Being a Good Literary Citizen

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To be an engaged writer, you need to be a good literary citizen. But what does it actually mean to be a “citizen” of the literary world?

It means making relationships, amplifying colleagues, participating in events, and being in dialogue with authors.

You’re probably thinking that these things sound great in theory — but how do you actually make them happen? 

It’s easier than you might think. And it’s essential for fueling your creativity and reaching your professional goals. Here’s how to be a good literary citizen:

1) Boost your fellow writers.

Being a good literary citizen means using your voice and platform to support other authors. Think about what you’d love other writers to do for you — and then send that energy and effort back in their direction.

Post about their work on social media, invite them on your podcast, ask if they’d like to do a guest post on your blog or newsletter, and send them notes of encouragement if you know them personally. 

2) Be a mentor (or a mentee).

When I was working on my first book, Listful Thinking, my excellent mentors gave me the feedback and confidence I needed — and I’ve never forgotten that. I still have mentors and now I’m a mentor too! You can find mentors through LinkedIn groups, professional conferences, and more. Many authors do coaching, so it’s always worth checking our their website.

Mentorship is a powerful tool for refining your craft, reaching your goals, and building your career. Depending on where you are in your career, you might be a mentor or a mentee. If you’re an established author, sharing your knowledge with early-career writers is a wonderful way to give back to the community and establish yourself as the expert you are.

And if you’re just starting out, finding an author who can show you the ropes and give you advice can be a valuable tool for understanding your field. The relationships that you build as a mentor and mentee are essential for literary citizenship. 

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3) Join a writing group.

No matter where you are in your career, a writing group is an essential space for developing your craft and connecting with fellow authors. The support, camaraderie, and encouragement of a writing group can make all the difference.

Plus, a writing group keeps you accountable to your goals! I’ve loved being part of writing groups over the years. It was especially helpful when I was starting out on my first novel. You can find writing groups through social media and the internet. They might be virtual or in-person. You can also check out local bookstores and libraries to see if they host writing groups. 

4) Review books.

Reviewing books is a way to show other authors that you take their work seriously. It establishes you as a reader — which is an essential aspect of being a writer!

I like to use Goodreads to review books and keep track of what I’m reading (and what I want to read!). You can also post book reviews on other platforms, like your blog or newsletter. 

Remember, reviewing books isn’t about tearing people down — or praising them. It’s a way to think deeply about what parts of a book connected with you and what didn’t land. Make it about the book, not the author. 

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5) Attend book launch events.

Book launches are so much fun — and a great way to network with fellow authors and support them in an exciting moment. It can also be informative to see how other authors do book launch events and take inspiration. Check your local bookstore to see what events they have coming up and stay tuned on social media. 

Writers Digest: 8 Dos and Don’ts to Prep for a Book Event 

Being an author can sometimes seem like a lonely profession — after all, writing is something that people usually do alone. Because of this, it’s essential to find your community and be an active participant in the literary community in your area as well as virtually. Being a good literary citizen is the kind of giving that gives back. 

How are you going to become a more active literary citizen?

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