How a Virtual Assistant Helps with Book Marketing

With all the things to do to market your book, you may decide to outsource some of those tasks and projects.

That’s why I invited my friend, Alyssa Avant, on to the Book Marketing Mania podcast. Alyssa is an incredible Virtual Assistant (VA) herself and she trains and coaches new VAs. She's also the host of the The Virtual Assistant Advantage podcast and the founder of the Christian VA Matchmaking Directory.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What a Virtual Assistant (VA) is and the types of book marketing tasks they can help you with
• What you can expect to pay a VA (as of this 2021` recording)
• How Alyssa's Christian VA Matchmaking Directory can match you with a VA
• What to have in place before contracting with a VA
• What tools to use to communicate with a VA
• How to become a VA and using Alyssa's directory to find author clients

What is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?

A Virtual Assistant is someone who works remotely to support your business. According to Alyssa, “A VA encompasses many different tasks under one big umbrella.” They can perform a variety of specialized roles, from general administrative work to more specialized tasks like graphic design, web development, and, most importantly, book marketing.

As the VA world has evolved, so has the specialization within it. Alyssa explains that VAs often niche themselves based on the type of clients they work with, like authors! This specialization allows VAs to become experts in their specific fields, providing more tailored and effective services.

Book Marketing Tasks for VAs

When it comes to book marketing, a VA can be an invaluable member of your team. Here are some ways they can support you:

– Research: Identifying opportunities for guest blogging, podcast appearances, and other media engagements.

– Social Media Management: Creating and scheduling posts, engaging with followers, and using social media to promote your book.

– Book Tours: Setting up both physical and virtual book tours, including creating marketing materials and managing launch teams.

– Podcasting: Helping authors who host their own podcasts with tasks like editing and show creation or assisting those looking to be guests on other podcasts.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay a VA?

Alyssa mentions that the cost of hiring a VA can vary significantly based on their skill set and the tasks you're outsourcing. Generally, VAs start at around $20 to $25 per hour, with specialized tasks like web design or graphic work costing more. Some VAs also offer package rates for specific projects, making it easier to budget.

Finding the Right VA for Your Needs

Alyssa’s Christian Business Advantage directory offers a couple of ways to find the perfect VA for your needs:

1. Matchmaking Service: Fill out a questionnaire and have a Zoom call with Alyssa, who will then personally match you with suitable candidates.

2. Direct Access: Purchase access to the directory and browse through bios and portfolios yourself.

For Aspiring VAs Wanting to Support Authors

If you're interested in becoming a VA, Alyssa offers a self-paced course called the “Become a Virtual Assistant” course. This course guides you through setting up your VA business, and includes three months in Alyssa’s directory once completed. For those already working as VAs, Alyssa also provides a vetting process to join her directory directly.

🎧 How to Offer VA Services to Authors (ep 21)

Alyssa also provides ongoing coaching for VAs needing help with their business processes or struggling to get clients. You can purchase coaching sessions by the hour or as a package.

Hiring and Communicating with your VA

Before hiring a VA, it's essential to know what tasks you want to outsource. Ask yourself these three questions:

1. What do I not know how to do?

2. What do I not have time for?

3. What do I just not want to do?

Also, think about the type of person you want to work with, any specific qualifications, and your budget.

When working with a VA, communication is key. Decide on how you prefer to communicate, whether through email, Zoom, or apps like Slack. Using project management tools like Asana can also be helpful to stay organized.

A trial period can be a great way to test the waters. Alyssa mentions that trial periods can help both the author and the VA determine if they are a good fit for each other.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a VA can significantly ease the burden of book marketing and help you focus on what you do best: writing. With the right VA, you can ensure that your book reaches its full potential.

Alyssa's The Virtual Assistant Advantage podcast
Alyssa's Instagram
Alyssa's website

The Christian VA Matchmaking Directory
VA Jumpstart Kit

Prioritizing and Taking Action on Your Book Marketing Ideas #40

Offering Virtual Assistant & Podcast Services to Authors #21