Networking for Authors: Strategies to Supercharge Your Writing Career

by Dale L. Roberts

You’re ready to build your author career…
…but how do you expand your network?
What’s the secret to forging lasting industry connections?

In Networking for Strategies to Supercharge Your Writing Career, Dale L. Roberts delivers a practical guide to mastering networking. Discover step-by-step strategies to connect authentically with industry professionals and elevate your author brand.

Inside, you’ll methods for effective networkingTips for a compelling author bio and online presenceConfidence-boosting advice for introvertsStrategies for making the most of conferences and eventsInsights on leveraging social media and virtual platformsTechniques for using email, podcasts, and videos to enhance your reachReady to expand your reach and supercharge your writing career?
Get it now!

Genres: Nonfiction

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Dale L. Roberts is a self-publishing advocate, award-winning author, and trusted voice in the indie publishing community. With over 50 titles, 40 literary awards, and a YouTube audience of over 100,000 subscribers, Dale is a go-to authority for self-publishing success. His most recent book, Self-Publishing for New Authors, is an entrant for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction.

As a Video Content Advisor for the Alliance of Independent Authors and a pioneer in video marketing for authors, Dale empowers writers to build their brands and achieve bestseller status. His journey from a struggling first-time author to a self-publishing success story inspires thousands worldwide.

Reviews

[D.L. Tillery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I will say, though, I have published a few short books, and I have one full novel releasing soon… Networking is something I struggle with as a loner. I make connections, sure, but truly networking? This book has given me hope and knowledge to think from a different perspective. This is a full detailed review, though not a spoiler review.

Chapter 1, 'Understanding Your Network Goals,' kicked me in my pants, and my behind is still sore. I was taking notes and paying attention. And you know when you are listening to the truth… This chapter made me say, 'Do better and don't try to do everything all at once.'

Chapter 2, 'Building an Author Brand,' solidified things I have done and will continue to do, letting me know I'm on the right track. This chapter is key. For every author, a large takeaway from me in this chapter was building a press kit. I had not done this and needed this reminder and breakdown as to what should be in it and the best time to use it. Also, picking one social platform is hard for me, but I get it and plan to listen.

Chapter 3, 'Offline Networking Strategies,' was hard for me because I am now much more introverted than I was in my 20s and 30s. In fact, online is my friend, but I still loved the info in this chapter. All very useful points that I may utilize in the future if I ever do in-person events again.

Now, Chapter 4 was my jam: Online Networking Strategies. This chapter was sweet music. I ate it up. It even had me thinking of starting my own online writer conference based around horror, or at least an entire horror-based event online. It had me considering avenues I had not thought of, opening my eyes to new ideas on networking online.

Chapter 5, 'Effective Communication and Relationship Building.' The insights shared in this chapter and some good advice on dos and don'ts are always helpful, and the examples as well as Dale's shared personal experiences are a nice added touch to this lesson. I really liked the portion that talked about your readers emailing you and how to keep things in order and stay engaged. All great advice.

Chapter 6, 'Leveraging Technology for Networking.' Dale spoke about email marketing almost right out of the gate in this section of the book. First, he talked about the importance of having an email list. It's a great backup, let's say, if you cannot get into your social media accounts for whatever reason. And he's right. That's a great point. You would have your email list to fall back on. He further went on to say and give an example why you should have an email list 100%. Then he lists three main ones that are free, one I use which is MailChimp.

Another thing I liked was his points on podcasting and video content. He talked about the needs involved in utilizing this aspect, which I found very helpful. He even broke down how you should set up your mic, lights, and more.

Chapters 7-8 and the conclusion are the cherries on top: overcoming network challenges, then bringing it home to networking for book marketing and promo. I will say that for me, each book Dale releases in this series has helped me grow as an indie author. I am blessed to be living in the era of amazing people like Dale. Here's to the next book in the series.

[Matt Ozanich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale has once again pulled through for the author community and created a fantastic guide on networking among other authors, delivering the expertise often found in his videos but in greater detail, and with plenty of suggestions to get a new or developing author on the right track.

