Episode 167 / Is it time to hire an author assistant? Jenna Lee answers our questions about outsourcing, work/life balance, NDAs, and so much more. ? ? Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportHighlights:Jenna’s background as an author and how it helps her as an author assistantHow to know when to outsourceHow to decide what tasks to outsourceHow to interview of an assistantTips for giving feedback to a team memberDealing with fear of handing off tasks to someone elseTips for an author to build a team to support themKey things to look out for when outsourcingCommonalities in writers who have been successful over the long haulTimestamps:[00:10:25] Jenna Lee is an author and owner of The Daring Press. She started off as an author and had success with their first book, a reverse harem paranormal romance.[00:16:51] To get support for your author business, make a list of tasks and identify what you love and dislike doing. Outsource tasks you dislike, and create a job application for the person you need, considering their personality and strengths. Conduct a video interview to ensure they are the right fit.[00:20:55] Set up processes and systems before bringing in a new team member to ensure a smooth start; trial period of the first month involves establishing communication, apps, and tasks; regularly check in to ensure the person is doing a satisfactory job.[00:23:57] Focus on one thing at a time for success rather than overwhelming yourself with multiple “shoulds.”[00:28:53] Managing workload to avoid burnout and mistakes when hiring help for your author business. [00:35:49] Meeting on Zoom is important to assess fit and skills. Ask thought-provoking questions and consider sample tasks.[00:41:10] Setting work hours and communication boundaries with clients and team members to manage expectations and avoid emergencies in non-life-saving industries.Links:Daring Press: www.thedaringpress.comJenna Lee’s books https://jennalee.biz/product-category/books/Morgana Best’s class on Building a Shopify Store: (Affiliate Link) https://best-business-for-authors.teachable.com/p/authors-selling-on-shopify?affcode=1328780_rjjijgktEpisode 20: How to Find and Work with an Author Assistant with Adriel Wiggins: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/how-to-find-and-work-with-an-author-assistant-with-adriel-wiggins/Episode 37: Zara Keane on Nurturing Your Newsletter https://wishidknownforwriters.com/zara-keane-on-nurturing-your-newsletter/More links: The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcastJami’s Launch Plan Support the show