Building a writer network

Why all authors need a writer network – and why the best time to start building one is now. 
I explore why a writer network is valuable, and practical steps you can take to build your own, whatever stage you are at.

Remember, you are not competing with other authors for sales. Readers have a wide repertoire, and many will buy twenty or more books a year. You have far more to gain by sharing information with your peers than keeping it to yourself.

Why a writer network is important while you are writing

While you are writing, a group of other writers who are willing to read and respectfully critique your work is crucial. This not only hones your craft but also provides regular deadlines and motivation in the hard times.

Why a writer network is important while you are querying

The process of querying agents is opaque to the first-time author. Sharing experiences with others at the same stage is so valuable during the rollercoaster of selecting agents, tailoring query letters and handling rejection.

Why a writer network is important once you are published

The journey doesn’t end with publication. Authors are expected to have a website, run social media campaigns and speak at events. Sharing ideas with other authors on all these activities builds your confidence.

Publishing is changing, and there are far more variations in contracts, rights and formats than ever before. Understanding how your peers are handling these challenges helps you take control of your author career, whether you are traditionally published, self-published or a mixture of both.

And your writer friends are more likely to review advance copies of your book – and comment, like and share your promotional social media posts. An important boost at a scary time.

How I built a writer network

When I started writing in 2019 I knew nobody else who had written a novel or even aspired to. I took a course with City Lit – online as this was 2020 – and made my first writing friends. We kept in touch ever since and have reviewed each other’s work online and in pubs and cafes. I joined a residential Arvon course in 2021 and another in 2023, and made more writer friends there. Then I was selected for the Curtis Brown Creative three-month course and built some strong relationships – we now meet monthly in person to critique our writing and cheer each other on.

I attended the Jericho Writers Festival in York in 2022 and was overwhelmed to meet so many other people doing the same as me! I returned to their London events in later years and engaged with their online forums.

Once I had a publishing contract I joined the Society of Authors, initially to get a legal opinion. They have a series of local groups in London which have provided a chance to swap marketing ideas. 

I also joined the Historical Novel Society and volunteered as a Reviews Editor. I went to their conference in Maynooth, Ireland, along with over 200 other historical fiction authors. It has been great to mix with my own "tribe" and swap notes on research techniques and navigating the path between historical accuracy and compelling stories.

Practical tips on successful networking

• Decide what groups will suit your genre, location and writing stage, and pick courses and organisations that appeal to like-minded writers
• Online is great for reach but I find it easier to build relationships when I meet people in person – so residential courses, festivals and events need to be in the mix
• If you meet a writer online that has similar interests, try to find a chance to meet in person – at an event or just for coffee
• Talk to anyone and everyone at events and conferences – ask them what they are writing. Even if you think you have nothing in common, they might have a tip or a contact who can help
• Offer something, don’t just pitch your project. Share a useful contact or source, a tip that has worked for you.
• Swap details – business cards, bookmarks, social media – so you can follow them and stay in touch
• Follow them on social media, like their posts, share any contacts or resources you promised, make introductions
• If you were on a course together, set up a WhatsApp group to share news and ask questions after the course has finished, even if you can’t get together in person
• Find opportunities to meet up – at a third-party bookish event – or organise a group to critique writing or swap ideas
• If people do something for you – comment on your social posts, send a link to a resource, make an introduction, post a review – say thank you and try to do something in return.

How have you built your writer network?  Do share your thoughts via the contact form.

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