When it comes to self-help books, one of the first things I often notice is the copyrighting. Dale has mastered this, making the copy easy to follow without overwhelming the reader with big blocks of text. This enhances the pacing of the book and keeps the reader engaged, while also making things easy to find if the reader needs to go back and re-reference something, which is often the case in self-help books.

The early sections of the book set the foundation, helping authors to establish their goals with networking while also helping to develop their own platform, such as branding and objective setting for themselves, which is fundamental to getting their name and brand recognized. Dale uses his own experiences as examples to further assist authors with setting a starting point.

The theme of Dale sharing his own experiences, of which there are a wealth to choose from, continues throughout each section as he leads the reader through creating an effective author bio, building a press kit, and finally discussing the places where these things can be shared.

One of the things I appreciated most about this text and which I always appreciate about Dale's advice is that he doesn't often take a stance on which platforms or services work best, because experience has taught him that everyone's mileage may vary, and what works for one author may not necessarily work for another. Therefore, Dale gives an eagle-eye's view to many options available to authors, paid or free, without attempting to sway the reader one way or another.

Whether you're a new author or someone who wants to expand their author network even further, this book will be a good fit for a wide range of experiences. With my three years of experience in the self-publishing world and having mentored a few new authors already, I felt pretty confident in my networking skills prior to reading this, and I still learned additional ways to expand that network and benefit my career moving forward. Dale's advice is solid and repeatable, and I'd offer any of it to another author who was struggling to network.

Self-published authors, you need to check out this book.

[Nazrin Nasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

In order to make that kind of level of 6 to 7 figures, that's where "networking" comes in. I realize for me to make a massive amount of money through "best-seller" status is networking (or investing thousands too).

In the beginning, my mindset for me in writing my own book was to publish it online so that I could avoid interaction with the outside world.

I just want to make passive income. This is what I think: how wonderful to become a best-selling author who sold millions of copies! :) Unfortunately, back to reality, it's a hard truth: most authors didn't really make much.

Speaking of networking, it's a horror term for me. Pitching and direct selling aren't my forte. That level of horror to start a conversation to pitch something really kicks into myself. But now I realize it's not that easy just to invest your money in ads and sell your book online (Amazon, social media, or other platforms) without facing toughness in attracting audience attention nowadays.

I am really grateful and thank Dale for his deep insight. In addition to marketing our book online, it is necessary to go offline too, in order to build author brand and push more sales beyond our circles. That's how we, as small self-published authors, can take advantage of how successful publishers use their proven strategies to grow bigger.

I leave 5 stars on this book. Thank you, and I appreciate your sharing!

[AJ KHAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Dale 's Youtube Channel for quite some time and after finding out his many written books on self publishing, I knew he knows his stuff.. Being a published author myself, I find networking to be the hardest skill for book success. When I came to find out Dale covers this exact subject down to a T, I was floored. Reading from start to finish, I took heed the key points I knew I was missing. It covers everything, from building relationship with your readers to even utilizing both online and offline networking strategies whether you're an introvert or extrovert. As an author, you're not just writing books, but you're connecting to many people who will become invested in your brand and "Networking for Authors" by Dale Roberts is your one-stop blueprint to getting success not just in publishing, but can be applied to almost any industry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Subramanyam Gunda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale L. Roberts’ Networking for Authors is a powerhouse of actionable strategies designed to help writers build valuable relationships, expand their audience, and ultimately, grow their author brand. Whether you’re an introverted writer who struggles with networking or an experienced author looking to level up your professional connections, this book delivers practical and engaging insights that make networking feel natural and rewarding.

Notable Pages:

Page 45: "Mentorship and Relationship Building" – A deep dive into forming valuable, long-term connections.

Page 143: "The Power of Networking for Book Promotion" – Practical ways to use connections to increase book sales and visibility.

Page 189: "Overcoming Networking Challenges" – A must-read for introverts or those new to professional networking.

