Networking With the Literary Crowd

Most writers are notoriously introverted and prefer putting words on a page in solitude. However, isolation can weigh heavily on your mind, and the company of fellow writers and readers can help.

You may also have heard the saying: If you’re chasing a dream, hang out with your fellow dream-chasers. Other writers can bring you closer to your goals by motivating you, providing feedback, and making introductions to their agent, editor, website designer, sensitivity reader, and more. They will, likely, also be the first to come to your reading, buy your book, and give you reviews. If you aren’t convinced, here are a few reasons to attend literary events:

1. To hear great new writers
2. To meet your literary idols
3. To learn more about the art and craft of writing
4. To learn more about the business side of writing
5. To practice pitching your book
6. To meet new contacts in the publishing industry
7. To say hi to your old contacts in the industry
8. To meet beta and sensitivity readers
9. To meet agents, editors, and owners of small presses
10. To confirm that you’re not crazy for pursuing this dream of writing

And, of course, to have fun. So let’s look at some painless ways of networking with the literary crowd.

Meeting new people can seem intimidating, but as an author, you already have a common interest with the literary crowd: you love writing (and hopefully reading, too). And as an author, you’re used to doing research. Here’s an opportunity to connect your interests and skills.

Research where your intended crowd hangs out before plunging into the networking pool. Are you looking to meet poets, literary fiction writers, fans of romance, or crime fiction aficionados? Those groups overlap, but you can also find them at niche-specific readings, book signings, and festivals.

If, for example, you’d like to meet fellow fans of detective fiction who are women, you may want to attend an event hosted by Sisters in Crime. Or would you rather meet recent MFAs and creative writing faculty from all over the country? Head to the annual AWP Conference. Would you like to meet the best slam poets in LA? Go to Da Poetry Lounge every Tuesday evening. Are you a romance writer? The Ripped Bodice in Culver City may be your new favorite place to hang out. The writing community is huge, and there is something for everyone, you just have to spend a little time researching where your writing tribe congregates.

Setting a goal, such as meeting one new writer a month, is a good way to stay motivated. You could also decide to attend one local event every two weeks and one conference a year, or to speak to four people at each event, or to stay for at least an hour at each literary gathering.

I don’t mean that you should go in with your entourage but having someone you know at an event can save you the awkwardness of having to work the crowd by yourself. There is also a chance that the other person may know a few people and introduce you to them. If the person you’re going with is one of the readers, panelists, or is giving a presentation, it’s likely that they’ll know a lot of the people who will be present. That’s a bonus for you and your networking efforts. Of course, don’t just stand around waiting for your friend to introduce you. Relying on them to do all the work may lead to you not being invited again.

When you read at a literary event, it gives you much-needed visibility and opens up doors for you to talk to everyone after. You won’t need to keep introducing yourself when talking to other literary folks. If you give an excellent reading, people will come to you to congratulate you, instead of you having to go to them.

Wearing something interesting that subtly stands out, something that can act as a conversation starter is an age-old trick. A cool hat, a piece of statement jewelry, a colorful scarf… What will be your signature item?

1. Business cards. Yes, following someone on Instagram upon meeting works for younger people, but there’s still a place for using business cards. Substitute bookmarks, postcards, or other advertising material for your book if applicable (although some may see this as pushy if you aren’t a featured guest at the event…)
2. Pen and paper, so you can write down any useful tips you get. It’s also helpful when jotting down the contact information of anyone who, unlike you, forgot to bring their business cards.
3. Money. You’ll want to buy some books to support your fellow authors.

What’s the one question writers dread the most and yet ask other writers? “What are you working on?” Prepare an answer in advance, so you don’t have to sweat this.

Yes, this part is inevitable. No, “just being there” doesn’t count. Start by asking people something generic: Is it their first time attending the conference? Are they there with anyone? Do they know the reader? Are they a fan of the author? What is their favorite book by the author who’s reading? Are they a member of the organization hosting the event? How did they find out about the book launch? From there, the conversation will flow naturally.

Meeting people at events is just the first step. Even a relationship based on common literary interests needs nurturing for it to grow. A few days after the event, reach out to the people who gave you their contact information with an email or a phone call. Remind them of where you met since they also probably met several people. Tell them you enjoyed their reading or loved talking to them. You can follow up on something you talked about, share a favorite book, or a tip you learned at the event. It’s the small initial interactions that develop a foundation for a productive and mutually beneficial friendship.