The Writer's Toolkit:
7 Skills You Need as an Author - Beyond Writing
Now, as authors, we all know about the ‘author toolbox’ - and the skills we acquire to fill it with. We go on courses to learn to ‘show, don’t tell’ - we take workshops to ‘develop natural dialogue’ - but very rarely do we talk about the other side of the Toolkit that we need as authors to succeed in this industry.
The OTHER Toolkit - The EXTRA skills, beyond writing.
You've mastered the art of crafting compelling sentences and weaving intricate plots, and your dialogue now sparkles, but being a great writer isn't enough to build a successful writing career. Sorry to burst the bubble.
The publishing world demands more than pretty prose. You will need a diverse skill set that extends beyond the words to really make it a success as a career author. Whether you're traditionally publishing, going the indie route, or building a freelance career, these seven essential skills will determine your ability to sustain writing as a profession.
1. Research Skills: Your Foundation for Credibility
It doesn’t matter what genre you are writing, or even what style of writing you are focused on, research is king. But research isn't just about Googling facts or figures, or just checking what year the GIF was invented. Research is deeper than that, and much more important. It's about becoming a detective, a journalist, and a scholar, even. It’s about making sure you know enough about your chosen subject to be able to write with authenticity and credibility.
But if you have never truly ‘researched’ before, how do you know where to start?
Finding Credible Sources
First of all, in a world full of ‘fake news’ and AI inaccuracies, you need to learn to distinguish between reliable sources and internet noise. Academic databases, government publications, and established news organisations carry more weight than random blogs or social media posts. No matter whether you are focusing on historical romance novels or a non-fiction self-help book, develop a system for evaluating the credibility of your sources:
ALWAYS ask the following -
Who wrote it? Can you find the original publication?
When was it written?
What are the original author’s credentials?
What's their potential bias?
What institution or organisation published or sponsors this work?
Can I verify this information through other independent sources?
Are claims supported by evidence, citations, or documentation?
How recent is this information, and does it help for my chosen topic?
Interview Techniques
Sometimes the best research comes from real people. First-hand accounts will always add more weight, but they also add something research can’t, a true emotional connection.
To get the best out of ‘interviewing’ real people, you will need to master the following:
The art of asking open-ended questions
Learn to truly listen actively (and by this, I mean listen with intent, not with personal opinions in mind - it’s not easy, but it will make a huge difference in how you interpret the information you are given).
Learn the art of making your subjects comfortable enough to share authentic, true stories. The more comfortable they feel, the more they will reveal.
These points don’t just apply to those writing non-fiction… I believe that even fiction writers benefit from interviewing people who've shared experiences similar to those of their characters. We can't always write books based solely on our own experiences, but we can be mindful to make the experiences of others feel as authentic as possible.
Fact-Check Fundamentals
Your reputation depends on accuracy.
Create a verification system for facts, dates, and claims. If you are writing from true experiences discussed in interview situations, make sure you keep detailed records of your sources.
Remember: one factual error can undermine an entire piece, and if you are writing fiction, one small mistake can lead to a snippy negative review. Take the time to fact-check; it makes a difference.
2. Basic Business Acumen: Treat Your Writing Like a Business
The moment you decide to earn money from your writing, you become a business owner. I know that's terrifying to some, but it’s something that you will have to come to terms with very quickly. There are a few fundamentals that can make your life significantly easier.
Understanding Contracts
Never sign anything you don't understand. If you can, learn the basics of publishing contracts, freelance agreements, and rights management. In the very least, read up on the red flags that you know you should avoid. It’s vital to understand what you're giving up and what you're retaining.
There are plenty of professionals out there who will help you look over a contract - The Society of Authors is just one.
Taxes and Financial Management
Keep meticulous records of income and expenses, right from the beginning. You might not need to pay tax straight away, but the last thing you want is to be in a panic come tax time. It’s up to you, as a professional writer, to understand what qualifies as a business deduction, and you’d be surprised just how much of the process can be written off.
That writing conference you paid for, the home office you use, the cost of research books, and professional development courses - they may all be tax-deductible.
As a rule of thumb, it’s always best to put aside around 25-30% of your writing income for taxes, just in case.
