Why Networking Matters
Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards or collecting LinkedIn connections. It's about cultivating genuine relationships with fellow writers, editors, publishers, and industry professionals.
These connections can offer support, mentorship, and valuable opportunities along your writing journey.
Getting Started: Where to Network
Online Writing Communities: Platforms like X (Twitter), Reddit (check out r/writing), and Facebook groups dedicated to writers are excellent places to connect with like-minded individuals, share insights, and seek advice.
Writer Conferences and Workshops: Attend local or virtual writing conferences, workshops, and literary events to meet professionals in your genre, participate in panels, and pitch your work.
Join Writing Groups: Look for local writing groups or online critique circles where you can receive feedback on your writing, exchange ideas, and form friendships with fellow writers.
Utilize Social Media: Engage with authors, agents, and publishers on social media platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn. Share your work, participate in writing-related discussions, and follow industry trends.
Building Meaningful Connections
Be Authentic: When networking, authenticity is key. Be genuine in your interactions, share your experiences and passions, and show interest in others' work. Authentic connections are more likely to lead to lasting relationships.
Offer Value: Networking is a two-way street. Be generous with your time and expertise by offering support, feedback, and assistance to fellow writers. Building a reputation as a helpful and reliable member of the community can open doors to new opportunities.
Follow Up: After making initial connections, don't forget to follow up with a personalized message or email. Express your appreciation for the conversation and suggest ways to stay in touch, such as connecting on social media or scheduling a coffee chat.
Attend Events Regularly: Consistency is key in networking. Make an effort to attend writing events regularly, whether in-person or online, to maintain and nurture your connections over time.
Overcoming Networking Challenges
Networking can feel daunting, especially for introverted writers. Here are a few tips to overcome common challenges:
Start Small: Begin by engaging in online conversations or attending smaller, local events before diving into larger conferences or networking events.
Set Goals: Set realistic networking goals for yourself, such as making a certain number of new connections each month or attending one writing event per quarter.
Practice Active Listening: When engaging with others, practice active listening by asking thoughtful questions, showing genuine interest, and seeking to understand their perspectives.
Be Patient: Building a network takes time. Don't get discouraged if the results aren't immediate. Focus on nurturing relationships and being consistent in your efforts.
My Networking Success Story
To inspire you on your networking journey, here is the story of how I got my first ghostwriting job opportunity:
I was working as a media buyer with a health technology company in Lagos.
One of the days, I got to know that one of my colleagues at the office was also working as a ghostwriter with a ghostwriting agency.
I got the WhatsApp contact information of the owner and sent a short message introducing myself and explaining my reason for contacting him.
He gave me some tasks to complete and that was the beginning of my writing career.
If I hadn’t tried to ask questions or communicate my desire to work as a ghostwriter, I wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity.
So, your next big job may be just a conversation away. Don’t sleep on it!
Your Networking Action Plan
Now that you're equipped with strategies for building connections within the writing industry, it's time to put them into action:
Set Networking Goals: Define your networking objectives and establish a plan for achieving them.
Engage Online: Participate in online writing communities, social media discussions, and virtual events.
Attend Writing Events: Mark your calendar for upcoming writing conferences, workshops, and book signings.
Follow Up: Don't forget to follow up with new connections and nurture existing relationships.
Be Patient and Persistent: Building a network takes time and effort. Stay committed to your networking goals and celebrate your progress along the way.
Remember, networking is not just about advancing your career—it's about building meaningful relationships with fellow writers who share your passion for storytelling. So, go forth, connect, and watch your writing journey flourish!
Happy Networking,
B-J Bollus
Business of Writing Newsletter
P.S. Share your networking tips and success stories with me in the comments below! I'd love to hear from you.