The buzz around the internet in the past year has been about networking and networking websites. There are places like MySpace, Facebook, forums, and message boards that give freelance writers an opportunity to establish relationships with other writers.

For places like MySpace and Facebook there is a search function available on each website. You can look for people that are in your niche market or merely look for other freelance writers. When you find them, see if you can become their friends, and establish a relationship with them.

It is quite easy to network with other writers but most forums will require that you register before you can begin posting or asking questions. After you’ve registered and confirmed your membership, head over to the Introduction area. Nearly every forum has them, so introduce yourself, let others know about you, and how long you’ve been writing.

Be sure to read the forum’s posting rules. Some forums will allow you to place a website address in your signature, others won’t. One forum may ask you to post 50 times before you can include a working URL in the post; others may require you to be a member for six months before that is possible. Determine to follow the rules of each forum so you’re not kicked off. You never know who you’ll meet on a forum that could have a large impact on your freelance writing business.

Don’t start right off by asking if anyone needs writing to be done. While you do want to let others know that you’re available, now is not the time to do it. Take some time to get to know the other members. Ask questions about a particular area of being a freelance writer that you may be having problems with. If you’re knowledgeable about a topic, don’t be afraid to share what you know. The other members will appreciate it.

Nearly every freelance writing forum has an area set up to discuss writing websites, jobs, or has an area where potential clients can post classified ads seeking writers. Remember to apply only for those jobs that you know you can do and can meet their deadlines. Nothing will hurt you on a forum with potential clients than missing a deadline or turning in poor work because they will come back to the forum and let everyone know if they were satisfied with your work.

Continue to establish and maintain relationships on forums or other networking websites. Don’t let networking take over your life, however. Your goal is to learn from other writers, possibly find additional jobs, and contribute to other writers. If you spend too much time on these sites you may not have time to actually get any writing done and that was your reason for joining the forum or networking site in the first place.

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