Need a Virtual Assistant for Your Book?
Here are two groups of freelancers who can help with your book and/or your business. I can recommend both groups from personal experience. These are some of the support services each offers.
Virtual Assistants (VAs)
* Accounting / Bookkeeping
* Administrative / Office Services
* Audio / Video Tape Transcription
* Computer Repair / Network Support
* Computer Software Training / Questions
* Database Design / Troubleshooting
* Editing, Indexing / Document Support
* Graphic Design / Publishing
* Internet Marketing and Social Media Marketing
* PowerPoint Design / Production
* Project / Office Management
* Sales / Marketing Support
* Video / Multimedia Production
* Website Development and Design / Search Engine Optimization
For more information on virtual assistants, see PASS’ (Professional Association of Support Services) web site. [You might find similar groups in your area by searching for “business support services” and looking at Google’s local search feature.]
Virtual Author’s Assistants (VAAs)
Manuscript Creation Services
• Inventory and organize the author’s source documents
• Research the target reader
• Fact check information in the book
• Get permission to use the work of others, including quotes and interviews
• Coordinate professional peer and target reader reviews
• Research potential publishers and submit a book proposal
• Do a competitive analysis for the book proposal
• Prepare the manuscript to submit to the publisher
Book and eBook Publishing Services
• Coordinate the self publishing process
• Coordinate testimonial requests
• Organize the information for the book cover
• Get the International Standard Book Numbers
• Get a bar code for the printed book
• Prepare the information to create the book interior
• Get the Library Cataloging information for a book
• Prepare an eBook
• Work with Lightning Source
• Work with publishers
• Review the printer’s proof
• Get retail distribution and sell to bookstores
• Get the copyright registered
Book Marketing Services
• Coordinate book marketing activities (including the marketing plan and publication date)
• Get industry book reviews
• Help the author prepare a media list
• Coordinate development of the author web site (includes social networking, blogging)
• Coordinate the author’s media kit and article submissions
• Help maximize the book’s Amazon web page
• Coordinate an author video
• Create a virtual book tour
• Organize a live book event (speaking engagements, book launch party)
• Launch an Amazon best seller campaign
• Enter book awards competitions
• Assist with sponsors and high volume sales
For more information, see Jan B. King’s site http://www.authorsassistants.com. (As far as I know, this is the only certified program in existence for book-author assistants. )
