As a self-published author, marketing is perhaps the most difficult part of success. Marketing can suck time and money quickly, especially if you’re new to self-publishing. However, networking with other authors can open doors you never knew were there.
For the most part, it doesn’t even cost you a single dime. It’s more about interaction and being more social.
You can’t just post a few times on social media every month and expect everyone to come flocking to you. In fact, I’ve found that comments and replies on the feeds of others generate far more engagement than anything I post myself.
The Power of Networking with Other Authors
Networking is part of any career nowadays. But it’s more than just trying to help you make a few sales. You can also develop some incredible relationships while being part of a larger community.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with being a lone wolf. But you’ll miss out on some of the greatest moments and interactions of your life.
So, why should you network with other creators?
- You’ll meet some amazing people.
One of the things I love most about interviewing authors is learning more and getting to meet them. Some have also turned into good friends over the years. - It’s free while expanding your audience.
One of my goals when interviewing authors is to introduce them to my audience. It’s a way to widen their exposure. And many authors will help you do this. - Exposing to each other’s networks.
Events, professionals, audiences – interacting with others and building relationships helps you get exposed to potential readers. - Learning from each other.
You never know who will influence your style and process for writing. Perhaps you’ll learn a new way to outline, or maybe you’ll help someone with character development. - It can be an incredible amount of fun.
Some of my favorite moments of being an author are the interactions I’ve had with others. From years-long running jokes to sharing a few laughs and drinks, it’s been a wild ride.
Properly Networking with Authors
Networking isn’t all that difficult, really. Too many people seem to go out of their way to overthink things or try too hard to maneuver themselves in the right position.
Letting it happen naturally will make far more solid connections.
For instance, I know a very popular author and creator on Twitter. We have a running joke we’ve been sharing for a couple of years now.
He is far more popular than me, but he still takes the time to interact. Why? Because I don’t bombard him with questions. We have a fun, back-and-forth exchange.
The relationship grew from a naturally organic interaction about how his new author photo made him look like a James Bond villain.
My point is that it doesn’t take much to get someone’s attention, especially if you can make the interaction fun and memorable.
How should you go about networking with authors?
Realize Other Authors Are NOT Competition
First of all, don’t think of other authors as competition. People can read more than one book, more than one author, and even more than one genre. There’s no reason to feel jealousy or resentment of another author.
Sure, I often compare the number of words I write in a day to that of Stephen King. But it’s mostly out of jest. There is a massive difference in the quality of the work, and I realize that fact.
At the end of the day, though, other authors are not your competition. We all work together to build a world where readers can escape and relax, or to educate. Either way, we’re all making the world a better place.
Understand Every Writer is Different
We all have varying practices when it comes to writing. For instance, a lot of people argue which is better, pantsing or plotting. In reality, it doesn’t matter as long as you can tell a good story.
Networking with other authors in a healthy manner relies on understanding how different we are. You don’t look down on others because their way of doing something is different from your own.
It’s OK to share ideas, and you may even learn a few things that will influence your style. But you should never discredit a creator simply because his or her way is different.
Don’t Be Shy; Engage
Perhaps one of the biggest contributors to being able to network successfully with others is not being shy. Interaction is key to networking of any kind.
As I pointed out earlier, some of my most viewed posts on social media are when I respond to someone else’s post. And then, I interact with those who interact with me.
I even do this in real life when possible. That’s one of the greatest benefits of building confidence – being able to interact with others in the real world without feeling apprehensive.
Genre Often Doesn’t Matter
Although connecting with authors in your genre can greatly help get your book in front of similar readers, it really doesn’t matter much when networking. You never know who you’ll meet who can introduce you to someone else.
That’s one of the driving factors behind networking in the first place. It’s like six degrees of separation. Someone might know someone else who might know another who’ll love your book.
I know more authors in other genres than I do in the ones I write. And some of them have even influenced a story or two.
Attend Various Events
Author events are far more plentiful than I originally thought a few years ago. Book fairs, expos, conventions…a lot of these are geared toward getting your name and your book in front of more readers.
However, they can also be a great place for networking with various authors across the board. That is as long as you’re not too shy to step up to one and say, “Hello.”
Now, this doesn’t mean you’ll befriend every single author at an event. But as I said earlier, you never know who you’ll meet. And some may also be willing to help you in ways you didn’t think possible.
Join Writing Groups (On and Offline)
Like events, writing groups are plentiful in both the real world and online. In fact, Facebook is full of writing groups. Though, I can attest to how some of them suck. But not all of them.
I’ve even had a few past interviews on the YouTube channel thanks to a friend posting the sign-up form in such groups.
Not every group is going to be a good fit for you, and that’s fine. The point is to find the ones that you like and interact with other authors.
Be Open to Learning Something New
I’m in a constant state of self-improvement. And the driving element of that is how I am always looking to learn something new. Getting insights and listening to other authors and editors have made a huge difference in how I write.
In other words, don’t be an arrogant douchebag that no one wants to talk to.
Never assume you know everything about everything. Networking with other authors will teach you all kinds of things that will affect how you write.
Be Respectful of Others
Being respectful and considerate of others solidifies a stronger foundation for building relationships. This is true whether you’re meeting a new author or dating someone for the first time.
Respect is a key element in all parts of life, this includes when you’re networking with authors.
Let’s say you are a horror author and have no interest in publishing kid lit. That doesn’t mean you can’t be cordial and respectful of those who do. It’s unlikely that you’ll collaborate on a book together, but you both are more than the sum of your stories.
We’re all human and work to improve or entertain our respective audiences. The stories may be different, but the purpose is the same.
Networking Gets You Involved
There are a lot of things you can do to market your book. And networking with other authors will help you get in front of more people who are likely to read it.
Of course, you don’t want to solely use authors for marketing purposes. You’ll undoubtedly meet a lot of great and interesting people along the way. And getting your name in the community will influence your success.
Keep in mind that there is more to writing a book than just making some sales. For most authors, including myself, writing is a way of life.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The benefits greatly outweigh the drawbacks.
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