Blog

Sometimes WHO You Know Can Help You Advance


By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

If you're like me, you'd like to believe that we have the ability to forge our own way and make our own success on talent and hard work alone. We hate when we hear stories about people who make it to the top on the coattails of someone else, because of WHO they know, rather than WHAT they do.

Such instances seem completely unfair. Why should others get to bypass honing their talent and forgo hard work? Why should they get to fly to the summit rather than having to make the steep uphill climb like the rest of us?

I'm the first to say that talent and hard work are the building blocks of success. If you don't have a least a modicum of natural ability and aren't willing to work hard, then it isn't going to matter who you know and the doors they open for you. If you don't have a well-written book or a excellently told story, no one will care.

Let me say it again. Working hard, learning all you can, writing prolifically, and honing your talents are the KEYS to success for any writer.

But . . . sometimes WHO you know can help you advance, at least advance a little faster.

Over the years, I've developed many friendships with a wide variety of people in the publishing industry. And I've benefited from those relationships in MANY ways.

Obviously, it goes without saying (but I'm saying it anyway), that it's completely selfish and unprofessional to develop a friendship for the sole purpose of what you can get out of the relationship. Whether in a marriage, business partnership, or casual friendship, it never works (or at least for very long), when one person is doing all the giving and the other all the taking.

We can't seek out others to suck them dry. Any healthy relationship has to have mutual respect with clear boundaries.

All that to say, if we're seeking out relationships in the industry solely for the purpose of building our career, eventually that will backfire, people will sense our motivation, and we'll find ourselves alone and disillusioned.

However, if we're working at building mutually beneficial relationships, we will indeed find that those relationships can help us in many ways.

Here are just a few of those ways:

1. Relationships can open the door for critique partnerships.

All of my critiquing relationships have come out of friendships that I've developed. After a time of getting to know people, it's much easier to evaluate potential critique partners–their skill level, work ethic, genre knowledge, and reliability. A partnership that evolves naturally will probably be more trustworthy than one that comes out of a cold call.

2. Friends can offer important advice.

This is one of the areas I most appreciate about friendships. I've recently had to turn to veteran writers for advice on changing agents. And I've been so grateful to already have connections in place with wise authors I respect. They were able to counsel and encourage me through the tough decision. I'm grateful to have friends I can turn to in times of need. And I hope that I can be there for other writers too.

3. Sometimes friends can give us referrals.

I would NEVER encourage anyone to befriend someone for the purpose of asking for a referral either to an agent or publisher. I think most authors take the same position as me–I won't refer anyone unless I have the opportunity to evaluate their book. The sad fact is, I rarely have the time to read and evaluate for friends.

And the other issue with agreeing to read and possibly refer, is that it puts me in an awkward position of having to judge someone else's work. If a writer is clearly not ready for publication, then I have to bear the bad news. So most of the time, I avoid putting myself and others in that kind of predicament by simply steering clear of reading for referral purposes.

But on occasion, referrals can happen. I do make them. And friends have made them for me (in fact a friend recently referred me to her agent). But it's not something anyone does lightly.

4. Friends are more likely to offer endorsements.

I'm regularly asked to read books for endorsement purposes. While I consider it a great honor with each request, I also can't read every book of every person who asks for an endorsement. I'm MUCH more likely to agree to read the book of a friend rather than an acquaintance or stranger.

5. Relationships can provide new and important social media opportunities.

I've found that my friendships and acquaintances have led to many social media opportunities that I wouldn't have had if I'd stayed a hermit and holed away in my writing cave. I've been asked to guest blog, have been interviewed, had important book reviews, and have linked with fantastic promotional opportunities–all because of various connections I've made with people. I haven't necessarily sought those opportunities out. But they usually came as a result of being active and developing relationships with others.

My Summary: We can never skimp on working hard, learning, and always writing, writing, writing. But . . . in the process, we can't forget that we need each other too.

How about you? In what ways have you benefited from friendships with other writers? Do you think there's a right or wrong way of going about developing relationships?

