By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, Networking member of NAIWE Board of Experts

My response to an NAIWE post on Facebook led to this suggestion from our director, the wonderful April Michelle Davis: Since you were in high school when you were first published and then called yourself a writer, write an article about how these two events affected your realization that being a writer could actually be a career for you. That got me thinking in more depth about how I became who I am professionally.

I always enjoyed writing, even though I wasn’t one of those kids who wrote little books from childhood onward. I liked writing essays for school, which everyone else hated (in grad school, I opted to write an end-of-term paper session for an advertising class rather than go to a weekly lab). One of my favorite memories of my dad was when I’d come home with a weekly eighth-grade social studies essay assignment. We had to choose among three or four topics, each with a list of recommended readings. I would show him my choice of topic, and he would say, “I have a book!” A few minutes later, he’d pop out of his study or the living room, both with floor-to-ceiling bookcases, with a stack of books above and beyond the reading list provided by my teacher. I think I got an A on every week’s essay for the whole year.

I first called myself a writer in high school after I got turned down for the school literary magazine and reacted by contacting the local newspaper about writing a column about school activities. They not only said yes; they paid me! At about the same time, also in what became my lifelong tendency to turn lemons into lemonade, I started a literary magazine of my own with several friends. I did more of the editing and production (typing on AB Dick mimeograph sheets with a manual typewriter) than my own writing, letting friends have the majority of the space for their words. I think that was when I started to think that communications and publishing would somehow be my life’s work.

My school also had a newspaper, but for some reason I’ve never identified, I didn’t try for a spot on that publication or to take a journalism class. When I think about it now, I’m guessing that’s because getting the paying gig with the community weekly made both seem unnecessary.

I had forgotten until recently that at that time, I also edited the newsletter for the local Quaker meeting that I had joined. Also typewritten and mimeographed … One of my lifelong friends sent me a copy awhile ago from her stash of memorabilia. It was even in purple ink (although that might have been due to the effects of time)!

One more project reinforced this sense: I spent the summer between 11^th and 12^th grade outside NYC at a democracy and leadership program called the Encampment for Citizenship, and took on creating a yearbook featuring perspectives from participants. It was another mimeograph adventure and is still one of my favorite projects.

When it was time to start applying for college, I decided to major in journalism, with the goal of being a foreign correspondent based in Paris. I ended up at Indiana University-Bloomington, which was known for its journalism program. To my dismay, though, my first j-school class was … boring! Thanks to my hometown experience, I already knew the basics of the classic who-what-when-where-why-how, and my writing itself won high grades without much effort on my part. I knew that if I was bored in class, I wouldn’t do well, so I turned to my second interest — languages (I took French from fourth grade through high school, and Spanish and German in high school, after picking up a lot of German from my Austrian parents) — and switched to comparative literature as my major, which I loved. I figured good grades would be important, and that I would somehow find writing work, as a reporter or in some other way.

I did keep up my journalism work: I volunteered on the school paper, and ended up in the op-ed (opinions and editorials) department, which was fascinating. I could express my ideas, research current trends and events, interview faculty and other students for their perspectives. I realized that much of the appeal of journalism was the opportunity to meet and learn about people; I’ve always been the poster child for extroverts, and this seemed like an ideal avenue for that personality trait to be appropriate, even essential. It was important to be objective, the observer, but it was also possible to subjective as well.

I also discovered that my sixth-grade training in grammar, usage and language, and my high school AP English and elective “Critical Reading and Writing” classes gave me an invaluable, and unusually strong, foundation for writing, editing and proofreading that has served me well ever since.

I went from IU-Bloomington to, eventually, the University of Missouri-St. Louis (getting there is another whole story), where I continued my comp lit studies and worked on the school newspaper. That’s where I really found my niche in life and a career goal. I reported on a variety of events and activities, was appointed arts editor (which came with a little stipend; always a treat), made a point of covering a variety of what would now be called diversity elements of campus life, and loved every minute. The paper was a weekly, and our Wednesday press nights were a lot of fun. Everyone pitched in on copyediting and proofreading, although my recollection is that I was the only who really enjoyed that part of the process. We usually were there until between midnight and 2 or 3 a.m., pigging out on pizzas together when we wrapped up an issue. It was good training for working on a community newspaper awhile later.

