Networking for Writers: Expanding Your Circle

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.

“Networking is awkward.” You know what’s more awkward? Graduating in May 2025 and applying to 127 jobs with… zero callbacks. Let’s fix that with networking ideas no one’s talking about. and I mean actionable.. 1. “Reverse Research” Your Way Into a Conversation Instead of asking people what they do, show them what you know about what they’ve done. How to do it: Find someone on LinkedIn in your target company/role Read their posts, podcasts, or panels they’ve been on Then send this message: “Hi [Name], I came across your [talk/article/post] on [topic]—your point about [insight] made me think differently. I’m researching [industry], and would love to hear your take on [specific follow-up]. Would it be okay to connect?” That’s conversation built on respect. 2. Book Club for Industry Geeks Start a virtual book or podcast club for your industry. Invite professionals to speak at the end of each cycle. How to do it: Pick 3 peers + 1 book or podcast Create a simple calendar (4 weeks = 4 touchpoints) End with a “Wrap-Up” Zoom chat—invite a guest Post your takeaways on LinkedIn and tag them Because learning together? Is the strongest way to network. 3. Write A “Public Thank You” Post on LinkedIn You probably learned something cool from someone recently. Now imagine you posted it publicly, gave them a shoutout, and showed how you applied it. How to do it: Tag the person Share what they taught you Share what you did next Ask your network, “What’s something YOU learned from someone this month?” You just gave free visibility, created a loop, and 10 people will want to talk to you after. 4. Turn Informational Chats into Co-Creation Networking chats often stop at “thanks for the time.” What if it didn’t? What to do: After the call, send a note: “Hey [Name], based on our chat about [topic], I drafted a small idea to build on your advice. Would love your thoughts!” Create a graphic, short write-up, or project plan (just 1 page!) Now you’re not just a student. You’re someone they collaborated with. That’s relationship-building, not just networking. 5. The 5-5-5 Strategy Most people get stuck on who to reach out to. Here’s a weekly formula: 5 People You Admire (Founders, creatives) 5 People From Your School Network (Alums, professors, guest speakers) 5 Peers Who Are Also Job Hunting (Build a support circle, swap leads) Message all 15. Repeat weekly. That’s 156 conversations in 3 months. You don’t “find” jobs—you build the path to them. Reminder: Networking isn’t about who has the fanciest title. It’s about who remembers you when an opportunity comes up. Be the person who listened, learned, shared, and followed up. If you’re reading this and job searching— try one new method this week. Not next month. Not when it feels “less scary.” Now. You’re not late. #May2025Grads #NetworkingTips #CreativeCareerMoves #JobSearchStrategy #InternationalStudents #GradJobHunt #BeyondTheResume #HumanConnection #Topmate

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!