Finding the right networking events can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want to meet people who truly get your work and can help you grow, but sometimes it seems like most events are just crowded rooms with no real connections.
If you keep reading, I promise you’ll discover the top author networking events for 2025 that are worth your time. These events are designed to bring together the right people and create opportunities you won’t want to miss.
In this list, you’ll find what makes each event special and how they can boost your author journey in the coming year. Ready to make 2025 your best networking year yet?
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Attending the right author events can help you find industry contacts, get book deals, and grow your career. Focus on conferences, workshops, and local meetups that match your goals.
- Preparation is key—research the event, craft a quick pitch, and have your contact info ready. Follow up after to keep the connections alive.
- Use social media before, during, and after to connect with attendees, share your experience, and discover new opportunities. Hashtags and online groups are useful tools.
- Small meetups and community events are great for practicing networking, building confidence, and forming genuine relationships without being overwhelming.
- Post-event follow-up is essential—send friendly messages, share helpful resources, and stay engaged to turn brief meetings into lasting relationships.
- In 2025, expect a mix of in-person and virtual events, making it easier to connect globally. Embrace the hybrid model to expand your network and stay visible in the industry.
What Are Author Networking Events?
Author networking events are gatherings where writers come together to meet, exchange ideas, and build connections within the publishing world. These events often include workshops, panel discussions, and chances for one-on-one conversations with industry pros like agents, editors, and fellow authors.
They serve the purpose of helping authors learn industry trends, find potential collaborators, and even discover new publishing opportunities. If you want to grow your writing career, attending top author events can be a game changer, especially since 66% of event planners report finding their next client during such gatherings (source).
Why Are They Important for Authors?
Connecting with others at these events isn’t just about swapping business cards; it’s about creating relationships that can lead to book deals, speaking gigs, or mentorship. A lot of successful authors credit their careers to the connections they made at these events.
Plus, attending conferences like the Colorado Gold Writers Conference or Author Nation in Las Vegas lets you pitch directly to agents and editors, with many attendees securing representation after doing so (read more here). This makes these events a real boost, especially since 5-20% of new customers are gained from trade shows and networking events (source).
What Types of Author Networking Events Are Out There?
There’s a bunch of different kinds, from large conferences with hundreds of attendees to smaller workshops focused on specific genres or skills. Some key examples include:
- Major Conferences like the Colorado Gold Writers Conference, which features panels, pitch sessions, and social events that foster professional relationships (source).
- Industry Workshops such as the Arizona Writing Workshop, where writers can pitch to agents and editors, often resulting in publishing offers (source).
- Community and Local Meetups that offer a more casual setting for networking, perfect for new authors looking to build their confidence and contacts.
How Networking Impacts Book Sales and Career Growth
Networking at author events isn’t just about making small talk; it can directly boost your book sales and take your career to the next level.
Studies show that around 66% of event planners land their next customer during networking conferences, so making the right connections can lead to actual opportunities.
Attending these events puts you in front of industry pros who might just become your future agent, editor, or collaborator, helping you get your books in more hands.
Plus, trade shows and networking events can bring in 5% to 20% of new customers, so investing time here can lead to real growth.
Pro tip: Always bring plenty of business cards—business cards are still valuable and help keep your contact info handy for follow-ups.
Strategies for Making the Most of Author Conferences
To really benefit from author events, have a game plan to stay engaged and make meaningful connections.
Research the event beforehand—it helps to know the speakers, attendees, and sessions that align with your goals, so you can approach the right people.
Don’t just hand out your business card—prepare a quick elevator pitch about your work and what you’re looking for.
Attend workshops and panel discussions actively; ask questions that show your interest and expertise.
Follow up with new contacts after the event via email or social media to keep the conversation going.
Remember, consistency is key—building relationships takes time, so stay engaged beyond just one event.
Leveraging Social Media for Event Networking
Social media isn’t just for selfies; it’s a powerful tool to connect with fellow authors before, during, and after events.
Join specific event hashtags and online groups related to the conferences you’re attending—this helps you identify who’s going and start conversations early.
Share your experiences at the event, post photos, and comment on others’ posts to stay visible and approachable.
Connect with speakers and attendees on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to keep the relationship alive and discover new opportunities.
Using social media as part of your networking strategy can lead to collaborations, book promotions, and even future conference invites.
How to Prepare for a Successful Networking Experience
Getting ready for an event means more than just packing a notebook—plan your approach carefully.
Create a list of people you want to meet—agents, editors, fellow writers, or industry experts—and think about what you want to say.
Practice your pitch, making it clear, concise, and friendly—no one likes a monologue.
Bring your author website or portfolio on a device so you can easily share your work when asked.
Dress professionally but comfortably—first impressions count, and you’ll want to feel confident walking up to someone.
And don’t forget to relax—most people at these events are friendly and eager to connect, just like you.
Making the Most of Small Meetups and Community Events
Small writing groups and local meetups are perfect for practicing your networking skills in a relaxed setting.
These casual gatherings are great for building confidence, sharing feedback, and finding accountability partners.
Be genuine—people appreciate authenticity more than a rehearsed sales pitch.
Ask fellow writers about their projects and experiences—sometimes, a simple question can spark a meaningful conversation.
Bring notebooks or devices to jot down contact info or ideas—you never know when a casual chat turns into a collaboration.
Participate in community-building activities like group critiques or joint promotions to deepen relationships.
Tips for Continuing Connections After the Event
Meeting someone is just the first step—keeping the relationship alive is where the magic happens.
Send a friendly follow-up email or message referencing your conversation to show you’re genuinely interested.
Share helpful resources, such as articles or craft tips, to add value to your new contact.
Engage with their content on social media—like, comment, or share—to stay on their radar.
If appropriate, suggest collaboration ideas or ask for advice; people appreciate being asked for their expertise.
Remember, cultivating relationships takes time—don’t expect immediate results, but do stay consistently engaged.
The Future of Author Networking Events in 2025
With the rise in virtual conferencing tools, many author events in 2025 will likely blend in-person and online networking options.
This hybrid model allows more writers to participate globally, expanding the reach of valuable connections.
Expect to see increased spending on these events, as 70% of North American meeting professionals anticipate higher budgets next year.
Features like breakout sessions, virtual pitch rooms, and online collaboration spaces will become more common, making networking easier and more accessible.
As more authors recognize the power of networking, we’ll see a shift toward more focused, niche-specific gatherings that dive deep into genres or industry topics.
Smart attendees will leverage both online platforms and in-person events to maximize their visibility and contacts in 2025.
FAQs
The top author networking events in 2025 include the National Writers Conference, BookExpo America, and the Author Summit. These events provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals, share your work, and expand your literary circle.
Attending these events helps authors make valuable connections, learn industry trends, gain exposure, and find potential publishing partners. Building a network can open doors to new opportunities and growth in your career.
Authors, writers, publishers, literary agents, and industry professionals benefit from attending these events. They offer chances to connect, learn, and collaborate, regardless of experience level or genre focus.
Look for industry calendars, join author groups on social media, and follow major publishing organizations. Attending literary festivals and checking industry websites also helps identify key events to participate in.
