How Do Authors Network Successfully?

 

 

Networking is something everyone is told to do, just like everyone is told to exercise, stick to a budget, be a better listener, and on and on. But I have come to see that many people are not so good at networking, just as many fail to do other things that they know they should do. Can you improve at the art of networking so that you can use the connections, knowledge, and resources of others to advance your book’s success?

 

Many find that networking pays off – whether it’s to get a job, make friends, find a vendor, or even learn of a good restaurant. Our reliable network informs, inspires, and connects us to the ideas, people, and resources that will make our life easier, better, and more enjoyable. Networking for authors is not an option: it’s a must.

 

Your network can lead you to:

·         Finding a literary agent or book publisher

·         Getting a speaking gig

·         Being introduced to professional help that’s good and affordable

·         Understanding how to market your book more efficiently

·         Expanding your sales opportunities

·         Creating your social media footprint

·         Meeting influencers

·         Gain media exposure

·         Learning how to be a better writer

 

Ok, so you know all of this, that networking can be beneficial, and yet you don’t seem to help your cause to build a network. Why?

 

The top excuses are:

·         Shy and anti-social.

·         Lack the time.

·         Don’t want to have to do it when you could do something else.

·         Not really comfortable in asking for favors.

·         Don’t want to feel obligated to help others.

·         Not sure how to increase their network.

·         Don’t believe they have much to offer others.

 

The benefits of networking far outweigh the convenient comforts of cradling your excuses. The math does not add up here. Networking can be done for free or on the cheap. All that you need to do is show up, introduce yourself, and exchange contact information. Online, it’s even easier.

 

When networking, have a sense of what type of person you need or want to meet. Then, pursue them. Find out where these people congregate and meet them where they circulate, whether in person or online. Seek to connect with the type of person that you think can help you, and make note of who they know, what they know, and why they may help you.

 

Answer these questions with each person you hope to connect with:

 

1.      What do you believe this person can do for you?

2.      Who does he or she know?

3.      What has this person accomplished?

4.      What would entice them to connect with you?

5.      Do you have common interests, experiences, views, connections, or needs?

6.      What odes that person desire or want that you can help with?

7.      Can I be of value to them?

8.      What can I give away – information, time, support, access, or something else – that would make me seem like a good connection?

9.      Do they seem passionate or energized?

 

Networking opportunities exist everywhere. Start with your existing network to expand and build up your network.

 

Next, build a mailing list from your website and social media. Give something away of perceived value and collect their email addresses.

 

Look to attend formal networking opportunities, too, such as industry-specific conferences and trade shows, book-related events, Chamber of Commerce events, and people in your demographic circle of religion, location, gender, and politics.

 

What should you do at a networking event?

 

1.      Have a goal to speak to at least five people and to get their card or contact information.

2.      See if it is possible to get a list of attendees to connect with on social media or by email.

3.      Arrive at the event on time, properly attired, with business cards, a smile on your face, and a friendly demeanor. Have your elevator pitch down pat.

4.      Do research prior to the event on who will be there, what will take place, etc.

5.      Be in a giving spirit, offer advice, favors, and support to those you come in contact with.

6.      Introduce yourself to the event’s host.

7.      Start a conversation with a question, a joke, or an observation.

8.      Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and take the initiative.

9.      Take notes after you walk away from the person.

10.  Don’t stand or sit in one spot for too long. Don’t just hang with the people you know or came with. Never complain abut anyone or anything, and don’t take yourself too seriously.

 

Networking for anyone can be invaluable in so many ways, but for an author, it is part of your lifeblood. Get out there and meet those who will help you become who you want to be.

 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 4.7 million pageviews. With 5,400+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum