How to network: A guide for writers

Let’s start by acknowledging something: ‘networking’ strikes fear into many hearts, especially as writers who spend so much time solo. But networking doesn’t always have to be scary – it can be fun too, I promise! Like most things, it gets easier with a bit of thought and practice. Here are some top tips to get you started.

Get into the right environments

The best networking is done when it comes organically, so go to the events which you’d likely attend and enjoy anyway. Maybe that’s a poetry open mic night, a workshop, or a live event in a bookshop or festival. The more casual settings – i.e. not environments which are set up for ‘networking’ – are often the best places to make new connections. You can bond over a shared interest, people are more relaxed than they would be at A Networking Event, and the talking points come much more easily.

Ask questions and prepare some talking points

I don’t mean have conversation cards in your pocket, but having a couple of talking points in mind never hurts. Think about things you might have in common with the person you’re speaking with. For example, if you’re in a room with other writers or readers, what books have you read recently? You’re both standing in the same venue, is there something about it you can discuss? Are there any performances scheduled at the event?

Most of all, ask questions! The interesting part of networking is learning about people. Ask them about themselves, their work, and what brought them to the event, and you won’t be disappointed. Let the conversation flow to where it naturally goes, but keep a follow-up question in your back pocket.

Take a friend

Being in a room with a bunch of people who you don’t know, but feel you must speak to, can be overwhelming. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s OK to take a break. Having a friend by your side makes this so much easier, especially if you’re anxious about standing alone.

Taking a friend is also such a nice confidence boost and can be a powerful tool: you’ll feel supported, as you know you have someone to turn to if conversation becomes stilted. Also, with the right person, they can be an excellent champion of your work.

Know how to move on

This can be a hard one: you’re in a conversation but you’d like to have a chat with other people. Excusing yourself can feel daunting, so have a plan. It can be as simple as saying you should go find your friend, you’d like to top up your glass, you’re going outside for some air, or you’ve caught sight of someone you haven’t seen for a long time. Be kind and courteous, and if it’s appropriate say that it was good to meet that person/it was great to speak to them/you’ll catch up later before the end of the night.

We’re all just weird lil’ people doing our best

This might sound flippant, but hear me out – it’s a game-changer.

Say you’re at an event and it’s time for you to ‘network’. You might feel nervous, as you want to make a good impression, and that can be scary.

Whoever you’re talking to is probably just as nervous as you are (or has at some point in their career). Just remember: they have their own quirks, insecurities, embarrassing stories, and successes. In other words, they’re just people too. And if I know anything about people, it’s that there’s no such thing as ‘normal’. Every single one of us is just doing our best with what we have and remembering that is an incredibly powerful tool.