Key Strategies for Networking and Building Author Platform

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

Growing up, my father owned a construction company and mom was a nurse. However, my parents knew about the fundamentals of investing in real estate. I recall them stressing the importance of location, location, location. In the publishing industry an analogous mantra would be platform, platform, platform

In the ever-evolving world of writing and publishing, knowing the fundamentals is important. Therefore, building a solid platform as an author is essential for success. Whether we’re an aspiring novelist, a seasoned writer, or somewhere in between, networking can open doors to valuable opportunities and connections. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore three effective strategies that can help us expand our reach and build meaningful relationships within the literary community. From attending writing events that offer a chance to learn and connect to joining niche groups that foster collaboration and engaging online with fellow writers and industry influencers, these approaches can significantly enhance our author journey and pave the way for future success.

Three Practical Strategies for Writers that Work

Attend Writing Events—Attending writing conferences and events is a powerful way to connect and grow in your craft. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable insights into the publishing world. By networking at these events, we can form connections that may lead to future collaborations, referrals, or introductions to influential people in the industry.

Join Niche Writing Groups—Writing groups can provide a safe space for writers to share their work, receive feedback, and learn from each other's experiences. By participating in a writing group, we not only improve our writing skills but also build valuable relationships with other writers. These connections can lead to opportunities for collaboration and support in our writing journey.

Engage Online—Don't underestimate the power of connecting with other authors online. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer a great way to interact with writers worldwide. By engaging with authors we admire, participating in conversations, and sharing our work, we can expand our network and potentially open doors to new opportunities in the publishing industry.

Networking plays a crucial role in marketing our books. By investing time and effort into these top three strategies – attending writing conferences and events, joining writing groups, and connecting with other authors online – we can effectively build our platform as an author and create valuable opportunities for our writing career.

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Key Strategies for Networking and Building Author Platform from @KHutch0767 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color),

AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 board and the 540 Writer’s Community board and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel. Her thriller A Fifth of the Story will debut in February 2024 through Endgame Press.

Katherine flourishes in developmental editing and coaching writers. She has a twenty-year career in education, leadership, and journalism. Katherine freelances as an educational consultant for charter schools, home school programs, and churches. In this role, she has written and edited curriculum, led program development, and helped manage growth facilitating and public relations.

She also works as an editor and book coach through her consulting business. Katherine provides skill, accountability, and professionalism so clients can begin, develop, and finish their writing projects for publication.