Linked In isn’t just about corporate professionals looking to network. These days, LinkedIn is a valuable tool for authors, both  to find potential readers and to network with other authors.

In example – one of our clients was writing about family grief. Her search for groups on LinkedIn led her to several contacts, including an association that wants to offer her future book to their members. Ditto another client, whose blog attracted the attention of an organization and several Linked In groups; over 8,000 members are all now eagerly awaiting her book…

If there’s a subject you’re writing about, chances are there’s a group, or two, or more, serving connections interested in the same topic.

And when it comes to connecting with other authors, there are literally dozens of groups that may catch your fancy, some big, some small, but all talking about books, from writing challenges to marketing challenges. That’s a big plus for writers, both because we all know writing is an incredibly solitary activity; and because everyone’s experience is different, and we have much to learn from each other!

Here are just a few of the many Linked In groups for authors that we follow:

Books and Writers – 23,407 members
Informed Ideas for Writers – 8,108 members
Published Authors Network – 7,532 members
The Writer’s Network – 6,620 members
Book Writing, Self Publishing and Marketing for Business People – 3,876
Affiliated Authors – 2,340 members
Book Publicity and Marketing – 1,485 members
Association of Writers – 1,329 members
Literary Fiction Writers Group – 1,069 members

Helpful Hints: When you join a new group, follow along with the discussions for a few weeks; see what are popular topics. Chime in if you have something relevant to contribute to the discussion, especially if you can provide a valuable link to more info, whether from your own site or a trusted recommendation. If you’re initiating a post or discussion, again make sure it has some relevance to the group.

And if you need a question answered, well you’d be surprised how fast the Linked In community can answer anything – Click on the “More” Tab and “Answers” is the first item in the dropdown menu.

So now we challenge you – join a group, or two, or more (fyi, Linked in lets you join up to 50 groups), and tell us about the experience. If you’re already a member of writer groups on Linked In, tell us which are your favorites and why!