How To Connect With Other Indie Writers Online And In Person

The writing life can be lonely. For months and sometimes years, it’s just you, your characters, and your story. And if you’re an indie writer who has decided to publish your own book, you have the additional burden of climbing a daunting learning curve about self-publishing. So how do you know if you’re on the right track? Where do you go when you run into a writing wall? And what do you do when you’ve finally finished the book?

Networking with other self-published authors is the key. Check out how you can connect with other indie writers online and in person.

Online Forums For Self-Published Writers

Social media is chock-full of online writing groups, and many of these focus on indie publishing. Here are just a few groups that welcome discussions about cover design, marketing, keywords, categories, and metadata:

• Author Support Network Facebook Group. Led by self-publishing dynamo Marie Force, this is a group exclusively for indie, traditional, and hybrid authors to share information and ideas in a supportive environment.
• Self–Publishing Yahoo Group. Online since 2000, this is a collection of authors and small presses that welcomes both newcomers and veterans.
• Twitter Hashtags #selfpublish and #indieauthor. If Twitter is your social media of choice, connect with similarly minded writers by checking out these hashtags popular with the indie publishing community.

Local Indie Networking Resources

Indie publishing has become such a force in the industry that many traditional writers’ groups have adapted their charters and bylaws to also welcome self-published writers. Check out the local chapters or events of the following genre-specific organizations for meetings, workshops, meet-and-greets, and other networking possibilities:

• Novelists, Inc. is a professional organization for career novelists. Membership for indie writers requires earnings of $5,000 each for two novels published within the last five years. Their annual September conference is attended by numerous professionals.
• Romance Writers of America welcomes all published and unpublished writers (including indie writers) who are interested in…