As writers, we know that writing well matters. But as a writer in 2025, it’s no longer enough. Gone are the days when we could sit behind a screen, tap out a few thousand words, and get paid with little need for collaboration or communication. The skills of a good writer cover both hard and soft skills.

Whether you’re freelancing, ghostwriting, publishing novels, or building a personal brand online, the way you work is just as important as what you write. What I’m talking about are soft skills. In the writing world, soft skills refer to personal and interpersonal abilities that complement a writer’s technical or creative writing skills. These skills are about how you work with others, under deadlines, or within a project’s larger context.

Before transitioning into the writing world, I worked as an administrative assistant, a role that taught me firsthand the value of time management, emotional intelligence, and clear communication. Working closely with both teams and the public equipped me with the soft skills I now rely on every day as a writer.

Soft Skills Good Writers Should Actively Cultivate

In short, just as we strive to master the skills of writing well, here are five soft skills every modern writer should actively cultivate, not just to survive, but to thrive.

Communication: Write for Humans, Not Just Algorithms

As writers, we all know the importance of being clear in what we say on the page, but what about off the page? While some clients may be laser-focused on SEO or content metrics, clarity in communication still reigns, both in your writing and in your professional interactions. Whether sending a pitch, asking for feedback, or clarifying a vague brief, effectual communication is necessary.

Effective communication means:

• Expressing ideas clearly
• Actively listening
• Adapting your tone for different audiences

Consider this scenario: A freelance writer receives a client brief that simply says, “Make it fun and punchy.” Okay—but what does that actually mean? The instructions are subjective. A less experienced writer might take a wild guess and deliver something too casual, too edgy, or just off-brand.

A more communicative writer, on the other hand, would ask: “Can you share an example of a tone you like?” or “What does ‘punchy’ mean in your brand’s voice?”

I learned this lesson the hard way when ghostwriting an Amish romance. I was happy with the draft. I spoke with some ex-Amish for research and crafted what I thought was an authentic story. But the entire premise was rejected. According to the client, “the Amish would never do that.” If I’d asked a small clarifying question early on, I could have saved weeks of rewrites and built more trust in the process.

Emotional Intelligence: Navigating Feedback and Self-Doubt

Rejection, revision requests, and low engagement on something you loved writing can bruise your ego. That’s where emotional intelligence (EI) steps in. (And let me encourage you, the longer you write, the better you become at handling this.)

EI helps you process criticism without spiraling. It gives you the space between receiving tough feedback and reacting defensively. It helps you distinguish between a poorly worded review and a helpful insight. Most of all, it keeps you from giving up when self-doubt creeps in.

I’m not immune to the blow negative feedback can deliver, but I’ve learned to set it aside for at least a day before responding. I let the initial emotions settle and remind myself that feedback is often subjective. It can sting, but it’s rarely personal, and if it is a review, I don’t have to respond at all.

When that sting hits, try this:

• Pause
• Breathe
• Ask yourself: Is there one thing I can learn from this?

Often, once the hurt feelings fade, your mindset shifts, and what felt like a bruise to your ego becomes a breakthrough in your craft.

Adaptability: Keeping Up with Tools, Trends, and Expectations

Today’s writing landscape is fluid. What worked two years ago might flop now. Audiences change. SEO algorithms change. Formats change. And yes, AI is changing the game, too.

Writers who dig in their heels with a “this is how I’ve always done it” mindset risk becoming obsolete. But writers who stay curious, open to learning new tools (like AI editing assistants or content planning software), and willing to shift mediums from blogging to newsletters, from long-form to short-form, are the ones who thrive.

This doesn’t mean compromising your creative integrity. It means understanding how to evolve without losing your voice. One writer I know started in blogging, shifted to branded storytelling, and now scripts immersive podcast experiences. Same core voice, new medium. That’s adaptability in action.

Time Management & Self-Motivation: The Invisible Discipline

Being a writer often means being your own boss. That freedom? It’s a double-edged sword.

Without strong self-management skills, your writing dreams quickly drown in procrastination, burnout, or chaos. That’s why it’s essential to:

• Set boundaries around your time and energy
• Create daily or weekly writing (and promotional) rituals
• Use tools like time-blocking, Pomodoro timers, or apps that lock you out of social media temporarily: Freedom, Cold Turkey Blocker, Session (a combination Pomodoro timer and distraction blocker), PawBlock for distraction blocking with cute animal pictures

Remember that you just need a repeatable system that helps you consistently show up.

Collaboration & Client Empathy: Writing is a Team Sport

Even solo writers rarely work entirely alone. Editors, clients, publishers, designers, marketers; they’re all part of the process.

Successful writers know how to listen, ask clarifying questions, and see their work from someone else’s point of view. This empathy leads to better results and fewer ego clashes.

Ask yourself: What does success look like for this client or partner? Not just “what do I want to create?” That small shift can lead to long-term relationships, better testimonials, and repeat work.

Contrast that with the transactional writer who delivers work without conversation and vanishes. One builds a career. The other just finishes gigs. Because in the end, great writing isn’t just about what you put on the page. It’s about who you become as you create it.