I’ve been working in communications ever since. The clips from those campus newspapers got me my first journalism job, as a staff writer for a Black weekly in St. Louis. Unlike major media, especially union ones, everyone at this family-owned paper was expected to pitch in on editing and proofreading, so I continued to hone those skills as well as my writing. Being a reporter for a community weekly meant becoming part of the community; it was special to be known as “Ruth from the Argus.”

I went from the paper to editor of a university administration newsletter, where I learned a lot about production from our print vendor (and had my first experience with faxing, which was brand-new technology at the time). Among the other unexpected benefits of that job was to inherit my predecessor’s membership in the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). That’s when I really started learning the value of networking and membership. I was active in the local chapter of a journalism association through the Argus, but the IABC connection led to a local freelance writing and editing project, and eventually to several years of freelance writing assignments with IABC itself.

In the wake of a “You’re fired”/“I quit” situation, I ended up with a magazine job in DC thanks to networking with people I met through the Argus and IABC (and an apartment thanks to belonging to Women in Communications, Inc.; also a story for another time). My title was assistant editor and researcher rather than writer — but I found ways to keep writing, with a few pieces for the magazine and freelance work as well.

An important lesson learned from that fired/quit experience was to always have at least one freelance project in hand. That local project saved my proverbial bacon through a few months of job-hunting until the DC gig came through. With that in mind, I joined a regional writers’ organization in DC and started finding freelance assignments that I often was able to expand from one-time assignments into ongoing relationships — an approach that has become core to my freelance business. That was also when I started doing hands-on layout and production, learning to use PageMaker (now InDesign) and getting an early start on desktop publishing.

All of this is to say that those early experiences in high school — both the writing and publication work, and the concepts I absorbed — created a sense of knowing what I wanted to do as a career and an approach to freelancing of turning lemons into lemonade, expanding and adding skills, networking, interacting with and assisting colleagues, and loving what I do. High school wasn’t always easy or pleasant, but it gave me that foundation, and I’m forever grateful. Oh, and I’ve expressed that gratitude by creating a scholarship at my high school in memory of those sixth-grade and high-school teachers. I should have included that eighth-grade social studies teacher as well.

About the author

Ruth Thaler-Carter (www.writerruth.com) has been a full-time freelance writer, editor, proofreader, desktop publisher and speaker for more than 40 years. She has been published locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally in, and does writing, editing and proofreading for publications, associations, nonprofits, websites, service firms, independent authors and businesses. Often called the Queen of Networking, Ruth is active in about a dozen professional associations, serving as newsletter editor, webmaster, publication author, speaker/presenter, blogger, program host or planner, and chapter leader. In 2006, Ruth launched the Communication Central Be a Better Freelancer conference — now co-hosted with NAIWE — to help aspiring and established freelancers find greater success. Ruth is also owner and editor-in-chief of the An American Editor blog and owner of the Publishing with Flair publishing business. Her honors include member of her high school alumni hall of fame, in part for her publishing work and networking services; writing awards from Missouri Professional Communicators; Writers and Books Big Pencil Award for teaching adults and contributions to the literary community; EFfie awards for writing, editing, and newsletters; an APEX award for feature writing; the Philip M. Stern Award of Washington (DC) Independent Writers for service to freelancers; and IABC/DC Communicator of the Year and Silver Quills for magazine writing and newsletters.

 

© Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, Networking Member, NAIWE Board of Experts

Based on September 2025 webinar for NAIWE

Moving to a new place is both exciting and a little scary, especially if you don’t already know anyone there. Whether you move for personal or professional reasons, think of networking as a way to feel more connected to your new location and to keep your independent publishing business going. You can use the networking concept or process to meet new friends, find new colleagues, and land new clients or projects — not to mention retaining connections with your previous location. These thoughts are an expansion of my September 2025 webinar for NAIWE.

It’s important to make the effort to connect — either socially or professionally, you can’t just sit back and wait for people to find, meet and hire you. And rein in your need for new contacts; be patient. Do make yourself make the first moves, but don’t be greedy for information, resources or connections that you might need. You often have to make those first moves, even if you’re an introvert. If you find it hard to engage, limit your initial networking efforts to small groups or one-on-one meetings; save the conferences and other large gatherings for when you feel more comfortable in those situations.

