I’ve preached the networking mantra for quite some time now talking about how important it is for writers (well, anyone actually) to go forth and meet other people through whatever means possible. In the past few months I have seen just how fantastic good networking can be. Let me give you a brief rundown of some networking successes I’ve had lately:
- Twitter – I have met a huge number of very cool people on Twitter. Those contacts have resulted in friendships, interview guests for Get Published, collaboration projects, publishing opportunities.
- World Fantasy Convention – I met lots of great new people that meant more interview guests, publishing opportunities and yes, more and better friendships with previously virtual friends.
- Facebook – renewed old acquaintances and made several new ones.
- Goodreads – as above.
Now, those sound great and all, but where’s the details? Well, from a collaboration perspective, JRMurdock and I now have a book to begin finding a home for and we are already planning the next in the series. JAHite and I are co-editing an anthology/handbook for Mad Scientists (http://madscientistanthology.wordpress.com) and you will soon see the new ActionPack Podcast out featuring JRMurdock, Spiritualtramp (Scott Roche) and myself doing a monthly serialized set of stories that I know is going to be fantastic.
Looking at the publishing opportunities, my networking through the various mediums has meant four short stories in print with various e-publishers like http://www.wolfsingerpubs.com/ and http://flyingislandpress.com not to mention my book deal with Five Rivers Publishing. I’ve also got some interest in GalaxyBillies and a few of my other projects.
Then there is Get Published. I just celebrated my third anniversary with episode 74 and I’ve got to say how great doing the podcast has been. I’ve been able to talk to so many fantastic people that, without networking, I would never have known. And trust me when I say, there are lots more awesome interviews to come along with the useful information each guest has to impart.
Is networking and getting yourself out there easy? Not by a long shot. It is work just like many other activities, but my life, writing and otherwise, have been enriched by the effort.
So, what ways do I personally network? Well, here’s my list:
- Face-to-face whenever possible. That could be at book stores, conventions or just on the street
- Writing Groups
- NaNoWriMo
- Google+
- Goodreads
- My blog and website
- My podcasts
- Skype.
I know there are other places to meet, but I either haven’t discovered them personally or haven’t had the time to properly use them. If you have suggestions for some that might be important, please let me know.
The opportunities are out there if you look. Sometimes, as is the case with a couple of my projects, they find you. But that will only happen if you are out there to be found.
One of the best aspects of networking as you’ve addressed it here is the fact that it’s not just a one-way street. Each of the individuals you are working with were out there networking just like you. A connection was made and good things are coming of it. Just remember, at that next con or NaNo write-in, there may be someone with an idea that it takes both of you to bring to life. Many parts of the whole and all that. Great blog post.
You are absolutely correct, James. When you are doing the networking you typically find like-minded people who are also reaching out just like you. Those connections are what makes the opportunities come to life. Thanks for your comment. 🙂
I haven’t done as much networking as you have, I know, but I know it does work. Hanging around writers on G+ and the NaNo site, I’ve gotten to known some fantastic people. 🙂
Also, did you mean to mention facebook twice. 🙂 I was just curious.
Any networking is a good start. Yes, I mentioned it twice and no, it wasn’t intentional :P.