In a guest post on Jane Friedman’s blog, Nicole Foster offers tips for crowdsourcing writing advice. In Foster’s case, an email to Chelsea Handler about her struggles writing a memoir resulted in a guest spot on Handler’s podcast and a discussion with Kristin Hannah, the bestselling author of The Women and The Nightingale.
While most of us won’t hit that kind of advice jackpot, Foster offers a few real-world possibilities:
- Write into advice-based podcasts—even if they’re not writing or book-related. “Send an email or call to share your writing woes or ask for their opinion on your ideas,” Foster suggests. “You never know who might answer!”
- Join author Q&As—virtually or in person. Authors on tour often host Q&A sessions and often invite participants to submit questions in advance. Most are happy to share their writing journey and advice.
- Connect with fellow writers on social media. Find your favorite authors or writing gurus online and follow their blogs and socials. “They’re often trying to create a community around their work and often will open up their DMs, offer exclusive chat channels on Substack, or host Instagram live sessions and field questions from followers,” Foster says. “I’ve found this is the most accessible way to gain insider knowledge of the writing world and stay connected with the ins and outs of the industry.”
