Outsourcing as an Indie: How to Find the Right Creative Contractors

I’ve worked with a handful of contractors over the years, from fantasy artists to audiobook narrators to a marketing assistant. Some were amazing. Others… not so much.

On one hand, I went through several artists before I finally found someone who could truly capture my vision and understood that the art was just as important to the story I was telling. On the flip side, I found my audiobook narrator almost instantly. And I’m still working with him to this day. We just clicked. No drama, no do-overs. Magic.

If you’re at the point where you’re thinking about bringing people onto your creative team, here’s what I’ve learned: the pros, the cons, and how to find the right fit before things go sideways.

✍️ Editors

Pros:

• A great editor can elevate your work without changing your voice.

• They catch things you can’t. Plot holes, awkward phrasing, and pacing issues.

• Help you grow as a writer by showing you why something works or doesn’t.

Cons:

• Editing can be expensive (and varies widely in quality).

• Some editors overedit and strip out your unique tone.

• A mismatched editor can make you second guess your own voice.

Tips to Find the Right Fit:

• Ask for a sample edit.

• Check their genre experience. Fantasy editing is its own beast.

• Read their feedback style. Some editors are blunt, some are nurturing, some are dry and technical. Pick the tone that motivates you, not one that shuts you down.

🎙️ Audiobook Narrators

Pros:

• Bring your characters to life in a whole new way.

• Reach a new market of audio-focused readers.

• Professional narrators can elevate your story with pacing, tone, and character distinction.

Cons:

• It’s a big investment (time and money).

• A bad narrator can harm your book’s reception.

• Voice is personal. What sounds amazing to one person might feel off to you.

Tips to Find the Right Fit:

• Always ask for samples from your book.

• Communicate clearly about tone, accents, pacing, and emotional delivery.

• Make sure they’re comfortable with your genre (especially fantasy terms or made-up languages).

• Consider a contract if you are writing a series.

  
  

🎨 Fantasy Artists

Pros:

• Custom art brings your world to life visually.

• Great for covers, promo art, merch, or fan engagement.

• A strong piece can boost your brand.

Cons:

• Turnaround time can vary drastically.

• High-quality art is worth paying for, but it’s not cheap.

• Miscommunication can lead to revisions or missed expectations.

Tips to Find the Right Fit:

• Check portfolios and past client reviews.

• Be clear about usage rights (merch, marketing, exclusivity).

• Share visual references and be upfront about your timeline and budget.

• Respect their creative process. Collaborate, don’t micromanage.

  
  

📈 Marketing Assistants

Pros:

• Help you stay consistent on social media, newsletters, ad management, etc.

• Free up your time to focus on what you do best: Creating.

• Can offer outside perspective on what’s working (or not).

Cons:

• Not all marketing assistants understand book marketing specifically.

• It can take time to onboard someone to your voice and brand.

• If communication isn’t clear, your audience might feel the disconnect.

Tips to Find the Right Fit:

• Look for people with book world experience, especially indie publishing.

• Ask for a trial period or a small project first.

• Be prepared to provide brand guidelines and tone samples.

• Set expectations for frequency, feedback, and deliverables.

  
  

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that building the right creative team takes time, trust, and a lot of trial and error. You won’t get it right every time, and that’s okay. Every misstep teaches you something about what you value, what you need, and what you won’t compromise on again.

I’ve worked with people who let me down and people who brought my work to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’ve learned when to hold on and when to walk away. And most importantly, I’ve learned that I don’t have to do it all alone, but I do have to protect my creative space.

That said, sometimes the best help isn’t outsourced, it’s a family member who proofreads your blurb, a friend who mans your table at a con, or a coworker who talks you off a ledge when you feel overwhelmed. You don’t always have to hire someone. You just need support you can trust, and that can come in many forms.

So if you’re searching for your team, keep going. Set clear expectations. Honor your boundaries. Trust your gut. The right people are out there, the ones who respect your vision, lift you up, and walk beside you, not over you.

Your stories deserve that kind of support. And so do you.