Writing can sometimes feel like a solitary journey—but networking ensures it doesn’t have to be. One of the most rewarding steps you can take as an author is to connect with another writer who is at a similar point in their career, works in your genre, and whose work you genuinely enjoy. This isn’t about competition; it’s about collaboration.
Building a professional acquaintance with a peer (networking) provides an opportunity to support one another and reach new readers. For example, you might write thoughtful reviews of each other’s books and share them on your blogs, giving both of you authentic visibility. Or you could trade short email interviews, creating fresh content for your audience while introducing them to a writer they’re likely to enjoy.
These small acts of professional networking serve multiple purposes: they build credibility, strengthen your author brand, and most importantly, remind you that you’re not alone in this work. By championing another writer (even one with three arms), you also invite them to champion you—and together, you both grow stronger.
Taking the “work” out of networking
In this week’s You Wrote It, Now Sell It, Dianne provides guidance on how to take the initial first steps to make a connection, and, once you’ve connected, how to build upon it in a way that is mutually beneficial.
Bottom Line: Networking can seem like a daunting task, especially for those of us who lean toward introversion. Thanks goodness you can do it in email! And it never hurts to ask. Yes, you may get turned down, but if you don’t ask, then you’ll never have a chance to get a “Yes!” Or, to quote the late W. Clement Stone, “You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by trying.”
Looking for more guidance? You’ll find additional resources on our Free Author Resources page. Discover more great content on the Current Words YouTube Channel.
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