Networking—

Speaking as an author, I'm unabashedly interested in generating buzz about my work—after all, it's validation in the marketplace that helps keep my writing enthusiasm up and creative juices flowing. To that end, I've developed hundreds of Internet relationships with people that I'll never meet in person in this lifetime. I've also subscribed, and contributed, to other newsletters and web sites, and those that respond or appreciate my input get to occupy a higher ranking in my reading/referral lists.

The number of people servicing the writing industry has exploded due largely to the pervasiveness of the Internet. Authors are continually besieged by publishers, publicists, editors, coaches, and various others, all wanting to help the increasingly vast pool of fledgling writers attain their goals. There are also a number of newsletters, written by and aimed at authors, some local and others national in scope. I'd like to mention a few that I subscribe to—principally because they are informative, responsive, and attentive to their subscribers.

The first is the newsletter by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, the author of the Frugal series of books about writing, editing, and publicizing your work. Carolyn seems to have the time to answer every inquiry even though she has a heavy schedule of writing, lecturing, and consulting. To subscribe go to: carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com.

Locally in Florida I subscribe to Lou Belcher's FloridaBookNews.com, Darlyn Finch's Scribblers' newsletter at: DarlynFinch.com, and Mary Ann de Stefano's MAD about words at: MadAboutWords.com.

I recommend that authors, if they haven't already done so, search the Internet for writers' groups in their area. Most of these newsletters will carry useful information about book and author happenings, including tips about writing and promotion. I operate on the theory that one is never too smart, too old, or too successful to learn from others, and recommend this approach to everyone.