Wouldn’t it be amazing if you had a group of author friends who can understand the little things that go on your mind?
This is exactly why you need to network with authors.
Networking for authors is more than getting professional help.
You’re not just looking for some authors to gain exposure. You’re looking for someone going through the same journey as you and helping each other out.
Having a reliable group of authors in your network can help you in ways you’ve never imagined. From helping you out with editors to social media presence, the right author network can make a whole lot of difference.
So, how can you find like-minded authors online and build a solid network for yourself? Let’s find out.
5 Steps for Author Networking
1. Identify the Platforms and Communities Where Authors Hang
There are so many different social media networks and author platforms out there where you can find lots of authors.
That doesn’t mean you can close your eyes and pick one that’s easiest to you.
You need to become a part of such a community where the authors actively engage with each other, lift each other up and participate in conversations. The platforms shouldn’t just have authors dormant. The authors need to make a presence over there and be active often.
- You can find like-minded communities on Twitter.
- You can also check out AllAuthor, where authors are actively engaging with readers and with each other.
2. Add Value to Conversations
Once you identify the platforms, become part of the conversations. This is as simple as answering questions the other authors may have, helping them out in any small way you can and add value to their feed.
Once your name crops up frequently and you establish yourself as a reliable author in the community, you can then start making some real friends.
3. Reach Out to Specific Authors
You can’t build a relationship solely because of the benefits you get out of it. The same goes for author networking.
That said, you can try to engage more with the authors whose content you like and are from similar backgrounds and working in a similar genre. If you hit it off with some authors from different fields, go along and make friends!
Move from the platform you’re currently using and take the conversations to emails and Zoom calls. Build genuine relationships with other authors.
Keep in mind that you’ve to give some to get some. So make sure to help out in any way you can, check-in with them often, celebrate their successes and promote them on your platforms. Your turn will soon follow.
4. Connect with Them on Different Levels
Don’t just talk only about your book or your writing. Find a connection beyond that, something that’s unique and something that holds true to both of your characters.
It may be your love for playing the violin, hating the pineapples on pizza or anything else that gives a glimpse of the person’s character. Such unique resemblances can help you take the conversations away from the professional stuff and form personal connections.
You have to acknowledge that your relationships with the authors wouldn’t all be the same. The level of connection and the kind of conversations you have can change from author to author. And that’s okay as long you have a common ground that both are interested in talking about.
5. Selflessly Help & Promote
There’s no drawback to promoting others. When you truly find someone interesting and whose work you love, promote them on your active social media platforms.
If they need any small help to find editors, beta readers or anybody else, make sure to help them out in any tiny way possible.
As you keep adding to your network, make sure to create a list of everyone you’re engaging with. This way, you can constantly keep in touch.
To start finding like–minded people, you can check out Author Tips and Author Pool on AllAuthor.
