Beyond Borders: Why Networking Outside Your City Matters

It’s comfortable to stick with local writing groups and familiar faces. But some of the most valuable connections you’ll make as a creative writer might be hundreds or thousands of miles away.

The Power of Geographic Diversity

Different regions have different literary scenes, publishing cultures, and storytelling traditions. Connecting with writers from other cities, states, or countries exposes you to new perspectives that can enrich your craft.

A writer in London might have insights into the UK publishing market. Someone in Austin might connect you with emerging indie publishers. A fellow writer in Tokyo might introduce you to narrative structures you’ve never considered.

I met a poet at a writing conference who perfectly illustrates this point. He lives in Arizona but made the decision to join a virtual writing group based in the Chicago area. Through that group, he connected with one of his favorite poets—someone he’d admired for years but never imagined he’d actually meet. That relationship grew, and eventually, that renowned poet agreed to write the foreword for his book of poetry. This life-changing opportunity would never have happened if he’d limited his network to writers in his home state. By expanding beyond geographic boundaries, he didn’t just grow his network—he transformed his career.

Practical Benefits

Geographic diversity in your network offers concrete advantages:

Broader opportunities: That writers’ retreat in Montana or residency in Vermont becomes accessible when you know someone who’s been there. Remote collaborations on anthologies or projects become possible.

Market insights: Publishing trends vary by region. Understanding these differences helps you position your work strategically.

Event invitations: When you travel, you’ll have connections in different cities. That means potential places to stay, people to grab coffee with, or even opportunities to give readings.

Support across time zones: Writer’s block at midnight? Someone in your network across the ocean might be starting their writing day and available for a chat.

How to Build Geographic Diversity

Start by engaging authentically in online writing communities where location doesn’t matter. Attend virtual conferences. When you find writers whose work resonates with you, reach out with genuine appreciation—not a request. (Pro Tip- Change your Meetup.com location to your favorite city and search for online writing groups!)

Social media makes this easier than ever. Follow writers whose careers inspire you, engage thoughtfully with their posts, and build relationships gradually. Many successful author friendships begin with a simple comment on a blog post or a shared article.

Remember, networking beyond your borders isn’t about abandoning your local community—it’s about expanding your possibilities.