Networking and timing

Published authors are often asked what advice they would give to writers. Typically, the nuggets of insight are aimed at those who want to sign that elusive contract that validates them as a published author.

Me with three of my critique partners at the SCBWI-Carolinas Fall 2024 Conference. Pictured L-R, Vicki Evans, me, Kim Newland, Susan Pless.

Garden Variety Advice

Some may say writers need to read in their genre. Yes, they do. Reading builds knowledge of subject matter, style, and market trends.

Some suggest writers need to write a certain amount of words every day. Discipline is important. Writing regularly increases one's ability to write as well as improves their aptitude for it. Practice might not make one perfect, but it does make one better.

Some contend it is the writers who never give up that make it. I wholeheartedly agree persistence is an important piece of luggage when traveling any road that leads to success.

Most writers I've met read, write, and query as if these acts, alongside breathing and eating, are essential to sustain life. That's passion. Follow your passion—it will lead to success.

Yet, even the most passionate creators struggle to find the success they desire.

The Full Recipe

Ingredients for success certainly include knowledge, experience, tenacity, and passion. However, every recipe needs that special something that marries the flavors and sets the dish apart from appetizers and sides.

Therefore, when asked what advice I'd give, I assume my audience has heard all the aforementioned—validly important—directional notes. Therefore, my go-to wisp of wisdom for aspiring authors is this: networking and timing.

Ask any published author about their journey, and I guarantee networking and timing are themes woven into their origin story.

Networking

In the writing and publishing industry, networking includes joining and being active in writing groups and associations. The groups provide opportunities to make connections in the industry, build relationships with other authors, and learn. Attending regular meetings, participating in conferences, and joining critique groups are typical ways writers network. Networking is how writers learn, grow, and find their voice.

Networking looks like this:

• Introduce yourself.

• Get to know writers, agents, and editors.

• Ask questions.

• Surround yourself with like-minded creators.

• Be open to constructive feedback.

• Ask questions.

• Become familiar with industry standards—which change often.

• Exchange ideas.

• Ask questions.

• Try new things.

• Support fellow writers on their journeys.

Timing

Unlike the other bits of advice, timing is something a writer cannot control. Nonetheless, it's critical to discuss because it's the golden key to realizing success in every industry—including publishing books. The right person has to be in the right frame of mind at the right time. That person must also, at the same time, have a need that aligns with the project for an author to be offered a contract. Most rejections have absolutely nothing to do with the quality of writing. Rejections nearly always happen because of misaligned timing.

This is why networking is crucial. While a writer can't make agents, editors, and projects align, they can stack the odds in their favor with knowledge and relationships built through networking.

Success Stories

My path to publication story includes meeting my now-editor through a fellow writer-friend (networking). At the time, she and I were in the same critique group and were members of the same local writing group (networking). I had a solid manuscript ready (timing), because of the instruction and feedback I'd received by actively participating in my regional chapter of a national writers and illustrators organization (networking). My now-editor happened to be looking for middle-grade and/or YA manuscripts for a new imprint (timing).

A fellow writer in our local writing group had a manuscript ready to go out, and I knew another imprint with my publisher might be a good fit (networking). He submitted and I gave the publisher a heads-up (networking). One of the editors was looking for something like his work, asked if he could make it a series, and offered him a three-book contract (timing).