Engage With Other Authors

How networking helps speed up your publishing journey

Whether you've decided to submit your work to agents and publishers or are about to embark on a self-publishing path, one surefire way to speed up the lengthy process of either is by meeting regularly with other writers and picking their brains.

This is not about sitting together and writing (although this can also be really helpful, particularly if you're keen on instant feedback) but about sharing the knowledge that each author has gathered thus far.

The publishing world can be frustratingly opaque so it's invaluable to get advice from someone who's a step or two ahead of you. What have they learnt? What will they do differently next time around? Do they know of agents looking for new authors? Can they tell you which is the best app to use when attempting to format your manuscript into an ebook? Can they recommend a brilliant book cover artist?

And of course, don't forget to share any info you've gathered along the way.

If you don't have writer friends, reach out and make some. The Society of Authors (there's a membership fee) has groups up and down the country that meet in person and online, but if you don't fancy that, search for other writers' groups on social media or see if your local library has one.

I'd always look for in-person events rather than 'meeting' on line as it's much easier to establish connections face to face, but see what's out there and give it a go. If you can't find any writing groups near you, start your own. You'll be amazed by how many writers there are in your town, most of them as keen as you are to mingle and share information.

Every writer I know loves the chance to get together with other writers and compare notes. There's no need to slowly and painstakingly carve each step you take along the path to publication. Ask for advice and leap ahead.