Best Practices for Networking in the Publishing World

If you're using LinkedIn to build your personal network, make sure you DM people with the right intent. Too many people try to reach out to me (and others) without a willingness to invest in a real relationship. It can be hard trying to find producers, agents, and managers for your screenwriting career. And a lot of advice will tell you that it's a numbers game. If someone reaches out wanting an immediate collaboration right away, that impatience is a red flag. But if someone reaches out with a genuine desire to get to know each other, even if it doesn't result in immediate gratification, well then maybe you have the beginning of real friendship here. But by "real friendship," I don't mean asking strangers if they want to meet you for coffee. This can work as an approach if they're at the same level as you and are also trying to expand their network. But for someone at a different level than you? Someone who fields dozens of these requests every single day? Someone who is already stressed about how few hours they have in the week to move their projects forward and nurture their own relationships? Start even smaller. Demonstrate a willingness to invest in the relationship by: - Reading the information they offer for free, putting it into place in your career, and reporting back with a success story about how it worked for you. - Asking for one specific piece of advice that relates to your career. - Proactively finding something that you can help them with and offering it to them. - Signing up for their class or service, investing in their paid ecosystem. - Offering support for a project or effort that they have. - Spread the word about a service that they offer. - Invite them to an event that will benefit them--beyond just meeting you for coffee one-on-one. Get creative about expanding your network. It will take time, effort, and work. But you'll have way better results, which will actually end up making it way more worth your time.

I've found the best networking comes by following up on introductions. When a colleague or friend makes an introduction, I always take the time to follow up with the new connection. I find that this is the best way to build relationships and create opportunities. With a recommendation from someone who knows both parties, a new connection is more likely to have interest in meeting. In turn, when I’m facilitating new connections, I try to highlight why I thought the two parties might benefit from connecting. This helps to ensure that both parties are on the same page and that they have a reason to want to talk to each other. If you're looking to grow your network, I encourage you to follow up on introductions. Keep the good karma going by making intros between people in your network. It's a great way to meet new people, learn about new opportunities, and make connections that can benefit you in your career. Here are a few tips for following up on introductions: → Respond promptly—For intros via email, I reply all with the original sender on bcc and include a specific thank-you to the person who made the introduction. This shows your appreciation and lets them know that you value their connection. → Share scheduler—In the same email (after thanking the person who made the introduction), I address the new connection directly to express my interest in meeting and share my scheduler link. My scheduler (Calendly) allows people to see when I’m available and grab a time slot that works for their schedule; this requires no follow up emails or additional back and forth. →Follow up after your initial meeting—Be prepared to follow up with the new connection after your initial meeting. This could include sending an email with links to resources or additional connections mentioned in your discussion, a simple thank-you message, scheduling another meeting, or connecting on social media. By following up on introductions, you can build strong relationships and create opportunities for yourself and others. So next time you receive an introduction, remember to follow up!

I've watched hundreds of talented writers try to break in. Surprisingly, the difference between those who break in and those who don't often isn't talent or work ethic, but friendships. A small group of peer writer friends is absolutely essential. Here's why you need one: 🧵⤵️ A lot of emerging writers focus on "networking up" with showrunners, execs, and directors. That can help, but peer relationships are even more important. The most successful writers I know had a small group of 2-5 peer writers they connected with early in their careers. These don’t have to be formal "writers groups" (though they can be). The key element is friendships with other serious writers at a similar career stage who became sounding boards, first readers, and eventually, career allies. The key is to find a handful of folks at roughly your experience level. People you can chat with about writing theory, business struggles, and life stuff. And folks who will read your drafts in exchange for you reading theirs. A common question I get: what is the best website for paid script feedback? I’m sure there are a handful of good ones out there, but by and large the best feedback is going to come from peers who read your time and again over the course of years. And, of course, these relationships are completely FREE. Your peers will know your voice, follow your evolution as a writer, and care about your success in ways no paid service ever will. Forming these friendships can be hard! Imposter syndrome whispers: "Who am I to ask for their time?" or "What if they think my writing is terrible?" This fear keeps too many writers isolated, and isolation rarely leads to success in this business. Next week I'll share a thread specifically on where you can find fellow writers and how to approach them. This isn't about "networking" in the traditional sense. It's about finding your people - the ones who get why a scene isn't working, who celebrate your wins no matter how small, and who understand the unique torture and joy of the writing life. Your “wolfpack” can be the difference between giving up after your 10th rejection and persisting until you get your break. Between feeling like an impostor and feeling like you belong. Between working in isolation and growing within a community. Don't wait for the "perfect" writing partners or a formal invitation to a group. Be brave. Reach out. Offer to read someone's work. Share yours. The vulnerability is worth it, I promise. What's your experience been with writing friends or groups? Have they helped your career? What's holding you back from finding your wolfpack? Sound off below! Want more strategies for breaking into Film and TV writing? Check out my free ebooks - link in bio!