The Importance of Networking
Guest post by author and poet Gabby Gilliam~
Writing may often feel like a solitary pursuit, but in today’s publishing world, no author truly succeeds alone. Networking-whether with fellow writers, industry professionals, or readers-is one of the most powerful tools an author can use to grow, learn, and thrive.
One great resource for authors are local bookstores! Many independently-owned bookstores have a shelf dedicated to local authors. They are usually happy to stock books by local authors and I’ve been asked to sign copies for my local bookstores as well!
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There are a few bookstores near me that go above and beyond stocking local authors. One has a monthly series of workshops they hold for local authors to help them hone their craft and also to teach authors how to market themselves to readers. They also hold local book fairs and festivals and encourage authors to come and sell their book themselves! These book festivals are a great place to meet other local authors and to talk shop with them about local marketing opportunities. They are also a great place to meet new readers!
This local author group also has its own podcast! They interview local authors to help them promote their work to the reading community. I recently sat down with the host, Amy Watkins, for an interview with the Rock, Paper, Write podcast. You can listen to that episode here. Amy also invited me to the Wheaton Arts Parade to sell my books with some other Kensington Row Bookshop authors. The Kensington Row Bookshop also organizes the annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival. It’s such a supportive bookstore.
For authors, networking isn’t about self-promotion alone-it’s about building authentic relationships that provide growth, support, and opportunity. The more you engage with your writing community, the stronger your career foundation becomes. So, go out and make some new friends and sell some books!
Originally published at http://oldscratchpress.com on October 3, 2025.
