Writers’ groups are really made for writers

?Marketing is a long and arduous process that I wish I would have known more about in the beginning?? opens today?s Publisher?s Weekly article about the professional benefits of joining a writers? group. The quote came from Deeann Callis Graham, whose book, ?Head On,? addresses the issue of areata, an autoimmune disease that causes baldness in men and women. Indeed, many writers embark on their craft in with the idea that a knight in shining armor attached to a publishing house will do the marketing, when in reality, it is largely you, the author, hustling for publicity, and putting your name and face and work out there for all the world to critique. Perhaps if many did know about the marketing process there would be even fewer writers.

But I digress. The PW piece likens writers? groups to a kind of group therapy, where members strive to raise each writer?s spirit and technique, while offering constructive advice in a safe place. According to Graham, ?Our group of seven are personally invested in our individual and shared successes, and we inspire each other to reach our writing and marketing goals.?

In addition, having a strong writers? network, though it may not comprise Stephen King or Toni Morrison, nevertheless makes writers – especially first-timers – feel less alone while navigating the wild, wild world of publishing. Members learn from others? successes and mistakes, and grow their network beyond a notoriously solitary writer?s world.

Graham self-published ?Head On,? which a PW review called ?heartwarming? and ?a powerful compilation of profiles with a sincere and encouraging message.? Graham believes she would not have gotten this far without her group of creative cheerleaders. So if you need a kick in the rear to get going, or you?ve already in the middle of a manuscript you think has potential, consider sharing it with a group of your peers first, not only to learn about writing, but about the industry. Groups can be found at Meetups, indie bookstores (yes, they still exist), or, if push comes to shove, perhaps by starting your own.