It’s one thing to be a talented author, but it’s a whole other ballgame to be an authorpreneur. And let me tell you, it’s an exciting, challenging, and rewarding journey! To help you become the best version of your authorpreneur self, today we’re talking about key leadership skills every authorpreneur absolutely must have.
1. Emotional Intelligence
First things first, let’s chat about emotional intelligence, or EQ for short. This isn’t some fluffy buzzword. Nope, it’s the real deal! Being in tune with your emotions and understanding those of others can truly make or break your career.
2. Visionary Thinking
Secondly, you’ve got to have a vision. Know where you want your authoring business to go. And don’t just dream about it—plan for it. Put those ideas down on paper and turn them into action steps.
3. Communication Skills
We’re writers, folks! Communication is our jam! But this doesn’t just apply to the written word. Whether it’s talking to a book editor or pitching to a literary agent, solid communication is key.
4. Adaptability
In the publishing world, change is the only constant. E-books, audiobooks, new platforms—things are always evolving. Adaptability isn’t just a skill; it’s a necessity. So embrace change and make it work for you.
5. Time Management
Deadlines aren’t just for your publishing house. Managing your writing, marketing, and all the other tasks of being an authorpreneur requires strong time management. Make to-do lists your best friend!
6. Decision-Making
You’re the boss of your own brand. This means you’ll be making decisions. A lot of them. Don’t shy away from this. Instead, cultivate a strong decision-making ability.
7. Team Building
Even if you’re a solo show, you’re part of a bigger ecosystem. That could be your relationship with your readers, editors, or anyone who contributes to your authoring business. Building a strong team, even a virtual one, is crucial.
8. Resilience
This is the publishing world, baby! Rejection is part of the game. How you bounce back from setbacks defines you. So be resilient. Dust yourself off and keep pushing forward.
9. Financial Acumen
Listen, you don’t need to be a Wall Street whiz, but you do need a solid understanding of finances. Budgets, marketing spends, royalties—knowing the numbers is non-negotiable.
10. Self-Care
Last but not least, don’t forget about YOU. Managing stress, maintaining a work-life balance, and self-care are equally important leadership skills.
So there you have it! Equip yourselves with these leadership skills and watch how they transform your authorpreneur journey!
Download my free worksheet to assess your own leadership skills!