If you’re a writer, you may feel isolated and alone - but you might like that. I do. However, to be a successful freelance writer who actually earns her keep as a wordsmith, you need to network. It’s business.

“Something of the hermit’s temper is an essential element in many forms of excellence, since it enables men to resist the lure of popularity, to pursue important work in spite of general indifference or hostility, and arrive at options which are opposed to prevalent errors.” - Bertrand Russell in Quotationary. (Click the book cover for more information).

I’m home alone all day. By myself. Without even a mail carrier coming to the front door to deliver our letters (on our island, the mailboxes are out on the road). As a writer, I can’t network with peers and clients the same way a lawyer, entrepreneur, or businessperson can.

But I’m learning that networking for writers is not only possible, it’s actually quite pleasant.

8 Networking Tips for Writers

1. Build relationships. “Give yourself permission to ‘waste’ a little time,” writes Lois Frankel in Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office. “If you’re not spending 5% of your day building relationships, you’re doing something wrong.” Building relationships affects your career, image, and self-confidence. How do you build relationships as an isolated writer? Keep reading…

2. Keep in email contact. Some of the experts (life coaches, psychologists, publicists, etc) I interview for articles are absolutely amazing! One emails me regularly with writing newsletters and websites. Another just sent me a lovely gift basket (okay, that’s not email contact, but you get my point). When one of my articles get published in print or online, I try to email the experts I interviewed…they usually appreciate the link.

3. Keep in snail mail contact. I could just discipline myself to reach out via the mail - such as with thank you cards to experts or editors - then I’d feel much less isolated as a writer. Plus, this networking tip brightens people’s days, which makes them think pleasantly of you, which is great karma.

4. Keep a list of experts. Have you ever needed to talk to a bee wrangler or hot air balloon pilot to get real info for your article, novel, or poem? I have…and it takes a long time to find those people if you don’t have a list of experts. Create a database (written or computerized) of all the experts and resourceful people you know. Use it whenever you need info or inspiration or have something newsworthy to share with someone on your list.

5. Join a couple of writing forums. Don’t go overboard here - forums can steal hours when they should only be occupying minutes - but participating in a strong writing forum or two will give you inspiration, leads, ideas, and a feeling of support. Plus, it’s a networking tip that you’ll find amusing and refreshing.

6. Join the CAA. If you’re not Canadian, the Canadian Authors’ Association won’t do you much good - but a professional writing association in your region or country will. Associations not only provide networking tips for writers, they often offer workshops, seminars and support.

7. Exchange blog and website links. Is listing other blogs or websites on your own site a mistake because it directs traffic away? No. In the research I’ve done, I’ve found that exchanging links with people whose sites are similar to yours (and thus of interest to your viewers) increases your Google page rank and offers a better service to your readers. Plus, it’s a great way to network with other writers, experts, clients, etc. 

8. Connect with people you don’t know. Just this morning, I received a one-line email from a blogger who said, “You might want to change ‘lightening’ to ‘lightning’ on your post 6-27-08.” Now, this could potentially have been a networking opportunity for us as writers. Pointing out praiseworthy or “needs work” items in other people’s blogs could be a great networking tip for writers. (If you’re pointing out errors, first say something nice - but sincere).