In fact, the online world these days can be ideal for the shy and introverted; you can “attend” events remotely and manage your amount of interaction and visibility.

When to start the process

If you’re wondering when to begin network in a location, the answer is easy: ASAP — start looking for networking opportunities as soon as you know you’ll be relocating.

Before the move, or as soon after as possible, get business cards with your new contact information and stash a handful in bags, briefcases, and pockets so you always remember to take them with you — not just to meetings, but also to social events and on errands.

The obvious networking starting point approach for professional reasons is to look for local or regional chapters of work-related associations you already belong to, and expand that to ones new to you. You can often join the local versions before you get to the new place. This approach can also work for organizations that don’t have local versions. NAIWE, for instance, doesn’t have chapters — but we do have members all around the country.

Once you’re there, send a message to an association’s email list or Facebook/LinkedIn group to let colleagues know you’ve arrived at your new place and would like to get together for coffee or a meal to get acquainted and learn about the local landscape for everything from favorite restaurants to possible work opportunities.

Whatever you belong to, be sure to update your contact information so you don’t lose touch with association resources — and members. Once you find and join a local chapter, show up at Zoom and in-person meetings. Hand out those business cards and ask about ways you can contribute to the group.

Use Google and other browsers to find local publications that might use your professional skills. Think outside the usual box as well, and look for other ways to find projects: Contact businesses, nonprofit organizations in causes you believe in, alumni groups, etc., and offer your services.

You can apply networking to social efforts by joining a neighborhood group or association, book club, church or temple, hobby group, high school (yes, high school!) or college alumni group, etc. Use Facebook, LinkedIn and things like MeetUp to find groups, both formal and informal, that speak to your interests. There’s even something I just noticed: jeopardybarleague.com, for places where people gather to play the “Jeopardy!” game. If you don’t one in your new town, you can join a player list to find out when new venues are added.

Examples to consider

With the understanding that I’m the poster child for extroverts and am known for staying in touch with friends and colleagues everywhere I go, here are a couple of examples from my recent move to Albuquerque. I have a whole nest of family here — it’s why I made the move — but I didn’t know anyone on a professional level.

• My new condo community publishes a quarterly magazine. Guess who not only was asked to be co-editor, but was profiled in and wrote an article for the latest issue? Yup.
• Chatting with neighbors at one of our occasional community potlucks has yielded a connection to a neighbor’s daughter, who needs writers for an alumni magazine she manages, and a potential opportunity with another neighbor who wants help with polishing some writing by her late mom — and is willing to pay for that editing.
• My new place has a garden (my first ever!), and a high school classmate who has lived here for several years introduced me to a program for making it into a Backyard Refuge. Not only is that fun and good for the environment, it’s an opportunity to write, edit and/or proofread for the organization.
• One of my professional associations has a regional chapter here, and I’ll be attending a meeting later this month. It’s in Las Cruces rather than where I am in Albuquerque, but another high school friend lives in Las Cruces, so it has the double benefit of a chance to hang out with while I’m there.
• My brother told me about a local writers’ group that a friend of his belongs to, and I’ve joined it. I’ve attended a couple of meetings via Zoom, plan to be at one in person this month — and had an offer to speak accepted for later this year.

Where to network

Local bookstores (even ones affiliated with national chains) can be a great source of networking opportunities. They usually host readings and book clubs, which are an excellent way to meet people who might need an editor or proofreader, as well as get feedback on your own writing projects.

Again on the social side, but with the potential to learn about freelance opportunities, you can use networking to find something like help with childcare if you have young children. In fact, business connections might be good sources of such information.

Another thought: Find a restaurant for Sunday brunch, a pool (swim or billiards!) or tennis club, a gym to join — somewhere to appear regularly. You’ll make new friends, and some of those connections could lead to editorial projects. I’ll never forget sitting at the pool of the Washington Hilton years ago, marking up a manuscript between dips, and chatting with an acquisitions editor at the hotel for a conference of academic publishers, who noticed what I was doing and started a conversation. We’ve been connected professionally ever since. Talk about a seren“dip”itous connection!

Maybe get a dog, if you don’t already have one. Taking your dog to a dog park or daycare is a great way to make new friends through your shared interest who might also turn out to be colleagues or potential clients.

