I am thrilled to be your featured speaker this month. I joined 12 x 12 in its inaugural year, and I can’t imagine learning how to write picture books without this fantastic group. Today, I’m going to share some knowledge on the importance of networking by taking you through my journey over the past ten years. The two key points are “give more than you receive” and “listen to other’s needs”.
Some of you may have heard craft comes first before building a network. Yes, craft does come first, but building a network takes effort and more importantly time. So I highly recommend that you start networking before you need it. While the journey I outline below is what worked for me, your path will be different. Everything I did came out of my personal joys of recommending books and being a “connector”. Your strengths may be similar or completely different. So whatever you do, make sure there is an intrinsic joy in it for you.
Starting Out (Early Years)
During my early years, when I was learning how to write picture books, one of the key pieces of advice I had heard was to give more than you receive. What could I, a newbie, offer writers, teachers, and librarians? Since I was reading tons of books and my favorite thing to do was recommend books, I started a blog where I reviewed books and interviewed picture book creators. By doing this I was helping to promote their books while building my platform. I introduced myself to my kids’ school head librarian and developed a friendship. I’ve been providing recommendations to her for years. And she buys many of the books. 🙂 She is one of my biggest supporters and we regularly trade information about what’s hot and what is or isn’t resonating with her students. While my kids were picture book aged, I went to their classrooms and did storytime several times a year. This gave me a feel for reading to a group of kids and I learned what captured their interest.
A lot of the work I did in this stage helped me learn the picture book market. If you don’t have direct access to school-aged children don’t worry, you can talk to your local public library and inquire about leading a storytime, or talk to local nonprofits that work with children, like family homeless shelters or youth activity centers to see what opportunities might exist.
During the tail end of this stage, I was asked to write a guest post on South Asian children’s literature for We Need Diverse Books. To my embarrassment, I wasn’t familiar with books from my fellow South Asian Kidlit creators. An Indian author won the Newbery in 1928 and I had no idea! I vowed to rectify this lack of awareness. I began publishing lists of newly released South Asian children’s books to help get the word out.
Querying/Pre-Contract Stage (Middle Years)
During these years my networking focused on connecting with agents and editors. This was more of an additional layer to the work I did in the previous stage which was now in “maintenance” mode. Before going to conferences, I researched which agents and editors were going to be there. I found out what recent books they had published and interesting tidbits on them. Some resources I used were Publisher’s Marketplace, Googling “How I Got My Agent <agent name>” or “<name> interview”, and blogs that were routinely doing agent interviews or publisher overviews. It’s amazing how much information you can collect. I created cheat sheets that I reviewed before going up to chat with the agent or editor. These notes helped me reduce my nervousness when making small talk. After the chat, I wrote a few notes about what we connected on, which I then used in the query letters.
On several occasions, editors asked if I knew any South Asian illustrators. Once again to my embarrassment, I only knew a handful. This led me to build and maintain a list of South Asian illustrators from around the world which I regularly advertise over social media. I know on one occasion, a picture book writer found their illustrator through my list.
In 2018, I was chatting with an editor at a conference. She asked what I was working on and I pitched my top three stories. Two months later she bought HOW TO WEAR A SARI, my first book deal!
Under Contract (Last Few Years)
Over the years, I altered the types of networking I did based on my needs and interest. This meant scaling back on older tasks while adding new ones. Throughout this entire time, I kept on writing new material.
In my network, I had writers, illustrators, a few librarians but no booksellers, influencers, or book buyers. This latter set is important for book promotion. The hardest thing for a debut is getting your name out there. I brainstormed how I could differentiate myself, what could I do differently, what I could offer? I realized the South Asian Kidlit work that I had been doing on my blog could be useful to the book buyers and influencers. I repackaged the information into a quarterly newsletter and made it look professional and began cold-emailing bookstores. I attended some of our regional independent bookstore meetings, introduced myself to the booksellers, and told them about my newsletter. When an organizer for the regional bookseller’s conference asked me to volunteer and do their social media for the event “I said YES!” Now has all this helped increase sales of my book? I have no idea, but I can tell you most of the bookstores on my mailing list are carrying my book. I think that is a win.
When I started networking ten years ago, did I know I was going to be running a South Asian Kidlit newsletter or that pitching my story to an editor at a social event would become my debut — absolutely not! All I did was put one stone down on the networking path and then another because it was fun and I was enjoying the journey.
