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Even though most writers seem to have a penchant for solitude, full-time freelancing can be one of the most isolating careers around. But even the most solitary lone wolves can benefit from a little contact with the pack every once in awhile.
As you may recall, I recently talked about the advantages of networking and getting to know other freelancers in my post, “Living the Freelance Life: Even Lone Wolves Need a Pack.”
But what if you don’t know where to look for other freelancers? After all, if the other freelancers in your area fit the typical profile, they’re holed up in their home offices too. So how do you go about finding and building a community of other like-minded professionals around you?
I’ve talked to a number of writers who have found or built their own writing communities online. And in some cases, those online friendships have led to in-person meetings on a regular or semi-regular basis. In other cases, freelancers sometimes join online communities and then due to common interests or more specialized needs, form offshoots of those original groups.
So where do you start looking for other writers? Here are a few suggestions:
- Mediabistro.com—This is a subscriber-based site that provides freelancers with information about all aspects of the media and publishing industries, and a whole host of other services and perks, including an online forum where you can dialogue with other freelancers.
- Twitter—If you have a Twitter account, you can go to the bottom of the screen, click on “Search” and type in certain key phrases and words like: writer, author, freelance writer, freelancing, and others. You’ll end up with some search results that should bring up names of other writers and freelancers.
- UPOD—This is a Yahoo! community for professional writers and editors that was started by David Hochman, a successful freelancer. The group is free to join, but requires membership approval.
- Mike’s Writing Workshop—This is the Yahoo! group started by Michael Geffner, an award-winning writer who also writes the blog, Mike’s Writing Workshop and Newsletter.
- Freelance Success—This freelance forum is open to experienced, established freelancers and is subscriber-based. If you fit the bill, you won’t find a nicer community of fellow writers and editors.
This is just a small sampling of some of the online writers’ groups out there on the Web. Also, keep your eyes open for writer’s conferences and other networking opportunities online and around your community.
And remember, too, that you are not limited to what’s already out there—if you’re not finding the right networking opportunity and/or writing community for you, think about starting your own Yahoo!, Google, or other online group. Or, as some freelancers have done, start a blog and build your own community of freelancers that way.
What about you? Do you belong to any online or face-to-face writing groups? How did you find your community of fellow freelancers? Drop me a line—I’d love to hear about it!
-Jenny
Photo credit: Scott M (Flickr)
Jenny,
Thanks so much for the plug!
Best always,
Mike
@ Monica
Mediabistro is free if you want to search job listings and post on their bulletin boards. There are other things you can pay for on the site, however. This includes courses and other things like Freelance Marketplace or the AvantGuild membership.
Jenny, I’m so glad I found your blog. Every post has at least one nugget that I can use immediately.
I would like to elaborate on Monica’s question. If you had to rank the pay-subscription resources, what would be #1?
I was wondering about paying for mediabistro myself, and think it IS worth paying for…..but I haven’t done it! Right now, I have enough markets and editors to pitch — I just need to concentrate on coming up with sound article ideas. For me, Mediabistro is a consideration for the future.
Jennie, thanks for this list! I’m off to visit Mike’s and Freelancer Success :-) hope I fit the bill…
Laurie
One excellent place I’ve met a lot of like-minds is http://www.businessandlearning.com Each week they have a networking conference for freelancers in any field. We talk about various aspects of freelancing and get to just hang out and relax amongst other freelancers. Knowing you’re in a crowd that understands what the daily churn is like can be very soothing but it is also an excellent way to touch base with the diverse range of experts who can help you with aspects of business.
I know a number of freelancing friends who have landed jobs through introductions on Twitter. This is definitely one of those fantastic tools that help you not just run with the pack, but run with a pack that is continuing to grow in size and diversity.
I use Twitter and forums like Absolute Write Water Cooler. Have just been turned on to mediabistro – do you reckon its worth paying for?