Should you selected a profession as a contract author with the concept you’d spend your days in solitude, uninterrupted by your thoughts and writing away out of your chosen location… well, you’re partly right.
The caveat is that in case you plan on creating wealth from writing, you will want to to network effectively with each writers and editors.
As an alternative of seeing other writers as competition, consider it this manner: writing is a team sport, and your editor is the MVP.
Why Writers Have to Network
Writers collectively face some hard truths trade.
By connecting with like-minded writers, you will create a support system that means that you can share ideas and combat the negative feedback from underpaid writers. content mills and increase your visibility (seriously, there’s lots of noise to chop through today).
Equally essential is the indisputable fact that skilled networking opens the door to more work. And more work equals more income.
For instance, I used to be recently contacted by a possible client with a project proposal that required quick turnaround.
Unfortunately, I used to be busy after her deadline. As an alternative of sending the candidate away empty-handed, I could have really helpful her to a different author in my network who I trust and have a very good relationship with.
Alternatively, if a possible client approaches me with a project outside my area of expertise, I’ll reach out to my network to search out someone who focuses on the scope of the project. Each scenarios are win-win for the client and the author.
But networking doesn’t end with writers—writers also must network to sell their ideas, services, and products.
In the case of sales, the power to construct rapport is essential. I’m sure any salesperson would agree with that.
Ultimately, this can also be a author’s job is to sell himselfwhich brings me to the following point.
How one can Construct Relationships with Editors
Let’s be honest: editors are crucial people.
They work tirelessly to field pitches, provide quality assurance and feedback. They scour excavations to unearth exceptional texts.
As writers, we don’t have the appropriate to publish—we first need to prove ourselves. With an editor as a gatekeeper, you possibly can see why it’s essential to construct a friendly relationship with the editors you pitch to.
Once you establish respectful working relationships, good editors will motivate and encourage you, which can ultimately impact your skills and appeal as a author.
At the top of the day, you might be chargeable for selling your ideas. AND Your ability to perform them.
Use a pitching strategy that works for you, not against you — you simply get one likelihood to make a very good impression in your editor. Make it a positive one by being skilled, honest, and efficient.
It’s value noting that rejection is a component of being an expert author. There are a ton of the explanation why your submissions shall be rejected, but relating to your relationships with editors, there are a number of guidelines to follow:
- Thank the editor for his or her time, at all times. You may ask for feedback in the event that they have enough time to supply it — but don’t expect it
- Don’t fight or badmouth the editor. She or he is just doing his or her job – don’t take rejection personally
Acceptance is a win all the way in which. Rejection is a chance to iterate on the thought and present it to a different editor.
Rejection by one editor might be the start of a brand new collaboration with one other.
Through good times and bad, acceptance and rejection, a collaborative approach is essential. Whether you’re working with an editor or a client, maintain a helpful attitude: deal with what you possibly can do for the people you’re working with, and the way your written words will provide an answer.
Use these tactics to expand your network
We’re fortunate to have countless resources and online platforms at our fingertips today. While this creates digital noise, it also creates opportunity.
Consider these three suggestions for connecting, collaborating, and generating more leads:
1. Gather your personal team of stars
You already know the way essential it’s to network with writers and editors. Now take it a step further by expanding your team to incorporate disciplines related to your writing interests.
For instance, in case you are an online copywriter, it is beneficial to have a network of web designers and developers which you could refer your clients to. Likewise, these designers and developers will refer their clients to you for copy. This also creates a streamlined experience for the client, who not has to go looking for multiple providers.
2. Join the network and get entangled
All you wish is an online connection to search out a peer group in your area of interest. There isn’t any shortage of online communities and forums, including Freelance Writers Den, Writers’ Cafe AND Scribophile simply to name a number of.
It’s also possible to find fellow writers through social media groups equivalent to: Write Life Community, #scriptchat on Twitter and Scriptmag Community. And naturally, there may be a writers’ group waiting for you down the (literally) street. Check your neighborhood for Meeting groups.
3. Attend webinars (or organize your personal)
Recently I had the chance to take part in one in every of Carol Tice webinars about mistakes that freelance writers make. Throughout the webinar, I had the chance to affix the conversation with writers from all around the world and share questions, answers, and concepts.
Take note: Carol herself—now a number one advocate for freelance writers—has built a big community of writers by hosting webinars and providing resources and support. Consider starting your personal community or hosting webinars based on your personal unique experiences.
As a contract author, it is advisable to be someone you enjoy working with—otherwise, there shall be one other freelance author who enjoys it too (and gets the job).
Attempt to be This person. By being an advocate for other freelancers, you will soon discover that your support network is larger than you imagined.