My motto as I stated earlier is “give more than you receive”. I encourage you to brainstorm to figure out what service you can provide.
- What are you good at or enjoy?
- How can you map that skill into kidlit?
- As you network, listen to people’s needs whether they be teachers, booksellers, other writers, etc. Over time you may see synergy between your skills and what others need.
- Be flexible with the type of networking and services you do and know that it may change over time.
- Networking is “extra” work, so keep writing.
I wish you all the very best with your writing and networking. If you ever see me at a conference or retreat, please come up and say Hi! 🙂
Darshana Khiani is a second-generation Indian American who grew up in rural Pennsylvania and now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and a furry pooch. She is an author, engineer, and a South Asian Kidlit Blogger. Her picture book debut HOW TO WEAR A SARI released in June 2021. When she isn’t working or writing she can be found hiking, solving jigsaw puzzles, or traveling. Visit Darshana online at her website or on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @darshanakhiani.
Darshana is giving away a signed copy of her book HOW TO WEAR A SARI (U.S. only) and a 20-min Zoom session to talk about writing, publishing, or books in general to one VERY lucky 12 x 12 member at the August check-in! So, get those drafts written and those revisions completed for your best chance of winning!
119 Responses
Thank you, Darshana! The introverted-me needs that little push. It’s one thing to shy away from networking. But when you phrase it as “give more than you receive,” that for me is a lifestyle choice for my everydays. Surely this introverted writer can do that!
Wow Darshana! You rock! I’m so focused on writing and learning the craft of picture books that I have ignored building my platform, even though I know it’s so important. You have given me a lot to think about. Thanks so much and congratulations on your beautiful book.
Thanks Darshana for sharing your networking experience – I loved how it changed over time depending on what experiences you had and were inspired by! And I love your mantra of giving more than you receive. So true. Wishing you the nest success for your new book.
Darshana, thanks for a truly inspiring post! It’s given me lots to think about.
I love how you tailored your efforts and offerings to the particular stage you were at in your writing journey. You’ve managed to give and encourage at every step, and the key, as you say, is that you’ve done it with joy. That can make all the difference!
Congrats on your debut. Wishing you continued success – and joy 🙂
Love how you map out your journey -the sharing and building of community. Thanks for all the great deets Darshana!
Love how you map out your journey – the sharing and building of community. Thanks for all the great deets Darshana!
“Give more than you receive…” is always good advice. Thank you for putting it in the context of writing. I hadn’t quite thought of it like that.
What an informative post! Thanks so much for sharing your unique journey!
Wow! Great tips! Thank you for sharing.
Great post! Your advice is sound.
Darshana, you are definitely walking the walk! I remember when you came to a book launch event at BookPeople in Austin and introduced yourself. I’m gappy to know you!
Darshani,
Your post has given me much to consider. How do my skills and interests intersect with what people in the publishing and book reading community need? I am starting to read picture books to children at a day care. This is an important next step.
Sue
Thanks for sharing your journey. Lots of great tips and strategies!
Great post, Darshana!
What a journey, Darshana. Thanks for sharing how you’ve achieved all you have. Your suggestions opened up a possible next step for me.
Excellent advice, Darshana! I like the way you broke it down as things to do in each stage of your career. You have definitely modeled your early advice — give more than you receive and listen to others. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your well deserved success.
What a great post – kudos to all the hard work you’ve put in and thanks for the advice!
Thanks for sharing your journey. I love the advice, “give more than you receive.”
Thank you for your help with networking ideas and how to get going on connecting with other book people. I never quite get to the creation stage of a webpage and talk with teachers about what books they need to supplement their science or other teaching.
Great post! Thanks!
Darshana, I hear these tips repeatedly: Start your platform building now and give more than you receive. Thanks for pouring into the 12 x 12 community!
Thank you for the very helpful advice, Darshana. This is definitely something I need to work more on!
Thank you for sharing your journey. It’s so interesting to hear how you’ve built your brand over time and focused on what you can offer others. Best wishes!
Great advice on the power of staying open to opportunity! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you, Darshana, for all your great advice on networking and connecting with others. And thanks for sharing all that has worked for you. I’m looking forward to reading “How to Wear a Sari” and visiting your website.