Marketing Fundamentals
This is something my mentees ask me a LOT. Do you need to be your own marketing guru to get by in this industry? The short answer is - no. The longer answer, and more honest response, is - well, no… unless of course you want to sell books and be successful.
The truth of the matter is that you don't need to become a marketing guru, but understanding basic principles makes a huge difference to your visibility.
At the very least, you need to know your target audience, develop a simple brand message, and determine which marketing channels align best with your personality and goals.
Some authors love to post daily TikTok videos - others are quite happy to simply post on Facebook. The honest truth is, how much you engage will at some point directly impact your sales. Anyone who says otherwise, in this hyper-speed social media-driven world, is simply lying to you.
The writer who understands their market has a significant advantage over those who don't.
3. Time Management and Project Planning: Make Deadlines Your Friend
Being an author is a real test of character. You have to work to your own deadlines, and be accountable for yourself when there is no one else there to check on you.
Writing projects have a way of ‘extending’ themselves. Procrastination and perfectionism will mean you are tempted to continuously push back that deadline.
Without proper planning and time management, you'll find yourself behind schedule and quickly overwhelmed.
Set Realistic Goals
Break down your larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. A novel isn't written in a day, but it can be written in 500-word chunks over several months.
Create Systems That Work
Develop routines and systems that support your writing life. Perhaps writing at the same time every day works for you, or setting aside time on a physical calendar.
Consider using a project management tool, but ensure you establish clear boundaries between writing time and personal time, regardless of your approach. Work-life balance is even more important for those who work from home, for themselves.
Consistency is key - you don’t have to write thousands of words a day, just keep showing up.
Balance Your Projects
Professional writers often juggle more than one project at a time. It’s a good idea to develop the skills for switching between different types of writing and managing separate deadlines. Go back to your school days, when you were studying for exams - how did you split your time back then?
Personally, I like to sit down on a Sunday night and plot out on the calendar which days I will work on articles, how many hours I will dedicate to my writing clients, and how much time I have to spend in my writing world.
Do what works for you, but make sure to strike a balance to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
4. Networking and Relationship Building
Writing might be a solitary activity, but building a writing career (much like raising a child) takes a village!
The relationships you build within the writing community can often determine which opportunities come your way. You’ve got to be ‘in it, to win it’ as they say. So many fabulous opportunities come to light thanks to word of mouth - so being ‘in the loop’ is vital.
But how do you do that?
Build Genuine Connections
Networking isn't about collecting business cards or social media followers; it's about building meaningful connections. It's about building authentic relationships with other writers, editors, agents, and industry professionals. Trust me when I say, in this industry, bulls**t won’t get you very far. The people you surround yourself with ‘people watch’ for a living. They analyse personalities and recreate them on the page. If you are wandering around the events only speaking to those who will ‘further your career’ rather than attempting to make real and true connections, you will be sniffed out faster than a killer at a true crime conference.
Try to offer help before asking for it.
Celebrate others' successes.
Be genuinely interested in people's work.
Straighten the crowns of others before fixing your own - we all know how hard this game is to play, so play it truthfully!
Leverage Social Media Effectively
There are far too many platforms out there, and you could spend your entire day JUST writing social media posts, but that won’t get you far. Instead, choose platforms where your target audience and industry peers are active.
Share valuable content, engage meaningfully with others' posts, and maintain a professional online presence.
Remember: everything you post online is potentially permanent and public, so make sure you don’t post statements you can’t stand 100% behind.
Participate in Writing Communities
You can’t understand the world you are joining, unless you immerse yourself in it!
Join writing organisations, attend conferences, chat on online forums, and maybe even consider a local writing group. These communities provide support as well as valuable learning opportunities.
5. Self-Editing and Revision
Your first draft is only the beginning. Professional writers understand that the real writing is in the rewriting. Over the years, jobbing authors have developed systems to improve their work before it is seen by anyone else. Here are a few tips:
Structural Editing
Learn to evaluate your work's bigger picture, ask yourself:
Does the structure serve the story?
Are arguments logical and well-supported?
Are the twists and ‘beats’ all in the right place
Is the pacing right?
Do the characters' arcs feel authentic? Do they ‘complete’?
It’s important to develop the ability to see your work from a clinical, non-emotional place in order to make significant changes. Doing this now will make working with constructive criticism so much easier later down the road.
