[Part of this information taken from the Virtual Author’s Assistant Program.]
Yes, most of us would like to think we are superhuman when, in reality, deep down we know we aren’t! Shocking, I know…
Authors can’t do it alone:
- Your focus is WRITING
- Our focus is organizing the process
Special Training & Expertise:
- We understand the methods/industry/technology
- We have industry resources and connections
Collaborative Synergy:
- You/We win with excellent communication skills
- We provide guidance and encouragement
Guiding You Each Step of the Way
We help you #WriteYourWay by providing worry-free writing. Your attention should be concentrating on the characters, the plot, and the flow. We organize all the tasks surrounding the successful completion, publishing, and marketing of a book. All successful authors have an author’s assistant, and first-time authors can have one too – virtually!
Below are the four biggest reasons an author’s assistant is an essential member of the author’s success team:
- There is too much work for one person. So many new or aspiring authors have day jobs and this is what they must do until their writing pays the rent. Until an author can clone him or herself, he or she must rely on others to help carry the load.
- An author’s assistant has special expertise. From preparing a manuscript to writing a book proposal to coordinating the self-publishing process to running a virtual book tour or an Amazon best seller campaign, an author’s assistant can do this and much more.
- The cost is greater when you do it yourself. There is a high learning curve for anyone who has never made the publishing journey. Whether the author is paid $70 an hour or $270 an hour as a coach, therapist, attorney, or entrepreneur, the author’s assistant is a tremendous value at a much lower per-hour cost. With an author’s assistant the author has the freedom to concentrate on those things only the author can do, especially writing the best book he or she can. Expect to pay from $30 to $60 an hour (and it goes higher with greater expertise) for a qualified virtual assistant.
- Synergy and collaboration. An author’s assistant is there to help you take each step so precious little time goes by between your writing and preparation for publishing and marketing. If you set the date, the author’s assistant will be there with support and encouragement to help you make it happen.
Most people who start working with a virtual assistant are hooked. One of the keys to success is to have clarity about the tasks you need completed and the payment arrangements – and then put them in a contract. Another key is to find someone with demonstrated training and experience since the first-time author may be in the dark about what tasks are actually needed.
Take it from the established successful authors, don’t go it alone. Find the support you need and you will be well on your way to publishing success.
If you have questions about the manuscript process, the traditional or self-publishing process, or where, what, when, or how to market after publishing, ask us and we’ll be glad to help.
Until next time,
Colleen
M. Colleen Wietmarschen (MCW)
Very impressed by your credentials. I always say I don’t have a book in me but I do have many stories to share, so who knows whats next.
Roslyn, I’ve learned that everyone has a story in them! However, if you have lots of stories to tell you could put them all together in a short story book! Like you said, “Who knows what’s next!”
This is a great category of assistants for burgeoning authors. As a writer and an author, I did enlist help from the most amazing editor, as well as my designer friend for my book cover, interior and website. There is definitely a lot of work to do to build your author presence and even two years after my book has been released, I am still building my email list and promoting my message. Thanks for the insight into the world you are doing in the world M. Colleen. Very helpful info to consider.
Thanks Beverley. I’m looking forward to this new venture and helping authors in whatever aspect needed – manuscript creation, publishing, marketing or all!