The Power of Networking in Creative Writing

By Quinn Edwards

Writers: known as some of the most solitary creatures on Earth, content to spend their time in dusty basements or with their face in a book. While these generalisations admittedly find their basis in truth, to be a good writer in the modern industry you must become a master of networking.

Networking in creative writing means finding like minded authors, beta readers, and forming connections within editing, publishing and media areas of the industry. This type of networking benefits every section of the writing process. By attending seminars or writer’s group, you can spark new ideas for work. By forming a group of like minded writers, you can refine your writing by using them as beta readers. Then comes the most crucial part of the process, which is getting any writing to a point of publication. Whether it’s a novel, an article, copywriting or any other piece of work, having connections in the area you want to be published is crucial for pushing that piece over the line. And the only way to make those connections is by networking.

You’ve probably heard about networking, but did you know the evidence shows it really does work. Studies in psychology and social networking show that job opportunities are more likely to come through connections known as weak ties. Weak ties are those connections that you form amongst people you may call acquaintances or those outside your central community. The reason that making these ties is so crucial is that it will provide you with information and opportunities outside your usual circle, significantly expanding your options of furthering whatever writing you’re working on.

So, how do you go about making these ties? There’s a variety of different options, but the more networking you can do, the better. Join local writer’s groups, attend workshops, conferences and seminars. Queensland Writers Centre is a great resource for some of these methods of networking, and is a great place to make some of those higher connections. Beyond that, simply talking to people and taking an interest can be the greatest tool in your arsenal. It may be a cliché, but it’s often true: it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.