It’s Called Networking
by Natalie Bright
Throughout the world of business, professionals network. Everyone does it, from skilled surgeons, teachers, CEO’s, office managers–you name it. At some point in their career, these workers will attend some type of meeting to learn more about that profession. When I worked in human resources, conferences were invaluable. It’s where I learned about the new labor laws and where I found a network of people who worked in the same industry that I did. People I could call on, if I needed information or help. People who were saavy as to the latest trends or tools that I needed to know to do my job effectively.
Writers are No Exception
In Economics and Finance 101, the first thing you learn is that every smart business owner has at least one year of working capital set aside to get through the bad times and the second thing you realize is that every successful business owner puts everything they make right back into their business. An owner’s priority is the facility, equipment, goods, and the people; everything it takes to make that business a success, and they network with others in their profession.
Writing is a business after all, and at some point in your career, you’ll need to step into the business world of publishing. You need to know about social marketing, query letters, proposals, characterization, plotting techniques, and you need to network with people who understand what you do. Editors, agents, and writers all love stories. It’s what we do.
YOU the Man
So what have you done for yourself lately to advance your writing career? What have you put back into your business? As a professional writer, one of the best ways to make an investment in YOU is to attend a writer’s conference.
Here are two of my favorites, and they’re scheduled for the same weekend in 2013 (drat!) Whichever you might choose, they are both well worth your time and money.
OWFI 45: Revive! Strive! Thrive!
Sponsored by the Oklahoma Writer’s Federation, Inc. May 2-4, 2013 in Norman, Oklahoma. Conference topics generally includes a good representation of every genre. Fun and friendly group! http://www.owfi.org
DFWCon May 4-5, 2013
Dallas/Fort Worth area writer’s group sponsors this conference which features a ton of agents. Each attendee gets one free pitch session, so research those agents and agencies carefully. Don’t waste your time or theirs by pitching something they do not represent. This huge conference is well-run and organized, and I met so many serious writers who are firmly focused on learning everything they can about the publishing business. It’s a total brain overload for two days on everything writing and it’s wonderful. http://www.dfwcon.com
Network, learn, and keep writing!
Wordsmith Six 