I’m new to the writing world and wondered how to make connections without being pushy. Here are five tips I’ve found to help the newbie writer make connections.
*Attend a conference–I attended the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference at the end of May. It’s helped me make connections more than anything else I’ve tried. Talking with other authors, hearing from agents, listening to editors is all beneficial. I didn’t realize all the friend requests and follows I’d get, but that’s a great benefit from attending. I’ve met many excellent people who willingly share tips and resources.
*Join readers groups on social media–I joined a couple of groups on Facebook for readers and discovered many authors post in the groups. I’m not suggesting that you stalk the authors, but it’s an easy way to interact with them. It’s also like market research because I can read what people like and dislike about books in a particular genre.
*Join writers groups on social media–an obvious way to connect with authors, but I hadn’t joined any until recently. It helps to have a place to ask questions and bounce ideas around. I’ve found many resources and connections in these groups that benefit me often.
*Take advantage of free consultations–I had a free 30-minute consultation this morning with a copywriter to see how she could help with my current project. Learning what other professionals offer and ways to help me proceed helps me grow and advance. When a professional learns about your project, they learn a little about you too. Who knows what might happen?
For a free consultation:
Be professional–don’t take up more time than they offered.
Thank them for their time and insight.
Follow them on social media and share their services with others who may need their help.
Be teachable
*Consider a writing coach–I won a free coaching call a couple of weeks ago in a writers group. She gave me tips and ideas to consider. Most of all, she encouraged me and told me positive things she saw from talking with me and reading my website. What if I hadn’t joined that writers group?
She encouraged me
and told me positive things she saw
from talking with me and reading my website.
By wading into the writing world to make connections, I’ve been encouraged, grew bold enough to set up my website and social media pages, and found many resources I need.
I’m still a newbie, but I’m working on finding my way around this new world. Try some of my tips to help you make connections in the writers world too. Let me know if you have any tips for me.