When should I think about subcontracting my work to other blog ghostwriters?
You know, managing a team, like I do in my day job, teaches you a lot about capacity. There's a point where trying to do everything yourself doesn't just slow things down; it actually stops you from doing the important stuff well.
It’s like trying to personally answer every single email when you should be focused on the bigger strategy – eventually, something has to give.
I see a similar thing happening with fellow writers, especially ghostwriters juggling multiple clients. You're good at what you do, helping businesses find their voice. But what happens when you're too successful? When the workload piles up?
Subcontracting some of that work might feel like admitting defeat, but trust me, it can be one of the smartest moves you make for your business and your sanity. Let's break down when and how to think about it, straight up.
Is Your Plate Too Full? Signs You Might Need Help
Drowning in Deadlines?
Are you constantly working late, weekends blurring into weekdays, just to keep up? I've been there, feeling like you're always chasing the clock. If that feeling is becoming your normal, it's not sustainable.
It's a clear sign that the demand for your skills has outgrown the hours you can physically work. It’s a good problem, maybe, but still a problem you need to solve.
Is the Quality Slipping?
This one's tough to admit, but honesty is key. When you're rushing, are you cutting corners? Maybe the research isn't as deep, the editing isn't as sharp, or you're just not quite capturing that client's voice like you used to. Your reputation is built on quality.
If overload is threatening that, it's a serious red flag. It’s not just about the words; it’s the research, the SEO know-how, the fact-checking – all the things clients rely on you for.
Saying No to Good Work?
Are you turning down projects you genuinely want (and that pay well) simply because you don't have the bandwidth? Every 'no' is lost income and a potentially missed opportunity to build a great client relationship.
If this happens often, you're hitting a ceiling that subcontracting could help you break through.
No Time Left to Learn?
Are you so busy doing the work that you have no time left to improve your skills or explore new services? Maybe you want to get better at SEO strategy, dive into a specific niche, or learn how to leverage AI tools ethically in your own workflow.
If the day-to-day grind leaves no room for growth, outsourcing routine tasks can free up that essential time.
What Should You Hand Off? Thinking Smart About Delegation
Okay, so you're thinking about it. But what do you actually give someone else to do? Not everything makes sense to outsource. I always think about it like this:
- Stuff only you can do: This is your secret sauce – your unique strategic insights, your deep understanding of a long-term client, the final polish that makes it yours. Keep this close.
- Stuff you can delegate: These are tasks that are necessary but maybe time-consuming or not your absolute favorite.
- Stuff for specialists: Maybe you need advanced SEO help or graphic design – things outside your core writing skill set.
Based on my experience, here are some good candidates for subcontracting to another trusted writer:
- The Legwork (Research): Digging up stats, finding sources, background reading – this stuff eats time but can often be done by someone else if you give clear instructions. I know writers who have dedicated researchers just for this.
- The First Pass (Drafting): Especially for topics or clients you know well, could you provide a solid outline and have someone else write the first draft? You still come in to shape it, add your expertise, and ensure quality, but it saves a chunk of time.
- Regular Gigs: Got a client you've worked with forever? Once you've nailed their voice and needs, their regular blog posts might be easier to delegate because the guidelines are clear.
- The Admin Bits: Formatting, basic proofreading, checking citations – these smaller tasks add up. Handing them off frees you up for the heavy lifting of writing and strategy.
Does it Make Financial Sense?
Here's a simple rule I learned early on: If you earn, say, $50 an hour for your core writing and strategic work, does it make sense to pay someone $25 an hour to handle tasks that free you up to do more of that $50/hour work?
Usually, the math works out. Don't just think about the cost; think about the value of your freed-up time.
How to Make Subcontracting Work (Without Losing Your Mind)
Bringing other writers into your process requires trust and clear communication. It’s like building a reliable team.
Finding Good People
- Don't put all your eggs in one basket: Never rely on just one subcontractor. People get sick, take vacations, or move on. Have a small pool of vetted writers you can call on.
- Test them out: Before you hand over a major client project, give candidates a small, paid test assignment. See how they write, if they follow instructions, meet deadlines, and how easy they are to work with.
- Look for genuine interest: If you're posting for help, ignore the generic copy-paste applications. Look for people who actually read your requirements and wrote a personalized response. It shows they pay attention.
Getting Agreements Clear
This is non-negotiable. You need simple, clear agreements. No need for fancy legal jargon, just the basics:
- The Deal: What's the scope of work? What are the deadlines? How much and when do they get paid? What's the process for revisions?
- Who Owns It: Make it crystal clear that you own the final work they produce for you. This is crucial so you can legally pass those rights to your client.
- Keeping Quiet: Ghostwriting is built on confidentiality. Your subcontractors need to agree to keep client information private (an NDA – Non-Disclosure Agreement). It protects you and your client.
Keeping Quality High
Your name is still attached to the final product, even if someone else helped draft it.
- Check in early: Don't wait until the deadline. Ask for updates early to make sure they're on the right track and understand the task.
- Be super clear with instructions: If a task seems hard to delegate, it probably means your instructions aren't clear enough. Writing a detailed brief forces you to get specific about what's needed.
- Start small: Don't hand over your biggest client on day one. Delegate smaller pieces of projects first and build trust gradually.
A Few More Things to Chew On
Telling Your Clients
This is a tricky one. Do you tell your clients you're using subcontractors? My take? Transparency is generally best, but how you frame it matters. You don't necessarily need to give names or resumes.
You can explain that you have a trusted team or network you work with to ensure quality and meet deadlines, especially for larger projects. Lots of agencies and even professionals like lawyers do this (they just call them 'colleagues' or 'associates').
The key is that you remain the main point of contact and are ultimately responsible for the quality.
Growing Your Business vs. Just Writing
Subcontracting opens a door. Do you want to step through it and become more of a writing manager, overseeing other writers and building a bigger operation?
Or do you prefer staying hands-on, using subcontractors just to manage overflow so you can focus purely on the writing craft? There's no right answer, but it's something to think about. It changes your role.
The Money Side
Subcontracting isn't free help. You need to factor it in:
- Pricing: Make sure your client rates have enough margin to pay your subcontractors fairly while still leaving a profit for you.
- Your Time: Don't forget to account for the time you'll spend finding writers, briefing them, managing them, and reviewing/editing their work.
- Start Small (Again): If you're nervous about the financial side, test it with one small project first. See how it feels and how the numbers work out before scaling up.
Wrapping It Up: Subcontracting as a Tool, Not a Crutch
Look, deciding to subcontract isn't about admitting you can't handle things. It’s about making a strategic choice to grow your business smartly. Think of it like upgrading your gear when you take on a bigger challenge – whether it's getting a better motorcycle for longer trips or investing in better tools for your workshop.
When you're constantly overloaded, when quality is at risk, when you're missing good opportunities, or when you feel stuck and can't grow – that's when subcontracting becomes a powerful tool.
It requires effort to set up right – finding good people, being clear, maintaining quality. But when you approach it thoughtfully, it’s not about dumping work; it’s about freeing yourself up to focus on your highest value contributions – the strategy, the client relationships, the unique insights that you bring.
It's about making the best use of your time and skills, especially now when showing your unique human value is more important than ever.