The Hidden Skills That Make You More Marketable as a Writer

The most successful writers bring more than just talent. Learn what clients, publishers, and agents really want and how to position yourself as their top choice.

A lot of writers think their portfolio, clips, or pitches are what makes them valuable.

That’s only part of the equation.

The writers who get the best opportunities—whether with clients, publishers, or agents—bring more than just strong writing. They have in-demand skills that make them easier to work with, more valuable, and ultimately, the obvious choice.

Some of the most overlooked skills are collaboration and communication. (Let’s be honest: These don’t always come naturally to writers. Ask me how I know.)

Nearly 50% of remote job listings mention teamwork as a requirement. This is particularly true in writing. Why? Because even if you work solo, you’re never truly alone.

Editors, marketers, designers, and other stakeholders need clear, professional communication. You'll quickly become a favourite if you can handle feedback without drama, navigate time zones like a pro, and keep projects moving without being micromanaged.

Want to stand out? Master tools like Trello, Asana, and Notion. These make you look like a pro in collaborative environments—and being easy to work with is often just as valuable as being talented.

🔒 Full Subscribers: Let’s go deeper into four more high-value skills—research, data literacy, sales, and customer experience—that will make you a must-hire for clients and publishers. Plus, you’ll find tips and tools to build and showcase them.