Hi All, Not sure which was the correct section to start this under, so thought I'd try here. Sorry if it's the wrong spot.

I think I would like to research having a niche as an Author's Assistant. I have a client who has previously published a book and will be compiling the work I am currently doing into a new one. Obviously I would love to be the one she turns to when she goes ahead with the project.

I am thinking that there is obviously more to being an Author's Assistant than just typing what she dictates, such as formatting, marking up edits, how to publish either as an ebook or print, contacts, sites etc. So, I have turned to this forum in the hope that there will be some advice on what skills are necessary and suggestions on where I could learn more. I've found a couple of courses online but they are either directed at the authors or are very expensive (or both!). I would really like to be proactive with this client and be able to offer the service with confidence, so any help would be very much appreciated.

Cheers and thanks in advance,
Marie

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Marie Chandler - your virtual assistant
www.officesupportonline.com.au

Marie - There used to be a site called AuthorSmart, which trained VAs to be author assistants, but I think it's gone out of biz. I just quickly Googled 'author's assistants' and saw a few items that might be helpful to you. In addition to what you're already doing for your client, the other part of assisting is marketing, coordinating launches and PR, that type of thing.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Hi Marie,

I am a graduate of Author Smart's Professional Author's Assistant training program. It has since moved to http://the-publishing-store.homestea...ssistants.html.

Led by Jan King, a former publisher with a great deal of experience in the field, it is one of the best training programs I've taken as a VA (and believe me, I've taken a TON ) The course covered everything from helping the author organize their book, providing research, the publishing process, as well as successfully marketing a book through a multitude of channels.

I recommend it highly. Tell Jan, Pam Ivey sent you!

Cheers,
Pam

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Pam Ivey, Cert SBM,PREA,PREVA,CRESS,CMP
Virtual Assistant Training Academy: Training for Virtual Business Success!

Authorsmart has merged with Write Well University. You can find the info about it here.

I have never taken any of the classes, but I know Dawn through AssistU, so I'm confident the classes are still excellent. :-)

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Blessings,
Carol

Thanks ladies -looks like I have plenty of research to do! I might try things out by subscribing to some newsletters and reading blogs. The course is about US$497, which of course is more for me being an Aussie. I suppose it will be a matter of prioritising what I want to do and can afford and convincing the client she needs me.

Thanks again for the places to look.

Cheers,
Marie

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Marie Chandler - your virtual assistant
www.officesupportonline.com.au

Thanks for the link for this! This is just what I want to do, so hopefully it'll be worth the cost.

I know a VA that has begun doing this for one of her clients. Thanks for the link; I will make sure she has it.

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Anjanette
Precise Assistance

Originally Posted by PamIvey

Hi Marie, I am a graduate of Author Smart's Professional Author's Assistant training program. It has since moved to http://the-publishing-store.homestea...ssistants.html. Led by Jan King, a former publisher with a great deal of experience in the field, it is one of the best training programs I've taken as a VA (and believe me, I've taken a TON ) The course covered everything from helping the author organize their book, providing research, the publishing process, as well as successfully marketing a book through a multitude of channels. I recommend it highly. Tell Jan, Pam Ivey sent you! Cheers, Pam

I checked that out ... Sounds great, but it is so expensive. Does anyone know of something Very Affordable for someone with little money right now??

Thanks so much.

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Bobbi Hunter
http://www.huntervaservices.com

Thank you ladies for the informative links, as a new VA I didn't know there was so much training out there to further current skills.

Best of Luck!

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Your Virtual Assistant--Bilingual
www.AssistantOffice.com

This sounds like such an exciting niche (I'm thinking Nora Roberts and people like that..lol). I've made a note to check in to expanding in to this after I'm established.

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Donna

Ouch! The price seems a little steep for me at the moment...but I might have to see if i can swing it.

Does anyone know if this certification carries any weight, or if the material justifies the price?

I'm all for spending money to learn important info but leery of scammers who simply make money by telling others how to make money.

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Marty
AuthorShield - your defense against the chaos