As an author, your time is your most valuable resource. Between writing, editing, marketing, and staying engaged with your readers, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s where a virtual assistant (VA) can step in—helping you take control of your schedule and grow your author brand efficiently. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best virtual assistant for you?

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential steps to finding a VA who understands your goals, fits your budget, and adds real value to your writing career.

1. Decide What You Need Help With

Before you hire anyone, get clear on what’s stealing your time and draining your energy. Do you need someone to:

• Schedule and design social media posts?

• Respond to emails or manage your inbox?

• Format your books for publishing platforms?

• Track royalties and update spreadsheets?

• Research podcasts, blogs, or reviewers for outreach?

Write down every task you’d gladly hand off. The more specific, the better—it’ll make matching with the right VA much easier.

2. Choose Between a Generalist or a Specialist

Some virtual assistants are generalists—they do a little bit of everything. Others specialize in author services like book marketing, Amazon SEO, or newsletter management.

If you need broad support across multiple tasks, a generalist VA can be a great fit. But if you're launching a book or growing a newsletter list, a specialist might give you better results with less training time.

3. Set a Budget (and Be Realistic)

Most VAs charge hourly or offer monthly retainer packages. Rates typically range from $10/hour (for overseas VAs) to $40+/hour (for U.S.-based VAs with niche expertise).

Ask yourself:

• What tasks could earn you more money if you had time to do them?

• How many hours can you realistically delegate each week?

• Are you looking for a short-term project or long-term support?

Remember: you’re not just buying time—you’re buying freedom to create.

4. Look for Experience in the Author World

An assistant with publishing or author marketing experience can hit the ground running. They’ll already understand how Amazon KDP works, what kind of graphics perform well on BookTok, and why your reader magnet matters.

Check sites like:

• Reedsy

• Upwork (with “author assistant” in your search)

• Facebook groups like “20BooksTo50K” or “Virtual Assistants for Authors”

• Or explore vetted, low-cost help at Author Anchor VA Services

Look for testimonials, portfolios, and reviews—especially from other authors.

5. Start with a Trial Project

Before you commit to a long-term agreement, start with a small task like:

• Scheduling a week of social media posts

• Cleaning up your mailing list

• Researching 10 blogs for guest post pitches

This gives you a chance to evaluate communication, turnaround time, and quality of work—without diving in headfirst.

6. Prioritize Communication and Organization

Your VA should be easy to reach, give you regular updates, and ask smart questions. They don’t need to be in your inbox 24/7, but they should respond within an agreed timeframe and keep things moving without constant follow-up.

Tools like Trello, Slack, or Google Docs make collaboration smooth—even across time zones.

7. Trust Your Gut (and Treat It Like a Partnership)

This is someone who’ll be in your inbox, touching your creative work, and maybe even handling reader communications. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident. A good VA isn’t just a task-doer—they’re a partner in your author journey.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a virtual assistant isn’t about giving up control—it’s about giving yourself more space to focus on the things that truly matter: writing great stories and connecting with your audience.

At Author Anchor, we make finding a trusted, affordable VA easier than ever. Whether you need 5 hours a month or a fully dedicated assistant, we’re here to help match you with someone who fits your unique goals as an author.

Ready to reclaim your time?
Explore Virtual Assistants for Authors →