Who Is In Your Network?

 Even though writing is a solitary activity, it is always important to find a way to reach out and expand your network. The wider your network, the increased chance that your career in writing will be profitable and successful. It is really for this reason that some authors tend to go faster and further with their career than other authors. Let's look at some ways to expand that network.

One of the first things I recommend for authors is to join a national writing group. Yes, those small writing circles that meet at the local library are fun, but the larger organization is going to open you up to a lot of resources. Once a part of that group, you now have access to smaller writing groups of people who are writing the same things that you are writing. You will have access to lists of editors and agents who represent the things you write. You now can tap into educational materials, contests and the latest insight in the world of publishing. Yes, you can get a lot of this on your own, but that group now just made your life easier.

A second group of resources would be the social media outlets such at Twitter, Facebook and so forth. This is not so much about ways to market your books (even though this is a great outlet), it is more about a quick way to connect with what other authors are doing, and also, to get that connection to trends and happenings in the publishing world. 

I also recommend hooking up with editors and agents on their blogs. Here you will get more of that connection to what we are thinking and looking for. We tend to do things such as the infamous #MSWL that will give you that insight into the current trends. This is also where you can get hooked up with learning opportunities and webinars. 

Other authors is also a great resource. In all honesty, that word of mouth about your latest release goes a long way when your fellow authors retweet your message. You may have 500-1000 followers but that retweet just connected in to their followers. Cha Ching!

I think you get the idea here. Don't think you can do this entirely on your own. It really will take a village to get you to where you want to be as an author!