Your book, How to Wear a Sari, is charming. Loved your focus and advice to give more than you receive. I checked your website, which is terrific. But I don’t see anything about the South East Asia Book Award: https://southasiabookaward.wisc.edu/award-books/. Forgive me if I missed it, but if you are not linked to the site, consider it. I’m sure the administrators of the award would appreciate one more platform making them aware of it.
Wow, you’ve been working hard. Thank you for explaining in detail how to become a part of all aspects of the kidlit world. So helpful…and impressive.
Thank you , Darshana, for showing us the importance of reaching out to others and being informed on so many aspects of writing and reading. We tend to get to writing and forget that there is a whole other world out there that also has relevance and a place in the the writer’s journey.
Thank you Darshana for a wonderful post! I love how you honed in on your skill set each step of the way to further your dream and career. Wonderful advice. Congrats on your book!
Very inspiring post. I do need to put myself out there more. Thank you.
I love all these networking tips and appreciate how you broke down the steps you took as you continued on your path to publication. I’m so exited for your new book! Congratulations!
Thank you, Darshana, for this informative and inspirational post!
I loved this post Darshana, thank you! It really resonated with me.
Great post, Darshana! Your journey is inspiring. And it is always good to be reminded to give more than you receive. Thank you! 😊
Thank you for sharing your story and advice. Terrific post!
Darshana – Thanks so much for sharing your journey and perspective. Great message!!!
This is wonderful and encouraging information. Thank you and good luck on your upcoming books.
Thank you for this. It is a great reminder what a gift it is to be able to get back in front of children in schools and libraries this year.
Great tips on networking, thanks!
Thank you for sharing your journey. Your debut book looks amazing.
Thank you for all the amazing tips, Darshana! I love your advice to give more than you receive. Congratulations on your debut!
Darshana, such great tips! I’m taking lots of notes. Thanks for showing us the way.
Always excellent advice. Thank you for sharing your journey and congratulations on your success!!
So much good information! You sound like you are super organized! Thanks for sharing your tips and strategies. Congratulations, Darshana!
“All I did was put one stone down on the networking path and then another because it was fun and I was enjoying the journey.” I love this! Don’t worry about too far in the future. Just take the next right step for you. Thank you, Darshana, for this post. Great reminder to take advantage of every opportunity and help others along the way. And congrats on your book!!
Thank you for your inspiring post!
Thanks for sharing your journey. Networking is so hard for me. I need to get out there more. Your article really helps push me there.
Great advice, Darshana and thanks for sharing your networking and platform building tips. “Give more than you receive,” is excellent advice. And not just for networking, for life.
Congratulations Darshana! Thank you for sharing terrific tips on the importance of networking.
Great post, Darshana!! Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your writing journey and tips on being open to social networking and how to make it work for yourself no matter what stage you are in as a writer. I love it when you said, “All I did was put one stone down on the networking path and then another because it was fun and I was enjoying the journey.”
Your journey is such a great example of the spiraling we need to do to achieve growth and opportunity. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you, Darshana! Networking is tough, but you bring joy and “ease” to it. Thanks for all the good ideas 🙂
Really great info, Darshana. Can’t wait to read your book!
Such an amazing amount of info on your picture book journey! Can’t wait to read your book!
I love your “give more than you receive” motto! Many congratulations!!!
Thanks Darshana for the great post! I needed the reminder about putting myself out there and giving- building a network while helping others!
Thank you, Darshana, for the easy to understand way you broke down your history and the stepping stones you took to reach publication. Very helpful.
Thanks for a great post, Darshana! It is always helps to see the path that other writers have taken. I like how you broke things down so that everything is not so overwhelming. There is so much more to writing than just writing.
Thank you for sharing so much valuable information with us here! I learned so much. I know the journey to publication is often a long and windy one, but it is always so interesting reading other people’s experiences and learning from them. Best of luck with your wonderful new book.
Thank you Darshana! I love hearing about authors journeys! Congratulations on your book!
Can’t wait to read your book! Thanks for sharing your journey.
I try to give more than I receive as a way of life. Thanks for your fantastic post.
Wonderful networking advice – you made it seem less daunting and very gracious! Thanks.
I love that so much of children’s writing is giving and sharing. Thank you.
Thank you sharing your journey and for giving back.
Thank you for sharing, Darshana! I love the advice to “give more than you receive.”
Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story. Networking is so important, time for us to come out of our shells.
Thank you for this wonderful post, Darshana! I’ve neglected my blog this year to focus on writing and revising many picture book manuscripts, but now understand how I can utilize my blog to celebrate my favorite PBs written and illustrated by others!
