Professional Writer Networking

Professional writer networking is a necessary part of building a successful career as a freelance writer.

Career coaches frequently stress the importance of networking as a tool for professional development. Unfortunately, this is an area that is often overlooked by freelance writers who think talent and persistence are all they need to be successful.

Professional writer networking offers three key benefits:

• Tap into the hidden job market. Even if you think you have more projects than you can possibly handle, the world of freelance writing can be very fickle. A client may go out of business or decide to replace freelancers with in-house writers. Networking helps you keep abreast of any job opportunities that might be suited for your skills.
• Prepare for the unexpected. To be a successful freelance writer, you need to have very strong time management skills. However, sometimes emergencies do happen. In the event of an unexpected computer failure or a child's sudden illness, it's nice to have a group of qualified writers you can use as subcontractors to make sure your clients aren't left in the lurch.
• Fight loneliness. Since writing is a solitary occupation, professional freelance writers often find that loneliness is the biggest downfall of their career choice. While people who work in a traditional office environment have a group of colleagues to socialize with, writers usually work from home. This means their daily contact is often limited to a spouse, child or children, and the occasional client meeting. Networking helps expand the writer's social circle.

If you're a bit on the shy side, the idea of networking may seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are a number of different ways you can approach this task.

Professional development organizations for writers are a fabulous resource for networking with other freelancers. There are general writing associations, associations focusing on special interest areas such as professional associations for editorial writers and groups to meet the needs of women and/or minority writers. When you join one of these groups, you'll get access to conferences, classes, job listings, online forums, and a variety of other tools to help advance your career.

For freelancers who make their living as commercial writers, joining the local Chamber of Commerce is a great tool for professional writer networking. There probably won't be many writers in the group, but you will be able to meet people who may need your services in the future. If you are often approached to provide services outside your skill set, such as graphic design or Web development, joining the Chamber of Commerce is a good way to connect with qualified professionals who can assist you.

Freelance writers typically have a lifelong love of learning, so it should come as no surprise that colleges and universities can be great places for professional writer networking. Even if you have no intention of earning a degree, consider taking a class to develop your writing skills. Most schools have classes for people interested in writing fiction, poetry, and writing memoirs, as well as a number of journalism courses.

If you live in a smaller community, there may not be very many people in your area who make their living as freelance writers. Fortunately, the Internet has led to the creation of a number of forums where writers can connect with each other. Here are a few to check out:

• Writer's Weekly
• Absolute Write
• About.com Freelance Writing
• FreelanceWriting.com
• WAHMs Who Write

If you write for a Web content site such as eHow or Bukisa, there are Facebook groups you can join to connect with other writers. This can be a great way to learn more about how to increase your earnings on these sites, as well as a tool for meeting new writer friends.

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