About Freelance Writing has a few examples of how writers can better network. Networking can be a daunting idea to new writers. How exactly does one do it? It seems schmoozy, fake, complicated.

On the contrary, networking should come easy to those who are curious, polite and prompt: which are three attributes you should hopefully already possess if you are a writer. For example:

Ask other writers/editors about their work. That does NOT mean "Where do you work? Can I have a job?" But if you show interest in someone's work, you'll not only learn more about their particular line, then it's possible that they might remember you as being an interested party at a time that it might help you. If you're not sure how to do this, go to a website you enjoy for literature, commentary or criticism. Find a piece you like and email the writer telling them how much you enjoyed your piece. They may respond. If not, well enjoy your good karma and see how easy it is to tell people that you like what they do.

Politeness works both ways. As I said above, if you're talking to another writer about their work, don't be pushy. Pumping someone for contact information or pay rates is not endearing. If you're at a networking event, for instance, you could introduce yourself and say "I am so and so and I'm interested in what you do [extra major bonus points here if you can name something specific that you like that has been done recently: a recent article or promotion or bit of news is excellent.] Would it be possible for me to email you sometime if you have time to chat?" Or better yet, if they're in your town, offer to buy them coffee. On the flip side, somebody might be trying to network with you. In this case, be friendly. You don't know if the person complimenting your work has the ear of a major editor at a major magazine and could recommend you at a later time.

And promptness is just another line of politeness: if someone emails you to compliment your work, don't take two weeks to respond. And if you follow up on a meeting with someone, contact them before they have time to forget you.

This might sound very basic but as long as you're a decent person who can ask and answer a few good questions, you'll be a good networker. Good networking is not two desperate people milking each other for information: it's two curious people interested in asking their colleagues about their work.