I think I decided on what I would really like to niche in (isn't it funny, how everything seems to start falling into place at least in your head). One of the things I think I'd really like to do is Author Assistance because I love to write and read (not that I'm that great at the former...lol) and would love to learn more about the industry as a whole. And, my first VA job (even though I didn't realize what I was actually doing) is assisting a woman with her Grandmother's memoirs and I'm having a blast doing it. Anyhow, I just did a search on Author Assistants to see what it all entales and came across a very interesting article titled: "The Author's Assistiant.; New Occupation Open to Intelligent Women in New York", published in the New York Times on June 5, 1904. So, I guess this industry (or, at least, similar forerunners) has been around a bit longer than we realized...lol

Here's the link if your interested... http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstrac...609C946597D6CF

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase

Stephanie, it's clear you're going to have no problem getting work! If you're interested in Author Assistance, check out AuthorSmart.com. They have a course you can take that puts you in front of many people seeking assistants, so it could be a worthwhile investment. I've been tempted to do it myself, but don't have the bucks yet ...
But even if you don't take their course, you can get their newsletters and telecasts for free and it's a pretty cool resource all 'round.
PS - You write very well. No need to make excuses!

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

Stephanie that sounds like a wonderful niche.

Thanks for the encouragement. I have checked out Author Smart and have attended one of their webinars (thanks to whoever suggested it). I would definitely like to take the course when I have the dough. Right now, I'm trying to figure out what I have to offer authors right away and then I can build on that. I'd also like to niche in accounting, either as an accountant's assistant or a bookeeper and non-profits, but I think all three may mesh very nicely together and they satisfy all of my personal needs....Non-profit work satisfies my social awareness (I work for a non-profit now that supports WV artists and love the sense of community that comes along with it), accounting satisfies the process/statistics side of me (my background is in quality assurance and I am Six Sigma Certified...and numbers don't lie. I love that), and author assistance satisfies the creative side of me (as mentioned, I love reading and writing and would find it thrilling to be a part of that world).

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase

Wow, quite a range of talents, Stephanie! Maybe the best thing about owning your own business is indeed finding the perfect synch of all your skills and interests.

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

Great resource! I was a author's assistnat for a few months and this course would have really helped me. Thanks I just might sign up for June.

Asthemoonclimbs - thanks for the info on AuthorSmart.com. I have been looking for a way to work with authors and wasn't sure how to go about it. I looked at the site and the course description (they offer so many different courses) and will be taking the author's assistant course hopefully in June. I'm excited just thinking about it.

The Author's Assistant course does sound very interesting indeed. As many professionals are now learning the value of educational marketing, they are coming to the conclusion they should write on their subject, even if they've never done this before. So I think many could benefit from this course. Very cool.

Hello,

By chance, Jan King, AuthorSmart.com - Author Assistant program trainer, is one of our featured speakers at the upcoming OIVAC. In addition, author assistants will sit in on the session too, and you will be able to ask questions regarding the program during her session, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 5 p.m. EDT. If unable to attend "live", the recording will be available the following week for your listening enjoyment.

In addition, seminar attendees will receive a $50.00 discount on Author Assistant June session enrollment fees.

PLUS: There are 37 other presentations, covering various technology, communication, and business-building topics of interest.

Take advantage of convention packages:
* 1 seminar - $25
* 3 seminars - $60
* 5 seminars - $100
* Entire Convention - $350

You can pick and choose based on your interests and pocketbook -- and never have to leave the comforts of home or your computer.

For more details and to register, please visit the OIVAC Web site.

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Sharon Williams
The 24 Hour Secretary
The "I Needed It Yesterday" Company

My niche is working with attorneys. However, I work for whomever needs me but I concentrate on attorneys with my ads.

Cindy Freland
Maryland Secretarial Services, Inc.
www.webmss.com
"We meet your deadlines...not ours!"

I am actually moving into this area and adding book promotion and marketing services for Authors.

I believe this will be a great addition to my family of services.

Great discussion.

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Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com

Has anyone taken the course by Jan B. King on becoming an author's assistant? If so, your thoughts. It sounds like something I would really enjoy, but money is a little tight right now. However, if the course is worth it, I will try my best to come up with it. Any information on this niche would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.