By Vicki Felmlee
We all know readers are in libraries, book clubs, book stores, author signings and festivals, etc., but your readers are in other places as well. Where? Closer than you think.
Many of us have read (or been advised) to set up a business entity as an important part of your writing career. Jane Friedman and others have written extensively on this topic, with great advice on how to accomplish this for tax purposes and to help navigate decisions about agents, publishers, or self-publishing. Having that “Inc.” or “LLC” behind a company name might also give you some gravitas when negotiating contracts or setting up advertising strategies.
There is also another component to “becoming a business” that you might have seen mentioned and should seriously consider or reevaluate: Networking.
Networking might be invaluable to broaden the scope of your readership and perhaps research for your work in progress or future projects. You will also receive help and encouragement you might not otherwise get—from professional photographers, bookkeepers specializing in small businesses, to media/marketing experts.
- Service clubs. Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions. Almost every community has one or more of them, often two or three clubs within each branch, meeting for breakfast or lunch. They are almost always looking for guest speakers talking about what they’re doing, their expertise on a particular subject, and their experiences. Some might allow you to sell books (always ask), and be forewarned most will want you to join—and you might consider it. Hesitant about public speaking or want to brush up on your skills? Toastmasters International has chapters throughout the country, and they are an excellent resource. They also have Zoom tutorials; many are free.
- Chambers of Commerce. The ‘big’ chambers in your city might be out of reach for you financially, but do some searches in nearby smaller towns, almost all will have a chamber that could be affordable. Consider also local audience-specific chambers such as Hispanic or women-only, their dues might fit your budget; many have associate member categories. All have networking opportunities from “business after hours” formats to “leads groups” that are smaller and might meet weekly.
- Interest-specific organizations. Besides writing, what are your other interests, hobbies, or activities related to your previous business experiences? Two examples: I belonged to our local model airplane club (no kidding) because I operated a drone business and was very active in drone racing throughout the region. While a member, I met an author of 25+ books who helped me with my first e-book, and yes, members bought my books for family or themselves. Another example is the American Association of University Women. They have multiple branches in every state and could be a good organization for you to consider.
Networking is a great way to meet new people (and readers), and discover things going on in your community you might not otherwise hear about. The biggest benefit, however, is it might help you get away from your computer and out the door, and speaking for myself, that’s a great reason.
…is the author of The Color of Fire, and In the Dark Night, as well as The Abandoned Trilogy: Prince Tadpole & Princess Clara; Good Boy Ben; and the third book in the series, Autumn and the Silver Moon Stallion, which won the Silver Medal in the 2024 WILLA Literary Award competition. Her sixth book, Sunset’s End, will be available June, 2026. She is a former newspaper reporter and editor. The 2025 President of Women Writing the West, she lives in Grand Junction, Colorado, with her husband, one dog, chickens, and six cats.
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