How to make those first connections

It can be challenging to attend an event in a new place for the first time. Not every organization introduces new members or visitors, or does ice-breaking activities to make attendees feel more comfortable.

There’s nothing wrong with being the one to offer to shake hands and exchange introductions. If that’s hard to do, create an opportunity for someone to come to you: Wear something that might spark a conversation, such as interesting or unusual jewelry, a pin from an alumni association or organization, a themed outfit — think of those newspaper-print shirts or dresses that journalists often wear to a conference. I have a couple of cat-themed outfits for meetings of the Cat Writers Association!

For a conference or local event with a speaker, prepare a question or two to ask the presenter (keep it short and relevant). Many organizations make their event schedules public ahead of time, or at least available on arrival, so you can see which sessions you want to attend and prepare questions or comments accordingly. That positions you as someone who’s engaged, attentive and worth meeting.

If you’re very shy and introverted, consider inviting a friend or neighbor to go to a meeting with you. That gives you someone to talk to, so you don’t feel alone, and who can be a kind of “wingman” in introducing you to attendees.

What not to do

There can be pitfalls to networking efforts in a new place (or online community/platform, email discussion list, etc.). Probably the most common is to make your first appearance be about looking for work and asking for referrals to colleagues’ clients. Do introduce yourself with brief details about the kind of work you do and where you moved from, but give it a few meetings before (if ever) asking for recommendations or referrals. Colleagues need to know who you are before they’ll consider recommending you for projects.

By the way, networking isn’t just for those of us who are independent writers, editors, whatever, but there’s a difference if you’ve relocated for an in-house job versus aiming to continue or start a freelance venture in your new place.

If you’ve landed in a new city for a “regular” job, you have a built-in network with co-workers in that new workplace, and the new employer might support memberships, or let you attend networking events on company time. Getting connected will take less effort than if you’re freelancing. For freelancers, making new networking contacts in a new place is on you. If you’re already freelancing and/or belong to a professional association, you should be able to keep those clients/projects no matter where you are.

It’s also important to stay in touch with your colleagues and friends in your previous location. That’s easy for me, again as the poster child for extroverts — I often say that once you’re in my network, you never escape. I stay in touch with friends (going back to childhood!), colleagues and clients in places I’ve lived before through email, Facebook/LinkedIn, memberships, even phone calls and — gasp — letters, postcards and birthday cards. Keeping those connections going can be a huge help as you adjust to the new place by reducing any feeling of being alone or isolated.

On either the social or the professional level, but especially the professional one, if there is no association chapter, book club or hobby group you can join, see if you can create one. National organizations usually have resources and processes to help members start or revive local outlets. Being the one who makes that effort positions you as a valued colleague, and even as a leader.

The bottom line

One key element to remember is that networking works best when it’s a two-way process — if you get results, be sure to serve in return. Try not to take unless you give.

Whether you move across town or across country, these are all effective ways to network and become better known among potential colleagues, colleagues, friends and family. Keep them in mind even if you don’t move anywhere new at all!

© Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, NAIWE Board of Experts Networking member

I didn’t think there was much new I could say about networking, and then I realized that a recent big life change offers opportunities to think about the value of networking and ways to make it happen.

I’ve moved from St. Louis to a condo community outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be close to family; the older of my two younger brothers has lived in this area for almost 50 years, and his daughter and son, their families, a cousin and her family, and even a high school classmate of mine all live in the same town. My new place is about a 15-minute drive from them, which is convenient without being intrusive.

So far, it’s working out great; I had some health challenges in my first few weeks here while adjusting to the high altitude and dry heat, but I seem to be back to my usual self. To my great relief, my cat is adapting beautifully, despite two airplane flights and temporary quarters at a family friend’s house while awaiting the arrival of the movers.

Where does networking fit into this new adventure? For the past few years, I’ve been active in Missouri Professional Communicators (MPC), the regional affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) — and NFPW has a New Mexico branch! Not only that, a close high school friend who lives in Las Cruces is a member. I’ll be attending an Albuquerque Press Women event next week as a first step in establishing professional connections in my new locale, and am looking forward to participating in this new-to-me group.

To make this even more exciting, I just received certificates for six awards in the MPC communications contest, which means I’m eligible for national awards at the 2025 NFPW conference this fall. I’m planning to use that recognition in networking and outreach efforts with local and regional publications.

