Recently I attended a networking event for women entrepreneurs. Now, I’m not an entrepreneur in the traditional sense. I’m not looking for venture capital and I don’t need a manufacturer who can produce purses or kitchen gadgets inexpensively. But something told me that it would be a worthwhile event.

Instead of reciting my elevator pitch and handing out business cards to anyone who would talk to me (as some networkers are prone to doing), I asked several women about their businesses and listened carefully for details that would make an interesting story. During the panel discussion, I scribbled notes about each speaker and talked to a few of them after the event.

The next day I pitched one of the women as a profile article, which my editor quickly assigned. I then pitched a profile about another woman I’d met that night and landed another assignment.

As I interviewed the women, I thought about the themes that had emerged during the panel. Each of the women was in a different stage of her business, but as I replayed their comments in my head, I realized that many of them shared the same challenges.

One challenge in particular inspired a feature article for a website I’d always wanted to write for. It was a long shot, I figured, but I also knew I could use the query for another market if this one didn’t bite. Within a week, I received the assignment.

Admission to the event cost $35, but with the money I earned from writing about it, the ticket paid for itself many times over. As writers, we’re reminded to put ourselves out there and seize every opportunity to market ourselves. Marketing is important, of course, but so is listening. Try shutting off your inner marketer for a few minutes and let other people share their stories. Inspiration is everywhere, but sometimes we’re too busy to listen.

Susan Johnston is a full time freelance writer who has contributed to The Boston Globe, MediaBistro.com, and Self magazine, among other markets. Learn more at: https://www.susan-johnston.com.

The Do-It-Yourselfer's Guide to Self-Syndication

Practical resource outlining the self-syndication process, step-by-step. Packed with detailed information and useful tips for writers looking to gain readership, name recognition, publication and self-syndication for their column or articles.

https://writersweekly.com/books/4693.html

HowMaster: The Writer's Guide to Beautiful Word Crafting

Author Linda M. Gigliotti draws from years of practice as a private
writing tutor in the guidebook that teaches writers how to format visceral
writing that pulls readers into their book. She explains with instruction
and samples of published works how to craft writing that come to life in the reader's mind.

HowMaster is a wise choice for the writer who wants to weave words around the reader’s heart.

Author Linda M. Gigliotti draws from years of practice as a private
writing tutor in the guidebook that teaches writers how to format visceral
writing that pulls readers into their book. She explains with instruction
and samples of published works how to craft writing that come to life in the reader's mind.

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http://booklocker.com/books/2304.html

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At this moment, thousands of would-be authors are slaving away on their keyboards, dreaming of literary success. But their efforts won’t count for much. Of all those manuscripts, trade book editors will sign up only a slim fraction.

And of those titles--ones that that editors paid thousands of dollars to contract, print and publicize--an unhealthy percentage never sell enough copies to earn back their advances. Two years later, most will be out of print!

Acquisition Editor Tam Mossman shares seven essentials every book needs to stay in print, and sell!

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