Networking is important in the publishing industry and can open doors for you whether it is through a conference, chapter meeting or online groups. There are so many ways to get involved with writers now with online groups like American Christian Fiction Writers, Steeple Hill (the discussion boards where writers and readers hang out), and Romance Writers of America, to name a few. Through some of these organizations there are conferences and workshops offered all over the country. These are great places to meet editors and agents as well as other writers. I have had several opportunities come out of going to a conference. If you can afford it, it’s a good way to spend your money.
Networking helps you keep up with the market which is so important. You need to know which publishers and editors are looking for a certain type of book. Your book may be great, but if the publisher isn’t looking for that kind, it will often get rejected. So get out there and find out what people are saying. And good luck!
