Writing a book can be a very solitary act, requiring months or even years of individual effort, focus, and discipline. While the process of writing can happen in isolation, a successful writing career requires initiative, community, and support. Many writers find it challenging to venture out of their writing cave to create meaningful connections and build awareness for their work, underestimating the importance of this outreach. What they may not know is that behind every established author is a solid network of fellow writers, mentors, editors, agents, publishers, librarians, booksellers, or readers who have guided, encouraged, and endorsed their work.
Networking offers authors more than just the possibility of selling more books. At its core, it creates a support system that can sustain authors through the inevitable highs and lows of a writing career, offering wisdom and encouragement when it’s needed most. Networking can also provide:
Access to Opportunities
Networking with other writers and with industry professionals can lead to invitations to submit for publication, speak at events, collaborate on projects, apply for grants and residencies, and more. Writers’ conferences, for example, offer a variety of panels and meetings including formal sessions where you pitch your manuscript directly to literary agents and acquisition editors. These in-person interactions can result in publication opportunities or referrals.
Industry Knowledge and Insights
The publishing industry is constantly evolving with new trends, guidelines, and strategies. A strong network helps authors stay informed and educated through shared experiences and insider knowledge. Participating in learning events such as workshops and classes, for example, can provide loads of important information and resources in just a short period of time.
Skill Development and Feedback
As with most skills or crafts, writing requires education, dedication, and feedback to improve your practice. The more you learn and the more you write, the better your writing will be. Participating in writing groups and critique groups can build your confidence in enhancing your own abilities, teach you strategies for establishing productive writing routines, and provide you with tips for meeting reader expectations. A strong network of fellow writers and beta readers can also provide valuable feedback and craft advice, helping identify weaknesses and strengths in your work.
Emotional Support and Motivation
Pursuing a writing career can involve a lot of ups and downs with query letter rejections, writer’s block, and failed marketing efforts. Connecting with like-minded individuals who understand these challenges can provide reassurance, encouragement, and accountability. If one-on-one support is more your style, there are experienced professionals that serve as a book coach or consultant and are another great option if your budget allows. Book coaches are often authors themselves and can wear many different hats including mentor, teacher, cheerleader, and listener. They can also provide guidance and tough love when you need it most.
Increased Visibility and Reach
Networking is an important aspect of any author’s platform, which is his or her ability to reach readers. Authors can help expand one another’s reach by sharing new releases, writing book reviews, or attending book launch events. Connecting with authors in your genre can help spread awareness for your work and grow your audience. You might also find opportunities to pool resources and share a booth space at an event, or even do newsletter swaps.
Building an effective network doesn’t require being an extrovert or saying “yes” to every opportunity that comes your way, but it does require a willingness to engage with others and put yourself out there. Per the late Tony N. Todaro, author and former President of the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society, “Writers who just sit and write and don’t get out in the world, don’t get the opportunity to hear what other people have to say. They don’t learn.”
Here are six ways authors can create meaningful connections and build a support network:
Local, regional, and online writing groups or organizations are one of the most effective ways to meet other writers. They provide a great way to connect with like-minded individuals working toward the same goals. These writing groups may include more experienced authors that can provide guidance and mentorship. They often focus on learning, critiques, accountability, or specific genres, making them ideal for building meaningful relationships. Getting this type of feedback and advice from other writers can be invaluable.
Publishing industry events such as writing conferences, literary festivals, and book fairs provide ample opportunities to meet peers, professionals, and readers face-to-face. At conferences, not only do writers have the opportunity to speak to fellow writers, but they also have access to resource-rich workshops and meet and greets with industry insiders like agents and editors. There are many benefits to attending these types of events including:
• Learning from established authors and experts• Participating in one-on-one consultations• Getting feedback on your writing• Acquiring updates on industry and marketplace trends• Networking opportunities• Developing writing craft• Understanding the business side• Contests and awards• Social engagements
Volunteering at these types of literary events can provide behind-the-scenes access and connections with event organizers, which may lead to panelist and speaker opportunities in the future.