15 comments:

  1. This is a very helpful post, and I'll keep it in mind when I try to make connections with other writers. I haven't really developed friendships with other writers yet (at least not outside the blogosphere), though, because I keep my writing life a secret from most people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad you found the post helpful! And blogging friends definitely count. In fact, that's how I've made some of my best writing friends! So I wouldn't discount the relationships you make online. :-)

      Delete
  2. Building those kind of relationships are the trick. I think it's easier for extroverts to reach out to others and build those supportive relationships. It's much more a challenge for introverts to make those connections. Most of the writers I know stay in the "acquaintance" stage, mostly because neither side makes a concerted effort to get to know the other. Or if we do, it's not reciprocated by the other.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ryan, Yes, it probably is a little easier for extroverts, although I believe that with the invention of the internet, introverts do have it easier than they used to! And I do agree with you on many of the relationships staying in the acquaintance stage. The internet breeds shallowness. It's all to easy to browse, to click through our feeds rather quickly, and not take the time to delve deeper (which is obviously what true friendships need). Thanks for adding your thoughts! :-)

      Delete
  3. Yes! I think going to writing conferences and meeting editors and agents face to face makes a difference too. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I would love to connect with other writers but don't know how to go about it.My book is about a lifestyle that can save your life. Just trying to spread the buzz on it without spaming. To your health.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I, too, am more of an introvert. I have never sought out a friendship for personal gain. I have writerly friends who profess their support all of the time, but I don't think any of them have ever read any of my books.

    I see myself as being alone in this journey. With the exception of a close few, even my family members think they have done their job of supporting me by buying my books, but, they haven't read them. There is something a little gut-wrenching about that for me.

    One of the reasons writers write, is to be read. I'd rather they had not purchased the book if they had never intended to read it. Maybe they are afraid they won't like what I've written, I don't know.

    Beyond my website and blog, I'm kind of stuck for making connections. I just have to look at my inbox to know that I do not want to be one of those people who constantly pester others for attention. I just can't be that person.

    I guess that means I will always be - mostly alone in my writing journey.

    Happy Holidays

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Wendy,

      Thank you for sharing so openly about your experience. I think one of the ways that I made connections, especially early was by getting to know other writers through blogging. I found other bloggers who shared my interests, commented on their blogs, and began to develop relationships with them. It took some time, but to this day those early blogging friends are still some of my closest writing friends. Wishing you all the best as you navigate the murky waters of publication!

      Delete
  6. Excellent post, Jody! When I think back to the days prior to becoming visible on the Internet I realize how different my writing life has become. It's so much richer! Cyber friendships and my expanded online writing community are treasured parts of my daily connections and provide me with wonderful support and encouragement.

    I didn't expect anything more, but I've recognized when strangers have occasionally 'friended' me only to ask me to buy and/or review their books. They've had no other prior interaction with me, and it's disappointing to feel that's their only reason for making contact. I think that's why I shy away from approaching most published writers unless I've 'known' them in their earlier days... for fear they think I'm reaching for their coattails.

    The one exception is when I've met them at conferences, either during appointments or in a social environment. Then it's easier to feel they won't see a later blog/FB/Twitter comment as anything more than the friendly gesture that's intended.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, Carol! My life is richer too because of friendships online. I think some of my closest friends are those that I developed before publication. I knew we were all in the same place and that none of us were using each other. We simply needed friends and enjoyed each other's company. Now it does feel more like people have ulterior motives. I often get requests on FB from people saying they liked my Page would I do the return favor. Those kinds of requests make me uncomfortable.

      Delete
  7. This was the best post on ethics, you don't know the person who is not good with you will not help you in future. A full essay on ethics is submitted on my cheap essay writing website.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a very helpful post, and I'll keep it in mind when I try to make connections with other writers. I haven't really developed friendships with other writers yet (at least not outside the blogosphere) If you are looking for thecheap blog writing services contact Prime Writing

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great article on the impact of networking. The availability of online medical advice has also changed the game for advancing in the healthcare industry, providing more accessible resources for professionals and patients alike.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great article on the importance of networking and building relationships in advancing one's career. By the way, I noticed the inclusion of the keyword fixed wireless service. As more people work remotely or rely on digital communication, access to reliable high-speed internet, such as fixed wireless service, is becoming increasingly essential for professional success. Keep up the informative content!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you for sharing this insightful article about the importance of connections in career advancement. While networking and relationships play a significant role, it's equally crucial to prioritize our health and well-being. Meri Sehat understands the value of comprehensive healthcare, offering a range of services including online doctor consultation in Karachi. By combining the power of connections and accessible healthcare, Meri Sehat empowers individuals to thrive in all aspects of life. Let's remember to prioritize our health alongside our professional growth for a well-rounded and fulfilling journey. #MeriSehat

    ReplyDelete

© All the articles in this blog are copyrighted and may not be used without prior written consent from the author. You may quote without permission if you give proper credit and links. Thank you!