How Can I Connect with Serious Writers and Not Just Hobbyists?

 If you’ve ever asked, “How can I connect with serious writers and not just hobbyists?”—you’re not alone. As a writing coach, you want to work with people who are ready to commit. People who take writing seriously. People who are willing to invest time, energy, and even money to grow.

But sometimes, it feels like everyone you meet just wants to write for fun or isn't ready to take the next step. That can be frustrating. The good news? You can connect with serious writers. You just need the right approach.

1. Get Clear on Who You Want to Work With.

Before you attract serious writers, you need to define them.
Ask yourself:

• Are they writing a book?
• Are they already published?
• Do they want to write full-time or part-time?
• Are they looking to grow a writing business?

Once you know who your serious writer is, you’ll start to recognize them more easily. Clarity attracts.

2. Show Up Where Serious Writers Hang Out.

So, how can I connect with serious writers and not just hobbyists? One answer is: go where they are.

Here are places where committed writers gather:

• Writing conferences (in-person or online)
• Niche Facebook groups for authors and editors
• LinkedIn groups for writers
• Online writing courses
• Substack newsletters
• Paid memberships or communities like Hope*Writers, Scribophile, or Author Accelerator

Hobbyists often stick to free, casual spaces. Serious writers invest in communities that help them grow.

3. Offer Value That Speaks to Committed Writers.

Casual writers want tips and prompts.
Serious writers want strategy, structure, feedback, and next steps.

So, when you create content, think of their pain points:

• “I’m stuck in the middle of my book.”
• “I want to self-publish but feel overwhelmed.”
• “I want to turn my writing into income.”

Address their goals, not just the fun side of writing. This will naturally attract those who are deeply invested in their craft.

4. Create Premium Offers.

If you only offer free advice or low-cost PDFs, hobbyists will love you—but serious writers may scroll past.
They’re looking for real solutions, not just freebies.

Create coaching packages, workshops, or programs that:

• Help them finish their manuscript
• Walk them through publishing
• Build their writer platform

When you price your offers to match the value you give, you attract people who are ready to invest.

5. Share Your Own Writing Journey.

Serious writers often follow other serious writers.

If you’ve written a book, completed a big writing project, or gone through the ups and downs of the writing life—share that story.

They want to learn from someone who has been in the trenches.

Let your experience and honesty speak for itself. That’s what builds trust and respect.

6. Use Language That Filters In the Right People.

Your website, posts, and emails should speak to committed writers.

Instead of saying:

“Want to explore writing for fun?”

Try:

“Are you ready to finally finish your book and publish it?”

Or instead of:

“Writing can be a relaxing hobby.”

Try:

“Writing is your passion, and now you’re ready to treat it seriously.”

This kind of language sends a clear message—and hobbyists will likely move on while your real clients lean in.

7. Ask for a Commitment Upfront.

Sometimes, the best way to tell who’s serious is to simply ask.

On your intake form or in your DMs, ask:

• “Are you working on a long-term writing project?”
• “Have you invested in coaching or writing courses before?”
• “Are you looking to publish, or write just for self-expression?”

This helps you filter before you waste time and energy.

8. Host Events That Attract Action-Takers.

Try offering things like:

• “Finish Your First Draft in 30 Days” bootcamps
• “Book Planning for First-Time Authors” workshops
• Live coaching sessions for writers with real deadlines

Serious writers will show up. Hobbyists won’t commit.

Let’s Wrap It Up.

So, how can I connect with serious writers and not just hobbyists?

Here’s the answer:

• Know who you want to work with
• Go where they gather
• Offer serious support
• Share your journey
• Use strong, clear language
• Ask the right questions
• Host events that require action

You don’t need thousands of followers. You just need to reach the right people who are ready to go all in on their writing dreams.

If this post helped you, please support my work here:
👉 Donate on PayPal
Even small donations keep this free content flowing.

 And if you’re a writing coach ready to connect with real clients, I’ve got something for you.
Fill out the form below to get your FREE Coaching Checklist for Writing Coaches.
It’ll help you build a business that supports serious writers—and helps them thrive.