The Power of the Collective

Writing a great story is our main job of course, but making sure our stories are delivered to our readers is just as important.

Now, there are many ways to do this. Over the last twenty years, publishing has changed dramatically. When I was first scribbling stories, the only way to get published was to send a manuscript to an agent with a query letter and hope for the best. This process could be repeated many times without success of course. I don’t know how many thousands of dusty manuscripts are shoved away in drawers from those days. Certainly a few of mine.

Fast forward to the present day, and now, with the advent of the KDP program and many other platforms, self publishing has blossomed into a major player in the publishing industry.

The stigma of being a self published author has diminished as authors have learned to be more professional, to not only write great stories, but package them to a high standard, and nowadays, reader are hard pressed to know the difference between a trad or self published book.

That said, the industry continues to evolve, and there is much to learn, and many disruptive influences to confront.

Talking about learning, I attended an author’s conference last week. This is my third visit to the Self Publishing Show in London, and it was well worth the visit.

Writing is a solitary endeavour.

As a self-published author, it's easy to feel like you're going it alone. After all, you're the one writing the words, designing the cover, and promoting your book to the world. But here's the thing – you don't have to do it all by yourself. In fact, one of the most valuable things you can do for your writing career is to connect with other authors, industry professionals, and readers. And there's no better way to do that than through networking and attending conferences.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – networking sounds like a fancy business term, and conferences can be expensive and intimidating. But hear me out. Building relationships with others in the publishing industry can open doors you never even knew existed. It can lead to new opportunities, valuable advice, and a support system that will keep you going when the writing gets tough.

Let's start with networking. At its core, networking is simply about making connections with others who share your interests and goals. For self-published authors, that might mean joining online communities like Facebook groups or Twitter chats, attending local writing workshops or book clubs, or even just striking up a conversation with someone at your local coffee shop who happens to be reading a book in your genre.

Of course, networking doesn't have to be limited to online interactions. Attending conferences and events can be a fantastic way to meet other authors, industry professionals, and readers face-to-face. And that's where the real magic happens.

I'll be honest – the thought of attending a conference can be daunting, especially if you're an introvert or if you've never been to one before. But trust me when I say that it's worth pushing past that discomfort. Writing conferences are like a concentrated dose of inspiration, education, and connection. You'll have the opportunity to learn from successful authors, attend workshops on craft and business, and pitch your book to agents and publishers.

But more than that, conferences are a chance to find your people. When you're surrounded by other writers who understand the ups and downs of the creative process, who share your passion for storytelling, and who are facing the same challenges and triumphs as you, it's like coming home. You'll make friends who will cheer you on when you hit a milestone, commiserate with you when you receive a tough review, and celebrate with you when you finally hold your published book in your hands.

And those connections you make at conferences can last a lifetime. You never know who you might meet or where those relationships might lead.

But attending conferences isn't just about making friends – it's also about learning and growing as a writer and a business owner. Most conferences offer a wide range of sessions and workshops on topics like crafting compelling characters, mastering social media marketing, and navigating the publishing landscape. By attending these sessions, you'll gain valuable knowledge and skills that you can apply to your own writing and publishing journey.

Plus, conferences often attract top industry professionals like editors, and publishers. Attending panels and pitch sessions can give you a chance to get your book in front of the right people and potentially secure a traditional publishing deal or a valuable partnership, if you feel that self publishing isn’t for you. Even if you don't come away with a contract, you'll gain insight into what these gatekeepers are looking for and how you can make your book stand out in a crowded market.

Of course, attending conferences isn't cheap. Between registration fees, travel expenses, and lodging, the costs can add up quickly. But here's the thing – investing in your professional development is never a waste of money. The knowledge, connections, and opportunities you gain from attending a conference can pay dividends for years to come.

And if you're on a tight budget, there are ways to make conferences more affordable. Many events offer scholarships or volunteer opportunities that can offset the cost of attendance. You can also look for conferences that are closer to home or that offer virtual attendance options. And if you're really strapped for cash, consider starting small by attending local writing workshops or meetups.

But no matter how you choose to network and connect with others in the industry, the most important thing is to do it consistently and authentically. Don't just show up to events with the goal of selling your book or landing an agent. Instead, focus on building genuine relationships and being a valuable member of the community. Offer to help others, share your knowledge and experiences, and be open to learning from those around you.

And remember – networking and attending conferences isn't just about furthering your career. It's also about finding joy and fulfillment in the writing life. When you surround yourself with others who share your passion and understand your struggles, it can be a powerful source of motivation and inspiration. You'll leave events feeling energized, empowered, and ready to tackle your next writing challenge.

So, if you're a self-published author who's been going it alone, I encourage you to take the leap and start connecting with others in the industry. Join that online community, attend that local workshop, or sign up for that conference you've been eyeing. You never know where those connections might lead – but I promise you, it will be somewhere amazing.