by Ann Olson, Y! health contributor

Networking just isn’t essential for improving your writing–it can get you actual writing gigs. Like in the “real” world, most online writing jobs aren’t advertised,  and sometimes networking is the only way to get it.

Establishing relationships with other writers can help you find writing gigs advertised “behind-the-scenes”, eliminating the work of finding a job on your own.

It also helps you establish real connections with writers, allowing you to converse with like-minded people, share your thoughts and frustrations, and receive advice  about issues related to writing or working independently.

Potential Networking Ideas for Writers

If you want to actively network with other writers, your best strategy is to keep it online. Sure, you won’t have human-to-human contact, but you can reach thousands  of potential writers by sticking with online-only contact. When it comes to freelancing, faster is usually better.

Network online by using these websites:

Writing websites: Some websites, such as Associated Content or Constant Content, have forums where you can converse with other writers. Network with like-minded  writers here. Join a conversation, add real value to your replies, and engage others by asking questions. But be tactful when expressing your opinions–being too blunt  or making accusatory statements can give writers the wrong impression about you.

Twitter: It’s harder to engage in personal conversations with other writers on Twitter, but it can be done. Browse your writing friends’ follower lists for writers and  add them if they interest you. If this doesn’t yield favorable results, type in a keyword (such as writing or blogging) into the search bar to find recent tweets from  other writers. Remember, add the ones that only interest you.

To establish a connection immediately, use the retweet button on tweets that could be valuable to your followers–chances are, the original writer of that tweet will  thank you and take more interest in your future tweets. Alternatively, you can reply to them by typing @theirusername and adding your response.

Facebook: The key here is to find the areas where writers congregate, such as user-created groups or fan pages. Fan pages for popular writing or blogging websites,  groups for writing niches, or writing job board groups are almost always flooded with active writers. Add them. If they post an interesting status update or link,  don’t press the like button–comment and share how you feel about it.

Remember, add real conversation to establish real connections with other writers. Commenting for the sake of commenting will earn you a bad reputation fast, so make  your responses genuine–and remember, keep any promotion (websites, articles, products) to a minimum.

* This article was originally published on writingjobresource.com and is used with permission.

Ann Olson is a freelance health writer, featured Y! health contributor and healthy eating advocate.  Some of her work can be found on LIVESTRONG, Blend.com and Yahoo! Sports.

by Ann Olson, Contributing Writer

Using a picture of a flower, or worse, a photo of you in your pajamas, isn’t a great way to gain more clients. In fact, it will make them scatter faster than you can say “But my SEOs are really good!”.

Here’s something all writers need to know: image plays a huge role in how clients perceive you. If you can’t take the effort to lose your hoodie in favor of a nice-fitting dress shirt, how can they expect you’ll handle their next project professionally (and on time)?

Using an effective “author photo”–the one photo used consistently on writing websites, your portfolio/website and any social media websites–is now vitally important for making a good first impression on clients, even before they shoot off that first email.

Does this mean it’s time to deck out the suit and tie? Absolutely not, unless that’s what you really wear.

So how should you dress for your author photo?

For Women:

CLOTHES: Choose dark-colored, long-sleeved shirts. Dress shirts, cardigans or blouses are great for boosting a writer’s professional image.

ACCESSORIES: Keep accessories to a minimum. Avoid wearing too many rings or bracelets–a simple pair of earrings and a bracelet will do.

MAKEUP: Less is better. A light dab of foundation, neutral eyeshadow and lip gloss help polish your face without adding too much clutter.

HAIR: Neatness beats uniqueness. A simple ponytail, bun or hair let down in neat waves, curls or kept straight are great, professional styles to wear in your author photo. Stay away from excessive teasing, messy hairstyles or “big” hairstyles.

For Men:

CLOTHES: Again, dark-colored, long-sleeved shirts work best. Stick with collared dress shirts, and optionally, a casual sport coat for a functional, business casual look.

HAIR: Keep it neat and low-maintenance. Short, conservative hairstyles work best. For long hair, consider styling it in a ponytail.

FACIAL HAIR: Facial hair is best kept short and well groomed. Long beards or goatees are not professional looks for writers.

Dressing for Your Author Photo: Additional Tips

If there’s one theme to keep in mind, it’s this: less is more. A writer’s makeup, clothes or accessories shouldn’t overpower the photo–instead, it should add depth and professionalism to it. Other tips for boosting your professional image include:

• Keep the skin exposure to a minimum. If your blouse or shirt gives people a clear view of your upper assets, change it or wear an undershirt.

•  Like in the workplace, unnatural hair colors aren’t appropriate either. Not willing to compromise? Consider having the photo shot in monochrome or colored digitally by a professional retoucher.

•  Avoid clothes with floral prints or gaudy, bright stripes. Like with bold colors, this draws attention to your clothes instead.

•  Stay away from current fashion trends–they become outdated quickly. Choose conservative and functional items than those seen on the latest celebrities.

Overall, the key point here is that the author photo reflects your credibility, professionalism and dependability. Remember, your author photo is a visual cue that tells potential clients you’re trustworthy and dependable, and worth contacting for a quote.