What comes to mind when you hear “networking”?
Excitement? Confusion? Uncertainty? Fear?
We all approach networking with different emotions and apply a variety of prior experiences that can tint our view of such events. The Women in Publishing Summit Team and many of our long-time community members embrace opportunities to network.
As in years past, the 2026 Women in Publishing Summit schedule boasts quite a few opportunities to network.
NOT JUST SHAKING HANDS
The first image of networking that comes to mind may be a room of stuffy, suited people, shaking hands and exchanging business cards. WIP networking allows authors and publishing industry professionals to come together from wherever they are in the world through the power of virtual connection.
Our style of networking provides three unusual benefits.
Clarity of Self
Participation in smaller breakout rooms within the larger networking session allows for personal connection that begins with a simple hello and introduction.
Authors frequently hear the need to perfect their “elevator pitch,” the 30-second summation of their book’s synopsis. Networking offers a place to pitch one’s self. While this task isn’t overly difficult, it can be daunting and certainly requires a clarity of self.
Once a person has cycled through two to four breakout rooms in one networking session, they’ve had the opportunity to practice—and perhaps perfect—their pitch in front of one of the kindest, most supportive communities in the publishing industry.
Suddenly, sharing who they are and what they do or what services they offer or what books they write is no longer a daunting task. We all know these details about ourselves and what we want others to know about us; we simply need the practice to say it succinctly and clearly.
Networking with the Women in Publishing community provides the perfect practice field.
Community
Many of us exist in a virtual work world, so jobs in the publishing industry can be lonely at times. Taking an hour—or four days—to open ourselves up to virtual community can be a source of encouragement and a refuel of our people needs.
Over the years, we’ve watched small groups continue their connection after Summit events, forming their own networks and support systems that carry them through between WIP activities.
Collaborations
Those people who invest in the connections they make during WIP programs find the most exponential benefit of all—collaborations. When like-minded people meet and take a chance on one another, influence and reach are multiplied.
Authors with similar audiences boost one another with social media or newsletter swaps, collaborative projects, or critique partnerships. Publishing professionals pool resources, share talents, and extend their networks. Authors discover their dream editors or cover designers. Publishers find the author and book they’ve been eager to sign and promote.
Alone, we may be small; together, the sky’s the limit.
HOW TO GET YOUR MONEY’S WORTH
Networking can be overwhelming for some, and a little preparation can make for a pleasant and productive experience. Here are five tips to make the most of your virtual handshaking opportunities.
- Write out your “elevator pitch” and practice it. You don’t have to have it perfect, but have a starting point. Practicing in front of people is the best way to finetune your message. Don’t be afraid to have your pitch typed out and pinned on your computer to read from … that is okay! You may surprise yourself with how quickly you no longer need it—or at how your wording may shift the more you share it.
- Be clear on who you are, what you need, and what you have to offer. List out your ideal collaborative partner’s traits or what types of business aspects you’d like help tackling. Prepare a second list of talents you have and help you can offer.
- If being in new situations or with new people is stressful for you, we have a few suggestions. First, bring a friend and ask our team to pair you together. Second, look over the schedule and choose the best time of day for you. You don’t have to attend all the networking opportunities, but we do encourage you to dive in early in the week. You may discover you love it and want to participate in all the rest. Third, commit to give at least one round a try. Fourth, message one of our team members directly in the Zoom chat and be honest that you’re a little nervous. We would love to be your buddy as you get used to networking.
- Commit to speak up and share as well as to listen and encourage. No one wins when one person monopolizes the entire time with their own praises, but everyone benefits from hearing what others are struggling with or working on or wondering about. We are BETTER TOGETHER!
- Be perseverant. Truthfully, the first round or two may not reveal a new WIP bestie or even someone with much in common. It may take more digging to determine if someone is a good fit for a mutually beneficial collaboration, so be sure to swap contact information. Also, you may be presented with an opportunity you had never considered. Be open-minded and patient.
MEET OUR COFFEE CHAT SPONSORS
Our Day Two and Three mid-day networking events during the 2026 Women in Publishing Summit are sponsored by our two Coffee Chat sponsors. Here is a little about each one. You may find they are just the industry experts you need to connect with!
Freelance Editors Club
Founded by professional editor and coach Tara Whitaker, the Freelance Editors Club is a membership community designed to help freelance editors build thriving, sustainable businesses—without burnout.
Members gain access to expert-led trainings, business resources, monthly coworking sessions, and a supportive peer network that understands the realities of freelance editorial work.
Who They Serve
Freelance editors at all stages, from those just starting out to experienced editors ready to scale their businesses.
Best Time to Join
Any stage of your editing career. The Club supports both foundational business building and long-term growth.
Why Editors Join the Freelance Editors Club
Members appreciate the balance of practical business guidance, accountability, and community—helping them build confidence, systems, and success on their own terms.
Special Offer
30-day free trial to the Freelance Editors Club
Learn more:
http://www.womeninpublishingsummit.com/fec
Karen Gruber Coaching
Karen Gruber Coaching supports authors and mission-driven entrepreneurs who want their books to create meaningful impact—and sustainable income. Her work blends writing craft, publishing preparation, platform strategy, and soul-aligned business mentoring, helping authors move from idea to finished book and beyond.
Who She Serves
Spiritual entrepreneurs, transformational coaches, healers, and values-led leaders who want their books to fuel purpose-driven businesses.
Best Time to Work With Her
Early idea development through post-publication. Karen supports authors from concept and manuscript development to launch planning and book-to-business expansion.
Why Authors Choose Karen Gruber Coaching
Authors value the holistic approach—combining creative expression, publishing readiness, visibility, and well-being—so success feels aligned, sustainable, and human.
Special Offer
Beyond the Pages: 10 Ways to Turn Your Book into Ongoing Income
Free guide and masterclass plus 20% off courses
Coupon Code: WIP20
Expires: September 30, 2026
Learn more:
http://www.womeninpublishingsummit.com/karengruber
HOW OUR NETWORKING … WORKS
Our mid-day networking allows the Coffee Chat sponsors to say hello, introduce themselves, and guide you into smaller conversations. Our morning Coffee Chat Networking sessions start the day off with smiles. And our Happy Hour Networking at the close of days two through four offer a chance for more informal chatting.
When you enter the main Zoom room for any of the networking events, our team will greet you with instructions and a prompt or two. You will then be put into a breakout room. We assign people randomly.
If you have any issues figuring out how to accept the invitation into a smaller room, we are happy to help you. We typically have time limits and will bring everyone back to the main room for new prompts and a random reordering of breakout rooms.
Depending on the length of the session, we’ll have two to four different breakouts, so you will have the opportunity to meet many people—or you can laugh with the new buddy you see again … for the fourth time.
While our team and attendees are business-minded, we also know how to have fun, laugh with one another, and find the silver lining in tech glitches. We are BETTER TOGETHER!
