Top Tips to Network Your Novel to Publication

Top Tips to Network Your Novel to Publication

If you just finished your novel, you’re probably now thinking of the publication process. The reality is that even the most introverted of authors need to start networking for the publication process. Publishing is an industry of networking and having the right connections from beginning to end. Only a third of authors actually get published through an unsolicited submission. Here, we’ll give you the most helpful tips on networking so that you can get your novel published. 

The Trick to Networking

The main idea behind successful networking is to understand that it’s not just about you and your network. People that are going to help you will do so because they have a reason to, not just because they have goodwill towards you or they’re kind. You need to think of something you can offer to people that can help you get your book published. Networking is really about what you can do for others, and not what they can do for you. Face-to-face networking isn’t difficult to do, it’s just a bit unpleasant for some people.

Get Right To It

You need to get right in there if you’re going to be successful. Make eye contact with the person you’re speaking with and say hello. Before even talking about yourself, ask them about themselves and what they do. Be focused and practice active listening. There’s nothing more damaging to a prospective connection than continuing to scan the room for people more interesting.

Male authors tend to find face-to-face networking more difficult, and there are a lot of people in the publishing women who are women. As per Frank Yarrow, a creative writer at Australian Help and Academized, “male authors have said that they feel uncomfortable approaching them because they don’t want to be perceived as chatting them up. You need to leave your discomfort at the door and focus on the business.”

Give a Pitch

You should have a great elevator pitch, which is something you can say to anyone you meet haphazardly, like in an elevator. Don’t just deliver it from rote though, make sure it’s relevant to the situation. If you’re talking to someone that isn’t interested, then move on to other topics.

Circulate the Room

It’s difficult for people to casually move on from conversation to conversation, but it’s a critical skill to have. If you don’t, you’ll end up talking to only one person all night. A good strategy is just to exchange business cards and then say it was nice to meet them and you’ll let them get on with their evening.

Remember to Follow Up

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Harriet Klein, a business writer at Paper Fellows and State of Writing, explains that “after the event, look at all of your business card and follow those people on Twitter. Then, you can email them all with a general pleasantry about how nice it was to meet them and that you’d like to stay in touch.” 

Pre-Networking Tips

Keep in mind before you head in that everyone there will be attending to meet people, and they’re probably all just as uncomfortable as you. Make sure to arrive early, because it makes it less intimidating and people will be more open to chatting at the start. Double check that you’ve turned your phone off, because that can be a sure way to destroy your networking chances with people. Not only do you not want it to ring mid-conversation, but no one will want to meet you if you’re constantly on your phone. Prepare a lot of professional business cards with your name and contact details so you can easily hand out your information. 

Look for Certain Events

There are certain places that are a lot better for face-to-face networking. One great option is to join a writing group, a sure way to meet and connect with other writers. You can also meet authors and others in publishing through events like book launches, author readings, spoken word events, award ceremonies, and literature festivals. Not only do these events have other authors, but they mostly will all have editors, publishers, and agents around also. 

Networking isn’t for everyone, but the reality is that it’s crucial for book publication. By following these tips, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

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Ellie Coverdale, a career writer with UK Writings and Boom Essays, shares her writing skills and suggestions with her audience. She is interested in entrepreneurship and self-publishing, and finds different ways for writers to connect to their audiences. In her spare time, Ellie teaches writing skills for Essayroo.

 

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Category: How To and Tips