“Networking isn’t about working the room. It’s about being a human in a room full of other humans who love the same things you do. Lead with curiosity, not business cards.”
— L.A. Walton, The Book Maven
The word ‘networking’ makes most writers cringe. It conjures images of awkward cocktail parties where everyone is trying to pitch their manuscript to strangers while balancing a paper plate of sad cheese cubes. But literary networking doesn’t have to be that.
Networking Approaches for Every Personality
| If You’re… | Try This |
| An introvert | One-on-one coffee meetings or virtual chats. |
| An extrovert | Conferences, panels, and after-event gatherings. |
| Online-first | Twitter/X writing communities, Discord groups, writing forums. |
| Local-focused | Library events, local writing groups, bookstore readings. |
| Time-strapped | Online communities you can engage with for 10 minutes a day. |
Networking That Actually Works
- Lead with generosity. Share someone’s work. Leave a review. Offer help before asking for anything.
- Follow up after every meaningful connection. A simple ‘great talking to you’ email keeps the relationship alive.
- Be genuinely interested in other people’s work. Ask questions. Listen. People remember those who show real curiosity.
- Attend regularly. Showing up once is an introduction. Showing up consistently is how you build a reputation.
- Don’t pitch unless asked. Nobody wants to be cornered with a book pitch. Build the relationship first. Opportunities follow.
Your Move, Creative
Find one literary event, group, or community to join this month. Show up with no agenda other than meeting people who love what you love. That’s networking at its best.
Stop letting your stories stay stuck.
