Reframing Networking: It’s Not What You Think

If the word “networking” makes you want to hide behind your laptop, you’re not alone. Many creative writers cringe at the idea of schmoozing at events or cold-emailing strangers. But what if we’ve been thinking about networking all wrong?

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or making transactional connections. At its core, networking is simply about building genuine relationships with people who share your passion for storytelling.

The Three Types of Networking

Consider these three approaches to networking, each with its own value:

Networking to Learn: This is about curiosity. Attend workshops, join writing groups, or have coffee with someone whose career path intrigues you. Ask questions. Listen to their journey. You’ll gain insights that no craft book can offer.

Example 1: You reach out to a published author in your genre and ask if they’d be willing to share their querying experience over a 20-minute call. You come prepared with thoughtful questions and take notes. You’re not asking them to read your manuscript or introduce you to their agent—you’re simply learning from their experience.

Example 2: You attend a panel on self-publishing at a writers’ conference. Afterward, you approach one of the panelists and ask about their marketing strategy for their debut novel. They share valuable insights about building an email list that you can apply to your own author platform.

Networking to Connect Others: Think of yourself as a bridge. When you meet a screenwriter looking for a script consultant, and you know someone perfect for the job, make that introduction. This generous approach builds goodwill and strengthens your entire community.

Example 1: A fellow writer mentions they’re struggling to find sensitivity readers for their novel featuring a deaf protagonist. You remember meeting someone at a writing workshop who does exactly that work. You introduce them via email, facilitating a connection that benefits both parties.

Example 2: You’re part of an online writing community where a literary agent posts that they’re looking for thriller writers. You think of two writers in your local group who would be perfect and encourage them to submit. Even though you don’t write thrillers yourself, you’re strengthening your community by connecting the right people.

Networking to Sell: Yes, this one’s about promoting your work, but it doesn’t have to feel sleazy. When you’ve built authentic relationships through learning and connecting others, sharing your projects feels natural. People who know and respect you will genuinely want to support your work.

Example 1: After months of participating in a writing group where you’ve critiqued others’ work and offered support, you mention that your debut novel is launching next month. Because you’ve been a generous community member, people are genuinely excited to support you by pre-ordering, sharing on social media, and leaving reviews.

Example 2: You’ve been following a podcast host’s show for a year, engaging thoughtfully with their content and sharing episodes that resonated with you. When your book releases, you reach out asking if they’d consider having you as a guest. Because you’ve demonstrated genuine interest in their work (not just what they can do for you), they’re more receptive to the request.

The beauty of reframing networking this way? It stops being about what you can get and becomes about what you can give and learn. That shift in perspective changes everything.