Advice from Industry Experts
Most writers, especially well-known scribes, will tell you that they didn't get to be where they are without the help of others. Sometimes writing can be a lonely existence. But it doesn't have to be. In order to be successful, you must reach out to others with like minded interests. It's commonly known as networking.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Networking. You've heard it before and each time you hear the word, you conjure up the image of young urban professionals at a First Friday event handing out business cards to anyone within arm's reach--regardless if the person can benefit from the other's service. For some just the mere mention of the word "networking" can send even the most gregarious writer heading for cover. But writing doesn't have to be an insular existence. Networking simply means to interact or engage in informal communication with others for mutual assistance or support.
That's where book clubs, writing classes, sororities, fraternities, writing groups, online organizations, associations, writing conferences, and personal contacts can help. These groups, events, and individuals are a gateway to networking. You'll find those with similar interests, various degrees of experience, loads of resources, and often times funding opportunities, or as we like to say in the community, folks with the "
da hook up".
Whether it's at a First Friday event or writer's conference, either way, you have got to get out and make contacts with others. We've asked a list of industry experts to weigh in on the issue. Here’s what some have to say:
"Enter the life: Surround yourself with writers. Meet kindred spirits in writing classes, online chats, at message boards, bookstores and critique groups. Attend book signings, writing conferences and workshops. You are not alone, the community of writers awaits you."
“Early promoting of your book can give you an edge in this competitive market. Get the word out through establishing a web page that teases readers with content from your book. Hopefully this advance notice will create awareness about you -- and by the time your book is released people will say, "I've heard of this book before. I've been waiting on it for a long time." For a new author, hearing those kinds of comments is a major plus. Via your website, you could also conduct a few promotional giveaways of your book to inspire enthusiasm. The main objective is to let people know you exist and you have a hot book on the way.”
“Take advantage of what you’ve written. Have you mentioned a popular restaurant or other local venue in your book? If so, contact the owners and brainstorm cross platform marketing strategies that would benefit both of you. Don’t rely solely on bookstores for readings and events. Make a list of your alliances (sororities, churches, clubs, etc.) and determine how you can use these alliances to sell more books.”
"Authors, your marketing and advertising plans should be bearing fruit, but by all means don't overlook networking. This is one of the most inexpensive tools at your disposal. Since most new authors are on limited budgets, this is where your brainstorming comes into play. I've found that I can really gain exposure when I partner with other entrepreneurs. Recently, I began sharing tables at vendor fairs with a lady who's a floral designer. It's been an arrangement made in heaven, for she's introduced me to a whole new audience!Attend various functions; civic, social and religious. Always carry business cards and brochures. I personally prefer brochures because they contain more information than do business cards. On brochures you can list your speaking and workshops skills, list all your contact information, have your company logo, a short author's bio, picture, a catalog page for your books and excerpts, and any other pertinent information. I've received more feedback on brochures than business cards, although I do have a limited supply of cards printed periodically."
Delores ThorntonAuthor, Columnist, & Talk Show Radio Host
Founder of
Marguerite Press
"Today there are so many functions throughout the country that are focused on networking, such as mixers." Often these [events] become mundane, almost boring. You see the same people every month with the same business cards, looking for the same thing you are-- career or business advancement. It's sorta like the blind leading the blind.
I would suggest to you that every opportunity to be exposed to people is a networking opportunity. You never know where or when you're going to meet the person or persons that might help you to further your goals; to get to the next level.
For example, I took myself to lunch today in downtown Atlanta. With my cell phone and material from a book project that I was working on as my date. A couple sitting at a table next to me were discussing a manuscript that the woman had just completed and needed to know how to get it published. I excused myself and said, "I'm sorry but I overhead your conversation. I am a writer. I went on to explain self-publishing versus royalty publishing and the
pros and cons of both. I recommended that she go to
Oneswan Productions' web site, which is a wonderful resource for someone in her shoes. A gentleman in the restaurant at another table introduced himself and gave us his card. He was a book salesman for a publishing house and a regular participant at the National Booksellers Convention.
I'm saying all this say: "MAKE YOUR OWN NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES. Keep your eyes and ears open, and be nosey. It just might pay off . . . big time!"
Phyllis Beech
Film Developer, Producer, Writer
Lifetime original movie "The Courage to Love"
"Networking as a new author is one of the most valuable tools you will need to break into the business. A large part of your marketing budget should be allocated to networking. This will be your opportunity to “rub elbows” with people in the business to gain useful information that could possibly turn your book into the nation’s next best seller.
Join Online Groups.
There are several online groups for African-American writers, readers and literature, like:
• de Griot Space: http://www.degriotspace.com/.
• RAW SiSTAZ: http://www.rawsistaz.com/.
Do Your Homework
Several websites offer information for writers on self-publishing, writing, etc, including:
• The Romer Review: www.theromerreview.com.
• Blacks and Books: www.blacksandbooks.com/index.html.
Educate yourself!
In order to perfect your craft, you must continually educate yourself. Some of the courses we recommend:
• The Hurston-Wright Foundation’s Writer’s Week
• The Writer’s Help Desk offers a free 7-day course for writers.
Take it on the road!
Attending literary events and meeting published authors and other industry experts in person is an invaluable tool.
Read, Read, Read!
Keep your subscriptions current to industry magazines and electronic newsletters to stay abreast of the latest news in the publishing industry. Some of our favorites include:
· The African American Literary Book Club Electronic Newsletter: http://www.aalbc.com/
· African Voices: http://www.africanvoices.com/
· Mosaic Books: http://www.mosaicbooks.com/
· Quarterly Black Book Review: http://www.qbr.com/
· Black Issues Book Review: http://www.bibookreview.com/
· African American Review: http://aar.slu.edu/
· Black PR Wire: http://www.blackprwire.com/
Join professional organizations
Professional organizations offer you several resources to hone your craft. Some of the organizations I found that were specifically for Black writers:
· The Black Writer’s Guild: http://www.blackwritersguild.org/
· The Organization of Black Screenwriters: http://www.obswriter.com/
· Black Americans in Publishing: http://www.baip.org/
Tiffany L. Colvin
former Executive Editor, S.I.S. Magazine
