The Power of Networking
Probably one of the best tools a writer can have is the ability to network. Being able to seek out and communicate with publishers and fellow writers is key to success. I've been lucky to have several friends in the writing community that give me ideas and suggestions on places to submit work or to find freelance gigs. Another important thing is conventions and festivals. Today in Louisville they had the Writer's Block Festival. It included workshops--which I didn't attend because they cost money and I'm broke--and panels--which I didn't attend because the topics this year just didn't interest me. What did interest me was the building that had several publishers and journals. About a dozen local and regional publications were on hand with copies of books, journals--some of them even free--and plenty of business cards and free swag. Probably the most important part was speaking with their reps that were there. These are the people you really want to talk wit...