Finishing a book feels like crossing a finish line. In reality, it’s only the halfway point.

Once the manuscript is complete, most authors are suddenly faced with a mountain of tasks they never expected. Launch plans, social media, press outreach, podcast pitches, ad campaigns, reviews and endless admin quickly start eating into the time they hoped to spend writing their next book.

This is where a Virtual Assistant for authors becomes invaluable.

I work with writers and publishers behind the scenes to turn a finished book into a successful, visible launch and I’ve seen first-hand how much easier the journey becomes when authors are supported properly.

Creating a Book Launch Timeline That Actually Works

A Virtual Assistant helps authors create a realistic book launch plan. That means setting deadlines for:

• Cover reveals

• Pre-order campaigns

• Blog and newsletter schedules

• Social media content

• Review outreach

Instead of guessing what should happen next, you have a clear roadmap from manuscript to publication and beyond.

Real Example – Running Meta Ad Campaigns to Boost Book Sales

In the run up to Christmas, I supported an author with a targeted Meta ads campaign to help promote the launch of both his paperback and audiobook. This involved creating the campaign structure, supporting the creative and monitoring performance so adjustments could be made quickly.

I’m now working alongside a book publisher preparing Meta ad campaigns ahead of their next major book release. This type of behind-the-scenes marketing support is exactly where a Virtual Assistant can remove pressure from authors while still driving results.

Managing Reviews, Bloggers and Influencer Outreach

Reviews don’t appear magically. They need planning, tracking and follow-up.

A Virtual Assistant can:

• Build outreach lists of reviewers, bloggers and influencers

• Track who has been contacted and who needs chasing

• Manage ARC distribution

• Organise deadlines so no opportunity is missed

As a keen reader myself, I review books regularly on NetGalley, with reviews appearing on Amazon and Waterstones. I’ve also been a member of book clubs for over 20 years, so I understand what readers look for and how reviews influence buying decisions.

Podcast Research and Guest Appearances

One of my clients wanted to expand her audience through podcast interviews. I researched and created a list of suitable shows, including contact details, themes and pitching angles.

A Virtual Assistant takes care of:

• Researching podcasts and blogs

• Drafting pitch emails

• Tracking responses

• Scheduling interview dates

So authors can focus on showing up and sharing their story.

Writing and Distributing Press Releases

Many authors dread press. Knowing what to write and where to send it can feel overwhelming.

I’ve supported clients by writing press releases and managing their distribution, ensuring their book news reaches the right journalists and publications at the right time.

This is another way a Virtual Assistant helps turn a book launch into a professional, media-ready event.

Turning One Book Into Months of Content

Every chapter of a book can become:

• Blog articles

• Newsletter themes

• Social media captions

• Quote graphics

• Short-form posts

A Virtual Assistant helps authors build a content engine so their book continues to sell long after launch day.

Why Authors Work With a Virtual Assistant After Publication

A book deserves more than a single release week.

When you work with a Virtual Assistant for authors, you gain someone who:

• Builds structure around your ideas

• Keeps your launch on track

• Handles the admin, tech and marketing tasks

• Helps your book reach the audience it deserves

So instead of feeling buried in tasks, you get back to doing what you do best.

Writing the next book.