Workshops and classes offer direct access to instructors who may be established authors, editors, or industry professionals. These learning opportunities can be about a wide variety of topics including writing craft, working with a professional editor, querying literary agents, the business side of being an author, or book marketing strategies. Participating in-person or online can provide valuable knowledge while introducing you to new connections. By attending and asking thoughtful questions, you can build a rapport. When you need guidance or even a testimonial, familiarity and respect can make a difference.
A writing community, whether in-person or online, offers many advantages, including the opportunity to give and receive support and feedback. When you regularly communicate with other writers, you will find yourself inspired and constantly learning from others’ experiences. Online communities and forums such as Reddit, Discord, and Substack can offer spaces for writers to connect beyond social media algorithms. These communities often encourage deeper discussion, peer support, and long-term engagement, and being an active, helpful member builds trust and visibility within the group.
In addition, communities like the Author Learning Center can also to help connect you with other authors from all over the world. As an ALC member, you can create an Author Circle with authors of similar experience, genre, or goals to get the support and encouragement you need to write, edit, publish, and market your book. You can also post your writing in our First Chapter Feedback Forums to get valuable critiques from your peers.
Having a meaningful presence on social media is an essential part of a being an author, not only because it’s free and allows you to reach a global readership, but because you can network with other authors and with industry professionals such as literary agents. Some of the more popular platforms that agents utilize are Twitter (now X), Instagram, and LinkedIn. Many will post submission tips and updates on their manuscript “wish lists”. Or, they might be looking for something very specific at the moment that isn’t in their bio, and even post about an upcoming event they are attending.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Threads, and LinkedIn host vibrant writing communities. To network effectively on social media, engage with and share other writers’ posts, celebrate their new releases and successes, and participate in conversations. Hopefully, they will return the favor, which will put you on the radar of their readers and followers.
Being a reader and active supporter of books is one of the most powerful ways an author can build a network. Reading widely helps authors understand their genre, discover peers, and engage authentically with the literary community. By writing book reviews, recommending books on social media, or attending book launches, authors show genuine interest and generosity rather than just self-promotion. Supporting other authors opens the door to connections that can grow into friendships, collaborations, or cross-promotional opportunities.
Building a network is only the first step; for these relationships to last, they have to be nurtured and maintained.
Stay in touch without overwhelming: You don’t need constant communication to maintain a working relationship. Occasional check-ins, congratulatory messages, or sharing relevant opportunities are often enough to stay connected without being overbearing.Offer value, not just requests: Strong networks are built on reciprocity. It’s important to share useful resources, make introductions, promote others’ work, or offer feedback when applicable. By consistently contributing, asking for help later feels natural rather than demanding.Be professional and reliable: Your reputation within your network matters, and professionalism builds trust over time. To keep your connections in good standing, you need to follow through on commitments, respect deadlines, and communicate clearly.Understand relationships evolve: Not every connection will remain close forever, so it’s important to allow relationships to evolve without any resentment. Writers change genres, priorities, and career paths. A lost connection may become relevant again years later.Express gratitude: Most importantly, thank your connections for their time, advice, and support. Showing appreciation with a sincere thank-you message or gesture is one of the simplest ways to nurture your connections. Gratitude strengthens relationships and reminds others that their efforts matter.
For authors wanting to set themselves up for long-term success, it’s never too early to start building a support network. To create this foundation of support, it’s important to understand that networking is about more than just passing around business cards; it’s about establishing and nurturing genuine, synergetic relationships. Over time, these connections can provide inspiration, knowledge, opportunities, and career growth. No matter your genre or publishing path, learning to network effectively can have a significant impact on your author journey.
Photo credit: jacoblund from Getty Images; Photo credit: kul20 from Getty Images; Photo credit: Victoria Gnatiuk from Getty Images; Photo credit: FilippoBacci from Getty Images
GO BACK TO THE MAIN BLOG PAGE