With virtual working becoming more commonplace, writers want to ensure they’re getting the best Author Assistant for them, but does location matter when it comes to hiring an Author Assistant? This is a common query asked by many writers, but it’s also an understandable one. So does it matter where your Author Assistant is based or are you still limited to keeping your hiring local to where you live?

Strictly speaking, location doesn’t matter

The beauty of virtual working is you can work from any location and your Author Assistant can live anywhere in the world. However, that doesn’t mean you always should hire from any location. There will be times when location does need to be factored into your outsourcing decisions.

There are practical elements you need to consider

For one-off jobs, such as book cover creation or website setup, it doesn’t always matter where in the world your virtual worker is based. However, there may be practical elements that need to be considered, due to the type of role you’re looking to fulfil. Here’s a few you need to think about, when looking to hire an Author Assistant:

Think about timezones

If you need an Author Assistant who is available during your working hours, then you need to ensure you’re in the same time zone. The role of your Author Assistant is to support you and, if that involves being on hand when you’re working or being available to deal with last-minute launch hiccups, then the timezone they’re in is going to matter.

Here at Virtual M, location and working remotely have not yet been an issue. With the use of email and programs such as Trello, it has been easy to meet the necessary requirements and work collaboratively with our author clients.

If something urgent crops up then it may be necessary to work outside normal working hours but with planning and good communication this has not yet been required.

Language differences

The English language has many nuances and finding an Author Assistant who understands them, is something that will be important for certain aspects of the job. For example, if you’re looking for someone to fulfil proofreading and/or copywriting tasks, you need someone who is proficient with UK and not US English.

Costs will fluctuate, depending on location

Obviously, the location of an Author Assistant can have an impact on the prices they’re charging, especially when you look further afield. The cost of living in the city will be higher than those in the countryside, and it fluctuates in different countries too. For example, an American Social Media Manager will charge higher rates than a UK based one, whereas a Philipino or Indian SMM may charge a lower rate again. This doesn’t mean the standards are lower, but it does mean you have to check that both parties are clear on the requirements and standards of the job, to ensure both parties are happy with the fees charged.

Suitability is more important

Quality of service, levels of experience and overall expertise will all impact on fees charged, as will location. But what’s most important is that when you’re hiring an Author Assistant you find one that suits your requirements and needs. If you’re looking for an Author Assistant who specialises in certain tasks, software or skills, then you may need to widen or narrow your search radius by location.

In summary

Location doesn’t always matter when hiring an Author Assistant. There will, however, be times when it has to play a part in your overall outsourcing choices. It’s only by getting clear on your needs, as well as the skills, knowledge and experience your ideal Author Assistant must possess, that you’ll find an Author Assistant that you can work well with.

So if you are struggling to find the time to write because of the self-publishing tasks associated with running your author business sign up here to my newsletter and receive a list of 20 Ways an Author Assistant Can Help You get some of that time back!

If you are not sure if you need an Author Assistant take a look at my blog here, or if you would like to discuss how I can help please do not hesitate to email me at emma@virtualm.co.uk for a free discovery call.

Happy Writing!