Thank you for sharing how important it is to give more than you receive! I also agree with your advice to start networking now! Loved your post!!!
Thanks for the reminder to keep putting myself out there to network and give yo others!
Thank you for sharing these great tips on networking and giving back.
Thanks for sharing your journey!
This post is amazing! It’s a blueprint for budding writers. Thank you for the inspiration!
I live by the motto of living vicariously through the success of others.
Congratulations on your book and thank you for sharing all the information about the stages of your journey. Very interesting and helpful.
This was such an excellent outline of ways to engage with the kidlit world and help build others up! Thanks, Darshana!!
Such a helpful perspective-thanks Darshana!
Thank you for sharing your story and advice, Darshana! I could definitely be doing more when it comes to networking. Great tips.
Thank you Darshana for all the tips, and encouragement. Your journey shows the benefit of networking, and how it can pay off. And love your advice to give more than you receive!
Great advice!
Thank you for sharing your journey and your ideas. This is, in fact a journey and it’s always helpful
to hear how others navigated it.
Fantastic post. Love seeing your kindness and generosity pay off.
Thank you, Darshana, for sharing your journey with us. Thankk you also for your gift of encouragement.
Thank you for this! It can be hard to network without getting social media burnout, but starting early with a valuable newsletter sounds like a great way to connect with others and add value to your stories.
Thank you for sharing your personal journey in this post, Darshana. I love how you looked forward at the beginning of your journey with the idea of finding what you could give. Now, looking back, you can see how all the connections with people have helped you build a community and launch a career!
Thanks for sharing your journey!
Thanks for sharing your journey! Very impressive how much you’ve given back and put in the work.
Thanks for sharing your journey and advice – you’ve given me a lot to think about!
Thank you for sharing your story, proving that writing is not just BIC (butt in chair). We also have to GOT (get out there)!
Awesome info and ideas on networking… so tremendous all that you gave and continue to give, thank you!
Some great advice there, love the – give more than you receive bit a lot! Thank you and I wish you good luck and success in your journey!
Thanks, Darshana, for the story of your journey and tips on networking. I definitely could spend a LOT more time doing that!
Congrats on your book and your writing success. 🙂
What excellent focus! Truly inspiring. Looking forward to reading HOW TO WEAR A SARI.
Great advice about prepping for conferences and having actual items to talk to people about while networking. Thanks for sharing, Darshana.
What an inspiring journey! Thank you, Darshana!
Thank you for sharing
Darshana, thank you for sharing your journey and reminding us about the importance of networking!
Great post. Congrats on your new book!
Wow! Sharing your journey has reminded me to teaching I’ve got along the way. .. find a way into the industry while you’re working to be published. Thank you for helping me brainstorm about some ways I can build a platform in the industry as I learn and work to become a published author-illustrator! Congratulations on your wonder picture book!
You made me smile!! Thank you and congratulations!
What wonderful info about networking! I need to start networking with book bloggers, etc!
Such helpful ideas, Darshana! Thank you so much for your inspiring post. The “give more than you receive” advice are words to live by. Congrats on your well-earned success!!
Thanks for the great networking tips, Darshana! It seems you found a perfect niche. 😃
Great ideas! You certainly did your research and it paid off, so nice to see!
Thanks for these great networking ideas and tips! They will help me step up my game in my local area re. libraries, schools, and bookstores.
thank you for sharing your beautiful outlook. Really great message!
Great tips! I think networking is hard for a lot of us and this is a smart way to approach it.
How Fun! My kids had hours of fun trying different sari wraps. Brings a smile to my face. Congratulations on your success!
This is such a great post with excellent advice! Thank you so much for sharing, Darshana! And congratulations on your book! 🙂
Encouraging / reminding people to give is always appreciated. Thanks!
Thank you, Darshana! Networking is not easy; thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Darshana. Your intentional, focused journey is inspirational.
Wonderful networking tips and I love your mantra of “give more than you receive!” Thank you for sharing your journey!
Wow! So inspiring. You must have tons of energy and great organizational skills. Thanks for sharing that very helpful advices.
It is always inspiring to hear about what someone else has learned on their publishing journey. The tasks definitely evolve over time and it takes insight to realize that. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing these insights, Darshana! Such great insights for how we can start seeing how/where we can give of ourselves on our journey.
Thank you for sharing.