A Virtual Author Assistant (VAA) is an independent business owner who works on a contract basis assisting authors, writers, and publishers with a variety of tasks that may include any combination of the following:

• Coordinating book publishing projects.
• Proofreading, editing, and copy writing.
• Marketing and publicity tasks, such as researching and sending out podcast pitches.
• Submitting applications for speaking opportunities.
• Managing social media, blog content, and email newsletters.
• Designing graphics, slides, and social media headers.
• Arranging appointments, interviews, travel, and other administrative tasks.

VAA services are typically retained for a set number of hours, ranging from five to thirty hours per week. VAAs are independent contractors, not employees of the author, writer, or publisher.

An author, writer, or publisher can retain the services of a VAA and mutually agree upon the scope of services detailing the number of hours retained each week or month and pay rate. The two parties typically sign a simple independent contractor agreement.

The hiring author, writer, or publisher should issue a 1099 to the VAA at the end of the tax year. (Speak with your tax professional for details.) You should also follow local guidelines where you live to apply for a business license.

Certification programs are currently available for Book Publishing, Book Marketing, and Book Publicity. These self-study programs include brief quizzes which you can complete as many times as needed. Certification is achieved once you pass all quizzes with a score of 80% or higher. Most students pass them on the first try. 

Our robust certification programs include the following benefits:

• A listing in the Recommended Resources section of the Nonfiction Authors Association site where writers seek to connect with VAAs. Listing is valid for two years.
• Request for Proposal (RFP) notifications when authors submit interest in hiring a VAA.
• Course video recordings (six each, averaging 90 minutes each), slides, worksheets, and bonus handouts.
• Templates you can use with clients in your own business.
• Certification logo and social media assets you can share.
• Announcement of your certification through the Nonfiction Authors Association blog, social media, and newsletter, reaching tens of thousands of authors.
• Community access with weekly Zoom meetings and a private Facebook group where you can ask questions, get answers, and connect with fellow professionals.

Courses are pre-recorded so you can begin at any time. Certification must be completed within one year of course registration. 

Yes, courses are available without certification for those who want to take the course only. When you take a course, you have the option to add certification within a year if you so choose. Contact us to request course-only access. 

Absolutely. You can opt to pay in full, pay quarterly, or pay monthly. Payment options are listed within the shopping cart once you choose a course to purchase. 

Virtual Author Assistants typically charge by the hour at rates ranging from $15 to $75 per hour, depending on experience. Many VAAs set monthly retainers with clients for as few as 5 hours per month or as many as 30 hours per week. 

As a VAA, you are an independent contractor and business owner. This means you are responsible for paying your own taxes, filing for necessary business licenses, and setting up business banking. We recommend speaking with a tax professional where you live to get proper advice for getting started. 

You can offer your services to anyone you like! While our programs are focused on serving nonfiction writers, the materials are relevant to fiction writers, children’s book writers, consultants, professional speakers, online influencers, and many other types of professionals.

We cannot make any guarantees about whether or not you generate new business as a result of this program. However, we host a community of writers who are eagerly seeking these services.

The Author Assistants Academy was inspired by the need to connect our nonfiction author community with virtual assistants who are specially trained to help authors publish and promote their books. We believe it is quite likely you will grow your business as a result of these programs and that your investment in the training will pay for itself many times over.

As you become part of our community, you will also receive support and guidance on how to expand your reach, plus there will be opportunities to connect with authors seeking your services.

Yes! If you’re ready to dive in to all three courses–Book Publishing, Book Marketing, and Book Marketing Master Courses–including certification, you can purchase the 3-course bundle at a discounted rate here.