I’ve volunteered to write, edit and proofread for the quarterly magazine of my new community, which not only will help me feel engaged and involved, but might lead to opportunities with neighbors once they know that I do this kind of work.

And speaking of such opportunities, a casual chat at a community picnic led to a neighbor saying her daughter needs a writer for a college alumni publication — right up my alley! — and offering to give the daughter my name and number.

You just never know when networking can happen, and it’s often not connected to professional activities or memberships.

While most of my other longtime professional memberships don’t have a local chapter, but there might be other groups worth joining to expand my networking activity.

My point for NAIWE colleagues is that belonging to and being visible in networking through both professional associations and social connections can ease the transition to a new home, whether you’re moving across town or across country. Even if you have family or friends in a new place, networking can bring professional advantages and a stronger sense of belonging. And as I’ve often suggested, if you belong to a national association without a local chapter in your new (or current) region, consider starting one!

By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, NAIWE Board of Experts Member for Networking

At a recent meeting of one of my local professional organizations, the value of such affiliations was clear.

We talked about what that organization provides to members — why it was worth joining and being active; services and resources that could be used at any level of involvement; what made it different from other organizations, etc. The keyword was “connection,” and it applies to NAIWE.

Association membership is a great way to enhance a writing or editing career. Associations offer learning experiences through training sessions, webinars, courses, conferences, and publications; opportunities for visibility through discussion lists and forums, publishing, and presenting; even ways to earn a few bucks by presenting and contributing to or creating various projects and events. Interacting with colleagues builds our skills, answers our questions, provides access to resources, offers encouragement, and creates long-lasting friendships.

You might not have thought of it in these terms, but participating in any and all such activities is networking, especially if you remember that effective networking is a two-way process: It works when you give as well as get.

Networking through NAIWE means you have colleagues and friends to turn to for advice and for fitting into a new niche of some sort. Fellow members can refer or introduce you for projects and give you a strong leading edge over other candidates. Perhaps most importantly, association membership creates a connection that you can carry wherever you go, whether it’s to new clients and projects, a new industry, a new city, even a new country. That’s especially true of an association like NAIWE, because it’s national.

Despite all of the advantages that networking can bring, though, some colleagues aren’t comfortable with the concept. It might feel more natural and doable to think in terms of connections instead. When we connect with colleagues through associations like NAIWE, we strengthen our professionalism and often contribute to that of others. That makes networking even more than a two-way street; it’s a win for everyone.

However you define it, consider giving networking and connecting a try. If you haven’t tried to connect with colleagues to provide resources, ask for advice, answer questions or other actions, it’s time to start. If you’ve made efforts in that direction, think about new ways to make an impact. You might be pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable, and beneficial, it can be.

Let us know how connecting with colleagues has worked for you!

I’m having a great time writing for two new outlets:
MetroWire Media St. Louis, a news company focused on commercial real estate –
http://www.metrowiremedia.com/stlnews/irem-asks-where-will-you-go-in-cpm

St. Louis American newspaper –
http://www.stlamerican.com/business/people_on_the_move/bjc-healthcare-ramps-up-diversity-commitment-tapping-steven-player-for-elevated-role/article_c5b5fa62-5837-11eb-a480-df844b086d24.html

The blog of one of my clients –
https://www.jaffepr.com/blog/great-style-debate-one-space-or-two

and, of course, the On the Basics column of the An American Editor blog –

On the Basics: Coping with — and heading off — problems

On the Basics: Scams are always with us

I hope all of my NAIWE colleagues are holding up in the throes of the coronavirus crisis. I have two webinar presentations coming up this month that might help:

“Survival Tips for the Current Crisis,” 7–8:30 p.m. Eastern time, April 16, for the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). To register, go to:

https://www.the-efa.org/product/survival-tips-for-the-current-crisis-webinar-free-for-efa-members-sp20/

“The Way of Networking: Connecting Effectively,” 7 p.m. Eastern time, April 23, for NAIWE: https://www.facebook.com/events/2793098760806432/

Networking can be especially important these days as many of us struggle to keep clients and/or regular jobs in the face of the crisis. I look forward to providing some reassurance and insights that should help colleagues manage a little better.