Line Editing Techniques
Learning the different stages of editing is so important. Even if you are being traditionally published, you will have to go through multiple rounds with your editor, so learning what is expected at each stage is a good idea. However, mastering it will help you churn through the process quicker.
The line edit is all about mastering the art of making every sentence count.
Learn to eliminate redundant and overused words, improve flow, and ensure clarity.
Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing and rhythm problems and develop an ear for your own voice while maintaining objectivity.
Proofread Systematically
Create a systematic approach to catching errors.
One technique I use with every manuscript is to read backwards for spelling mistakes. What do I mean by that? I start with the LAST page and read line by line. This stops me from getting hung up on the ‘story’ and allows me to only see the grammar and spelling mistakes.
You can consider using tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, but don't rely on them exclusively. The human eye catches more mistakes than software ever will.
6. Adaptability and Resilience
The writing industry is constantly moving. Sometimes at the speed of a glacier forming, other times at the speed of light. Often, unfortunately, there is no in between.
While you are writing, editing, and publishing a novel, new social media platforms will emerge, reader preferences will shift, and technology will change how we consume content. The trick to keeping up is simple: don’t get stuck in a routine, be adaptable, and keep your eyes and ears open… all the time!
Successful writers adapt to change rather than resist it.
Writing for Different Media
The skills that serve you in long-form writing might need adjustment for social media, newsletters, or press articles. I can’t stress enough how important it is to learn to adapt your voice and approach for different platforms while maintaining your authentic voice. Take a look at the article I wrote on ‘writing for press’ - having this in your toolkit will be endlessly helpful.
Understand Your Audience
What works for one audience might fall flat with another. I recommend developing the ability to research and understand different demographics and reading preferences. The writer who can adapt their style and content to different audiences has more opportunities.
Embrace Technology
Stay informed about industry trends and new tools. This includes AI. I know most writers want nothing to do with the latest AI advances, but the truth is, it’s here to stay - the only way you can be safe is to truly understand what it is, how it impacts you, and maybe even determine the ways it might be able to help.
This doesn't mean you have to agree with the ‘changes’ or that you should adopt every new software that is put on the market, but understanding how changes might affect your work and career puts you a step ahead.
In my opinion, the writers who embrace blogging, social media, and digital publishing early often benefit significantly.
7. Resilience and Mental Health
This career you have chosen, let me warn you now… it is filled with rejection. You will need to develop emotional resilience and strong mental health. When I say that this is essential for long-term success, I can not reiterate that strongly enough.
Handling Rejection
Rejection is part of writing. You will have to find a way to separate your worth as a person from your work. Develop systems for processing the feedback you are given, and move forward quickly. Don’t allow critique to paralyse you. I know this sounds easier said than done, but it’s a skill every writer needs to learn.
Critique is Subjective!
Not all criticism is useful, but much of it is. Learn to listen to feedback, but know that if you hear feedback once, it’s an opinion - if you hear the same comment twice, it’s a point to note down - if you hear the same comment more than three times, it’s an issue you need to deal with.
Learn to evaluate feedback objectively, note down valuable insights, but be quick to recognise personal opinion, and remember to discard unhelpful comments. It’s not an easy task, but you will learn to develop a thick skin without becoming defensive - at least, that’s the hope!
Maintain a Work-Life Balance
It’s SO important in this industry to set boundaries between your writing life and personal life. You work for yourself, to your own timescale and rhythm, but irregular schedules can mess with your life balance. Remember to protect your relationships, continue those hobbies that give you moments of peace, and be mindful of your physical health. A burned-out writer won’t produce a best-selling novel, and the only person around to notice your burning out… is you.
Putting It All Together
There are a million other skills you will pick up along the way, but these seven skills work well together to help you create a strong and stable work environment.
You don't need to master all seven straight away - some of these will take work and patience, but try to choose one or two that feel most urgent for where you are in your career right now.
In my opinion, the writers who thrive are those who embrace the full scope of what it means to be a professional writer. Talent alone isn't enough, but talent combined with these skills creates a foundation for long-term success.
Your writing is your art. These skills are your business. Master both, and you'll have everything you need to build the writing career you've always dreamed of.
If you are struggling with any of the skills in this article, know that working alongside a mentor could be a big help. Take a look at the article I wrote about working with a mentor - and if you have any further questions, always feel free to reach out.