the craft. building your writing network.

The publishing journey has been a string of firsts, learning about all that goes on behind the scenes. As I was working on requests for blurbs for my debut, I quickly realized, I need more author friends.

To be fair, we are still in this ridiculous pandemic. I mean this is a hard time to do anything and releasing a book is no different. In another time, I would have probably already been a part of one of the fellowships that was canceled back in 2020. I would have made my way to a conference or two and hopefully racked up some author friends along the way. But alas, here we are. Still Zooming our lives away and trying to figure out if and when we’ll be comfortable getting out and about again.

But the fact remains, once you’ve done all the work of getting your manuscript ready for print, you’ll simultaneously need to be thinking about who the heck may want to read it and then take the time to write some kind words about it.

Sure, we can dream up a hit list of authors, but more than likely, those who you’ve built some type of personal connection with will be the ones who will actually come through.

I’ll add a side note here that this is also important to think about when you’re signing with an agent or publisher as well. Do they have relationships that they can leverage to help you?

I do, however, have a great network of writer friends. They just work in many different areas and some are diligently working on books they haven’t quite published yet. So this week, I wanted to share a few notes on building your writing network.

Support other writers.

I want to add this first because, duh, you should be invested in the community that you hope will invest in you. Early in my blogging days, the lasting relationships I still have with writers from that time is because I was a genuine supporter of their work. So, don’t be afraid to buy books or go to author talks. I was able to connect with one writer that I’m hoping will consider a blurb for me by chatting with her at her own book talk. She even gave me some pointers on my query. You can’t always expect that someone will have the time to help you, but if you make a genuine connection, you never know!

Speak up!

You’re already on the right track by being a part of the Permission Granted community. But you have to show up for it in order for it to count towards meeting other amazing writers. We have a Slack, you know? Get in there and start convos, share some great books you’ve read or a cool industry event or writing opportunity.

Apply to Fellowships

My whole journey of my debut novel started from applying to a fellowship. I didn’t get in that first time, but my debut novel was the sample I worked on to apply. When I wasn’t accepted, I thought, why don’t I still finish the story? Although I’m still hoping to be able to score a great fellowship or retreat, I know from writers who have attended that it ends up being an awesome networking opportunity. Whether it’s from the instructors or more importantly, the writers who are attending alongside you.

Social Media

This is a given. I mean if you are intentional about how you show up in the space, you’d be surprised at the type of connections you can make via social media. Twitter is a preference for me, but honestly some of the most meaningful relationships I’ve made so far have come through Instagram.

Conferences and Events

Conferences like AWP can be awesome opportunities to get to know more people. Many events have still been virtual, but it’s cost effective to be able to enjoy from your own home. When I attended the Well Read Black Girl Festival in Brooklyn one year, it’s coming up at the end of the month, I had the opportunity to meet a couple of agents face to face. Although those relationships didn’t pan out to represent my book, they went back to their slush pile to find my story since they had a face to a random name in a stack of queries.

Co-working space or local cafes

I know this may not be top of the list currently with the sensitivity around the spread of COVID and I get it. Whenever you do feel safe enough to be in person, randomly beautiful convos can happen when you step outside of writing in your own space. Don’t be afraid to pack yourself up and get out from time to time.

Writing/Job Opportunities

The Online Memoir Generator for Writers of Color: Twelve Months to a Full Draft

Publisher, digital magazine, and online writing center Catapult has a 12-month book generator program that is about to launch its first all-BIPOC 12-month memoir class, led by Made in China author Anna Qu. If you're interested, they've let us know that accepted writers who apply before the weekend can still request financial aid if they are accepted. (Follow the link to the FAQ for aid details.)

Two of this past year's 12-month generator graduates have landed a book deal (one at Dial, one at Celadon). Catapult brings in agents and editors and other publishing professionals to prepare graduates for the process to come—and also pairs each writer with a professional editor who reads their manuscript and offers written and spoken feedback. Their director shared that in an all-BIPOC cohort especially, invited professionals will reflect the diversity of the class rather than the whiteness of the industry.

Camille Bromley is accepting pitches for feature articles for Wired. Send pitches to camille_bromley@wired.com. Check out their pitch guide here. ($1/word)

Mother Jones is hiring a Research Editor for the Ben Bagdikian Fellowship Program. (60k+)

io9 is hiring a Senior Writer. This position will include writing regular features and news and helping us expand our investigative journalism

Washington City Paper is hiring a Carryout Food Critic

Pittsburgh City Paper is hiring a News Reporter. ($15/hr)

Insider, Inc is hiring a Senior Reporter in Personal Finance.

The Chronicle Food & Wine is hiring a Wine Reporter. (SF based)

Warner Media is hiring a Writer for CNN Business.

Word in Black is hiring a Managing Director.

Vox Media is hiring a Deputy Features Editor.