[Kev Chilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Comprehensive Manual For All New Authors

The book’s exploration of networking reaches much further than I had expected. A comprehensive guide on the proper ways to interact with and make new contacts, getting involved in events, the etiquette of networking, personal branding, all of which are demonstrated with relevant examples. Dale’s personal experiences serve as the major source of the wealth of valuable information available in this context. He has poured his experiences and knowledge into this manual, making it a treasure trove of information. In summary, the book does a first-class job.

[Andrews. Andrews. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no question how vital networking is, yet many people either avoid it or lack the knowledge to make it happen.
Networking for Authors is a fantastic resource that lays out simple, tangible steps for creating your brand, positioning yourself, and cultivating meaningful relationships driven by shared objectives. This book helps to develop this essential skill, which is important not just for authors but for everyone seeking to connect and who doesn’t know how.
For an introverted person like me, this book opened my eyes to do it in a better way. Worth reading it.

[Sascha Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical tips and strategies to help authors network effectively
Networking can be daunting. It’s especially terrifying for introverted authors who prefer their solitude. Dale L. Roberts understands and tailors his advice in Networking for Authors: Strategies to Supercharge Your Writing Career to fit those who may dread putting themselves out there.

Right from the start, he acknowledges the dilemma, saying, “I’m an introvert. Comfort means staying home and doing whatever it takes to avoid actual human interaction.” It’s parts like this that make the book feel like it was written for you.

Encouragement and common-sense advice
Networking for Authors is filled with positive reinforcement. Roberts reassures readers that networking doesn’t have to consume your life or require you to morph into an extrovert. Instead, it’s about integrating simple, manageable habits into your routine. He says, “You don’t have to obsess over networking, so it consumes your every waking moment. Think of it as an ancillary part of your business. As long as you put in a little effort over the long run, you’ll see it pay off in dividends through greater reach, more book sales, and an increased readership.”

Much of Roberts’ advice is rooted in common sense. Things that seem obvious once pointed out but otherwise often go unnoticed. “When you’re meeting other business professionals, lead with your best self. Consider it a first date every time; dress to impress and lead with your best behavior. What you do and say can and will be used against you, so be professional at all times.” In short: “Just remember to show tact, professionalism, and poise so you ensure that relationship stays around for the long run.” And don’t forget, “you never truly get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Humor and hard truths
Roberts’ signature humor and engaging tone make the book easy to read. He has a knack for blending humor with practical advice, which makes his lessons stick. “Networking is essentially friendship building. I don’t expect you to go into every conversation with an overwhelming desire to get matching tattoos. At the very least, walk away from each interaction with the person’s name and what they do.”

Another example: “Launching your book is the publishing equivalent of delivering a baby. It’s a glorious day and everyone should share in the joy. Anyone who crosses your path should feel your excitement and enthusiasm. A great network of business pros will be just as excited as you are and be ready to help wherever possible.”

Despite the general positivity, Roberts doesn’t shy away from hard truths: “Anyone wanting to remain anonymous will have a tough time networking, since a lot of it consists of making yourself vulnerable with complete strangers.” He adds, “Networking, in a way, is a lot like dating in that you’re going to run into some extraordinary people and some not-so-nice individuals, too.”

He also cautions that meaningful connections take time, practice, and persistence. “The difference between a good network and a great one is time. You can’t expect to build a reliable business network overnight.”

Disjointed narrative flow
The book lacks some of the focus seen in Dale L. Roberts’ other works, like Advertising for Books. Networking, by its nature, is less straightforward. There’s no step-by-step process to follow for networking, and this comes across in the book. Roberts explores a broad range of opportunities, such as author branding, social media, email marketing, virtual and in-person events, and collaborations. While these sections are interesting, they kind of went off the core topic of networking.

Rating
Despite its occasional lack of focus, Networking for Authors is packed with practical tips to build connections, grow your readership, and ultimately boost your book sales. Whether you’re the shyest networking virgin or the life of the party, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to build meaningful connections in their author career.