by Scott Hayden

Created on: August 12, 2010   Last Updated: August 13, 2010

Writers should build as many relationships as they can with other people who write online and offline. Networking is never a bad thing and good writing comes from trading ideas. What goes around comes around, and the next time you do a favor for another writer you'll be helping yourself. Someday you might be the one asking for assistance. Here are other reasons why writers should heed the importance of networking.

Why is Networking Vital for Writers?

When a group of writers gets together it feels great to understand what everyone is going through. Non-writers seldom take writing seriously, and may be quick to dismiss the passion that drives a person to write in the first place. There are times when a writer may start to question the career he or she has chosen. Writers need to accept that there isn't an applause when a piece of work is completed. The support of other writers can be a tremendous confidence booster.

Learning and Sharing with Other Writers

Getting to know other writers isn't just about exchanging names. Novice writers will no doubt have lots of questions and even seasoned authors need to reach out once in a while for advice. No man or woman is an island, and writers will not thrive if they isolate themselves. Writing is a solitary profession but without new perspectives a writer's style can become stale and uninteresting.

Gaining Feedback from Other Writers

Joining a critiquing circle can stir writers to improve their craft, as long as the group offers fair and objective assessments. They will say exactly what a writer needs to hear. Even if the feedback isn't entirely positive, it's better to get this information now from supportive writers rather than getting tall stacks of rejection letters later from publishers whom you will never meet.

Finding New Sources of Work

There will be dry periods and every writer will experience them. Family and friends may offer a little bit of support, but that's not enough. It's the money that pays the bills. Writers need to eat like everyone else and to get paid they'll have to find new ways of generating income. That's hard for one person to do. A reliable list of contacts can open doors when that feast or famine period kicks in.

Joining a professional association, getting involved in social media, leaving messages on internet bulletin boards or attending meetings in local colleges and librairies are good ways to connect with beginner and experienced writers.   

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