As you build your freelance writing business, you may find that the administrative tasks of your work are actually keeping you from your writing time, or even pulling you away from client work. It's during this time that you may decide to hire an assistant. An assistant can help you stay focused on the money-generating tasks in your business, and allow you a back up for things like email and phone calls.
Hiring an Assistant to Do the Administrative Tasks for Your Freelance Writing Business
When filing and answering the phones have begun to take up the majority of your day, it might be time to get some help. An assistant could help take away from all those administrative tasks that bog you down. Typical tasks could include:
- Answering phones
- Sending out letters of introduction
- Preparing client bills
- Following up on client payments
- Filing
In order to find an administrative assistant, place an ad on Craigslist or Monster.com. Or, you could even go through a temp agency who will prescreen the candidates for you.
Hiring a Research Assistant
Another reason to hire an assistant is to do research on a specific project. Perhaps you need to gather information to write an ebook, or to start writing blog posts for a new client you don't know very much about. An assistant can help you get up to speed when it comes to absorbing new information.
In this case, it's a good idea to hire an assistant with writing skills so he or she can format information in a way that helps you the most. A good place to find these types of people is through writing forums or groups. Ask your writer friends for recommendations.
Help With Marketing Your Writing Business
Some writers may need an assistant to help get the word out about their books or articles. In this case, an assistant can be a real lifesaver. Assistants can help set up Facebook pages, submit articles to search engines or even just tweet out a mention on Twitter. Assistants could also help set up a virtual tour for your book, contact media people, send press releases, and find new ways to promote and market your work.
The best way to find an assistant with these types of skills is to ask other writers. People with a combined writing and marketing background usually work best. When interviewing candidates, make sure they understand the scope of the workload you need accomplished and that they have the proper contacts to make your marketing goals happen.
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
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