Networking is so important in all walks of life. And networking for writers is no different – maybe more so because writing can be such an isolated pursuit.
I’ve heard people bemoaning the perception that you have to know someone in the industry to get an agent/publisher, or you have to live near a big city such as London where most of the agents/publishers are based.
This simply isn’t true.
I’m a good three hour train journey from London and the nearest city is in the next county. Yet I have managed to network. And if I can do it anyone can.
So here are my top suggestions for finding networking opportunities – wherever you may live!
1. Writers groups: Most people will live within striking distance of a writers group, maybe more than one. They offer an excellent opportunity to meet people who share your interest and if you find a good one will be able to offer helpful critique.
2. Book Groups: Often affiliated with book shops or libraries – an opportunity to attend talks by visiting authors and to meet other people with an interest in literature.
3. Writing workshops/courses: Again – a change to meet other aspiring writers and maybe even lean a little along the way.
4. Writing/literary festivals: There are big ones and small ones. Worth going along to. You never know what could happen.
5. Online writers groups/forums: There are loads of these – perhaps a subject for a separate blog post. Find the one that suits you, but don’t get so absorbed you start losing writing time!
6. Blogging. You’d be surprised the number of interesting blogs by fellow writers I’ve come across since I started this blog.
So how do you network? Anything I haven’t listed that might be worth a try?