Nice Things You Can Do for Other Writers
As freelancers or authors, we need the support of our fellow writers. Having a strong network of other writers around can help you reach the right audience for your work, give you a leg up in finding out about new jobs, and help you during the emotional ups and downs that come at you from time to time. In terms of friendship with other writers, the old adage holds true: in order to have a friend you have to be one.
As writers, we’re often really (really really!) busy, so it can be hard to take a few moments and acknowledge another writer. But not only does it help someone else it will make you feel good to do it. Here are a few ideas on how to help out your fellow writer.
Reviews
Reputable reviews are so hard to get today, so if you read a book and loved it why not write a review for it? Post it on Amazon or your blog, and then let the writer know you did that. You might think they don’t really care to hear your feedback, but writers really appreciate things like that.
Recommendations
Did you have a positive experience working with a writer recently? Write a recommendation on LinkedIn. I have had the opportunity to work with and collaborate with many writers over the years and have written several recommendations for them.
If someone does this for you, you can do what I did which was list some of them on my website so if a client is interested in hiring me (or another author wants to work with me), they’ll have an idea of where my strengths are.
Facebook and Twitter Shoutouts
I try and mention on Facebook and Twitter when I really enjoy a book or article from someone. When I see that an author is releasing a book, I usually put it on my Facebook page as well. I think it’s a nice thing to help spread the word of another writer’s achievements.
Emails
If you’re like me, you know a lot of writers solely from the Internet. I have several writer friends who I don’t have an address for, but when I want to jot them a special note I can do it through email. I think we all spend a lot of time talking about the things we need from each other as writers (can I get a stumble on this, please RT, etc) that it’s nice just to take a moment and write a separate email that lets your writer pal know you appreciate them.
Offering Space on Your Blog
More and more writers are hosting each other on blog tours these days, and it’s really a good way to show the love to your fellow writer. When I meet a new writer the first thing I do is tell them that they are welcome on my blog. Of course, it’d be nice if all of those people would then host me when I need it. Do they? Not all. But that’s a story for another day.
Personal Notes
Does anyone besides me write notes by hand anymore? I love to receive notes written by someone because I can keep them and go back to them when I’m having a lousy day. I try and stay positive through all the ups and downs of the freelance life, but sometimes it’s nice to just pull out a note penned in a friend’s hand to be reminded that I have something special to offer the world. Yes, writing is more than just a paycheck, and if a friend gives you a boost in the form a note, cherish it. Also, see if you can do it occasionally for someone else.
Resources for Writers:
Image: sxc.hu
