Building a strong network of writers is one of the most powerful things you can do to grow as a writer—and it’s so much more than just making professional connections. It’s about finding a community filled with people who uplift, inspire, and support each other.
Whether you’re just starting or have been writing for years, surrounding yourself with fellow writers who understand the ups and downs of the craft can make all the difference.
So, how do you go about building these meaningful connections?
Here are my five tips for crafting cohesion and creating a writing network that feels like home:
- Be a Good Literary Citizen
- Ask for Help (It’s Not a Weakness!)
- Learn to Give and Take Feedback
- Collaborate and Create Together
- Meet In Person—The Magic Happens Offline
1. Be a Good Literary Citizen
Imagine if we all showed up for each other. That’s what being a good literary citizen is all about—contributing in ways that make the community stronger. When you connect with other writers, offer to help where you can. And don’t overthink it! You don’t have to spend hours of your day doing favors for people. Small gestures, like recommending a great book, offering a thoughtful comment, or pointing someone toward a useful resource, go a long way.
Supporting other writers’ work is another crucial piece. Read their books, share their blog posts, leave reviews, and shout them out on social media. It’s all about creating a ripple effect. The more you give, the more you’ll find others are willing to give back, and that’s how you begin to build a truly supportive community.
2. Ask for Help (It’s Not a Weakness!)
Here’s a truth we all need to remember: You don’t need to have all the answers. It’s easy to feel like asking for help makes you look unprofessional or less capable, but the opposite is true. When you ask for help, you show you’re invested in learning and growing. Plus, most writers love helping other writers! It’s part of what makes our community so special.
Before you ask, do a bit of homework. It helps to show that you’ve tried to solve the problem on your own first. Then, when you reach out, you can ask more focused and meaningful questions, which leads to better, more actionable advice. The bonus? Asking for help can be the start of building a lasting connection with another writer.
3. Learn to Give and Take Feedback
Giving feedback is a gift—when it’s done right. Think about the times someone’s given you feedback that moved the needle in your writing. That’s the kind of feedback you want to give to others. Skip the generic “This is great!” or overly harsh critiques. Instead, dig deeper.
What did you love? Where do you see opportunities for improvement? Thoughtful feedback shows you’ve invested time and care into their work, and that makes all the difference.
And when it’s your turn to receive feedback? Embrace it. I know it’s hard, especially when it’s something you’ve worked on for weeks (or months), but constructive criticism is how we grow.
Find a critique group or join a writing community where feedback is a regular part of the process. It’s one of the best ways to improve your craft while building solid connections.
4. Collaborate and Create Together
Writing is often seen as a solo endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be! Collaboration is one of the best ways to grow as a writer and expand your network. Whether you’re working together on a short project or building something larger—like a podcast or a writing retreat—collaboration opens doors.
In my own experience, collaborations have been transformative. I’ve hosted events like my BOOKShelf program, guest mentors to teach in The Inspired Writer community, and partnered with other writers on podcasts.
Each collaboration has not only strengthened my network but also helped me grow as a writer and teacher. When you work with others, you create a shared energy that can lead to exciting new opportunities.
5. Meet In Person—The Magic Happens Offline
I know we live in an increasingly digital world, but nothing beats meeting fellow writers in person. There’s something magical that happens when you connect face-to-face. Whether it’s attending a writing conference, going to a local author event, or even setting up a casual coffee meet-up with writers in your area, these in-person interactions help solidify relationships.
When I think about the people who have had the most significant impact on my writing life, I can point to those I’ve met at conferences or writing retreats. The online world is wonderful, but in-person meetings build the kind of trust and camaraderie that’s hard to replicate with emails or social media.
Final Thoughts
Building a network of writers takes time, but the rewards are beyond worth it. Be a good literary citizen, ask for help when you need it, give and receive feedback generously, collaborate, and—whenever you can—meet in person.
These connections will not only enhance your writing career but also bring a sense of community and belonging to your journey. And remember, writing may be a solitary act, but the journey is much richer when you have a tribe to travel with.
