Hiring help saves time and energy
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Hiring Help 101—From First Assistant to Dream Team

By Reading Time: 4 minutes

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb

You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone

Most indie authors start as a one-person show. They handle all aspects of the process, including writing, editing, designing, promoting, and managing every detail. But if you want to grow a sustainable author business, there comes a time when doing everything yourself holds you back more than it helps. Hiring help is about gaining capacity, not losing control. It’s a relief from the overwhelming tasks that can often weigh you down.

This writer’s guide walks you through when and how to hire help, whether you’re starting with a few freelance hours or building a dream team over time.

(Note: This is for educational and informational purposes. It’s not intended as a substitute for a legal or financial professional advisor. Always seek the advice of a licensed professional.)

Why Hire Help as an Indie Author?

Hiring help doesn’t mean you’re not capable. Instead, it means you’re choosing to focus on what only you can do: writing great books and building relationships with readers. Even a slight delegation shift (like handing off one weekly task) can make a significant difference in your capacity. It’s about empowering yourself by delegating tasks and feeling more in control and confident.

Hiring help can free up time for writing or strategy. It can enhance your book quality, marketing reach, and create room for business growth. Most importantly, it can help prevent burnout.

What Should You Outsource First?

You can begin with a task-based freelancer and grow toward a more consistent support team as your income and needs evolve. Start by identifying what drains your energy or consistently falls behind. Typical tasks include the following:

Creative Support

  • Developmental editing
  • Copy editing or proofreading
  • Cover design
  • Formatting/layout

Marketing & Promotion

  • Social media scheduling
  • Newsletter formatting
  • Ad management (Amazon, Facebook, BookBub)

Admin & Tech

  • Website updates
  • Bookkeeping
  • File organization and backups
  • Research or data entry

Strategic Roles (later stage)

  • Virtual assistant
  • Launch manager
  • Operations coordinator
  • Personal or brand manager

Where to Find Freelancers and Assistants

Great help is out there. You need to know where to look.

Freelance Marketplaces

  • Reedsy (editors, designers, marketers)
  • Fiverr or Upwork (design, admin, tech)
  • BookFunnel & StoryOrigin (for marketing help)
  • Facebook groups for indie authors
  • LinkedIn, Discord, or local writer networks

Vetting Tips

  • Ask for samples or portfolios
  • Check references or testimonials
  • Start with a trial task
  • Communicate expectations clearly up front

How to Work with Hired Help Effectively

  • Document your processes. Use checklists, SOPs, or screen recordings.
  • Start small. Test with a one-off task before committing long-term.
  • Use contracts and payment tools. Protect both parties with clear terms.
  • Give feedback early and often. Most misunderstandings stem from unclear communication.
  • Respect their expertise. Trust the people you hire to do their job well.

From First Hire to Dream Team

As your income grows and your brand expands, so can your team. The key is building graduallybased on your goals and finances. Start with the help you need today, and grow into the help that takes you further tomorrow. Some indie authors eventually hire part-time virtual assistants, launch strategists, publicists or PR specialists, audiobook narrators, and community or reader group managers. It’s about seeing the potential for growth and feeling more optimistic and ambitious about your author business.

Wrap-Up: Hiring Help as an Indie Author

Hiring help is a decisive step toward sustainable growth. Whether you’re outsourcing one task or building a whole team, delegating gives you more room to lead, create, and breathe. You don’t have to do it all alone, and you shouldn’t. Outsource like a pro. Hire help, delegate with confidence, and grow your author business without burning out.

For more guidance, see other writer’s guides in this series, start with Author Financials—6 Top Tips for New Indie Authors.

If you have a draft and want to explore how AI can help you self-publish it, read, Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish? Lastly, for help writing a non-fiction book, read Write Your First Non-Fiction eBook: a 30-Day Workbook for Getting It Done.

Writing is an ongoing adventure that involves continuous learning and improvement. You don’t have to go through this alone. We are excited to accompany you every step of the way, providing you with support and motivation. Our goal is to give you the necessary knowledge and practical advice to navigate the world of writing with confidence.

We hope you found these writer’s guide strategies helpful and inspiring. They’re intended to provide you with the necessary tools and insights to succeed as an indie author.

Don’t wait. Start today! How can we help? To let us know, please fill out our Contact form. Happy writing!

Checklist: Hiring Help for Your Author Business

  • I’ve identified repeat tasks I don’t enjoy or don’t do well
  • I’ve listed potential freelance or assistant roles I could outsource
  • I’ve explored freelance marketplaces and short-term contracts
  • I’ve created a trial task or project to test a potential hire
  • I use clear instructions, contracts, and tools to collaborate
  • I’ve reviewed my budget to ensure sustainability
  • I’m building systems and documentation to support future hires

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