Nov 14 2021

Samantha Shaffer PA #interview

Please give a warm welcome to Samantha Shaffer PA

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I have cerebral palsy. I’ve been with my fiance since high school. I love any and all pets. I’m obsessed with teal and purple. I live for coffee and Halloween. I love dragonflies and butterflies. Shockingly I hate pink. I have to college degrees an Associates in teaching with a minor in science and a bachelor’s degree in educational studies. I have a derpy Siamese cat mix named Anastasia. I hope to be expanding my pet mom portfolio soon do keep and eye out for cute pet picks. I love to read all the things but love dark romance reverse harem a paranormal romance the most. I also specially own a book blog called Begging for Bad Boy Book Boyfriends links are in my link tree.

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How long have you been a PA?

I’ve been a PA since December of 2019. It seems like it’s been way longer though.

How did you get started as a PA?

An author I reviewed for lost her PA and I offered to step in for bit since I had a lot of tech experience from the classes I was taking for my degree at the time after that it was word of mouth that got me where I am now. With my 5 full time ladies Emma Luna, K.L. Humphrey, Lexi Noir, Annie James, Mikki Noble, and Lark Anderson. I also have a few temp clients on and off as well.

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What do you do as a PA?

So much more than people realize. I manage multiple schedules at a time. I run reader groups as well as Arc and street team groups when asked. I find reviews and distribute Arcs. I do daily or weekly check-ins. I make graphics although I still need work here but you can always learn new things. I beta read their books and promote them. I make all their forms and sheets for things such as sign ups or giveaways. I sort newsletters so that includes finding swaps for them as well as the basic formats. I also keep track of social media and messages so that everything gets updated or answered in a timely manner. I close giveaways and send prizes as well as find takeotaks and spotlight opportunities. Then if your anything like me you send up doing random task for your authors like sorting through reviews, sending messages to people, or just totally off the wall things you’d never thought you’d ever need to know how to do.

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Do you have any quirks while working?

I have to have coffee first. If I work before my first cup it’s not pretty lol. I talk to myself constantly while I work. It drives everyone around me crazy lol. I also tend to use voice to text if I’m multitasking which leads to the most random typos which my authors lovingly refer to as their daily game of what dose Sam really mean lol.

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What are your hopes for the future?

I would love to still be a full time PA in the future because I absolutely love my job. However I like to keep an open mind because you never know just look at me I never even knew this job existed and now I’m over the moon to have it. I’ve had a revolving door of clients and I never thought I’d have so many but I love them all so much.

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

Really think about what you want out of the job first. Talk to a PA so you’re not blindsided when you’re in the deep end. I’m always open to prospective PAs doing it alone sucks don’t Be afraid to reach out to us. We were you once too heck we still are some days. Be fluent in all things Google and book jargon. You’ll pick it up fast if your a reader. Be honest and ask questions no question is a dumb question. Don’t be afraid to learn a new skill if you stick around long enough it’ll be a daily thing and it keeps the job exciting.

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Are you available for new work or booked solid?

As of right now I’m booked but I’ve said that before lol. It never hurts to ask me or any PA for that matter we do take clients on monthly basis and sadly sometimes we part ways with a client or they need to take a break from our services it’s like a marry go round where you get to help tons of amazing people everyday.

Apr 28 2021

PA Annie Miller #interview

Please give a warm welcome to Annie Miller PA

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Hi! My name is Annie. I am obsessed with the 90s, tea, travel, and animals. I can be rendered completely useless by a cute baby animal. I am a stay-at-home mom, with two hilarious kids.

How long have you been a PA?

I started back in January of this year. It’s been a really fun four months.

How did you get started as a pa?

Accidentally? I was chatting with one of my favorite authors and she offered me the position.

What do you do as a PA?

I manage their schedules, do promo, transcription, alpha/beta reading, help with their social media, I put together series bibles, and I’m learning graphics now.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I have to have music playing. That isn’t exclusive to working though. Music is almost always playing in my house.

What are your hopes for the future?

To be lucky enough to keep doing what I am doing now, and to learn new and useful skills to further help my awesome authors.

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

Winging it is exhausting. Find a good mentor to help point you in the right direction. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The more experienced PAs are wonderful and will help you, when you do ask for help.

Are you available for new work or booked solid?

I do have availability.

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Apr 18 2021

Hanna Wenna PA #interview

Please give a warm welcome to PA Hanna Wenna

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Hannah ←←← not actually my real name 😂 I love love love to read! I’m married and have 2 demonspawn. I really love to stalk authors when, you know, I’m not reading books or talking about books… I totally don’t have a problem.

How long have you been a PA?

I’ve been a PA for about a year and a half probably closer to two years.

How did you get started as a PA?

I became really interested in the PA side of things when I started beta reading. I really wanted to give it a try to see if it would be something I would like to do. I was at home on maternity leave so figured, why not? I reached out to another PA and asked her so many questions and she helped me get started. But stalking was a definite key aspect to starting out.

What do you do as a PA?

I do so many things, it’s crazy! I’m an office worker and a babysitter←←←← authors are so needy!! But for real, I manage a lot of reader groups and I read a lot. I find ARC readers and bloggers for releases. Some days I live in photoshop and canva. I manage ARC & Street Teams. I format books. I do a ton of promo. I also organise anthologies and shared worlds with my partner in crime, Sarah Klinger. I live for google docs. I really don’t know what I would do without it. There’s so many other things I do, but basically I’ll do anything, even sell my soul….

Do you have any quirks while working?

Not really, I work from home so I try to work around my 2 & 4 year olds, also known as the devil spawn. When they aren’t home though, I have to have my music on to jam to while I’m working. I get really distracted while I’m reading so I’m always switching to puzzle games every other chapter.

What are your hopes for the future?

I just want to keep doing what I’m doing. I would love to set up a publishing company. Do more formatting because it relaxes me. But this job, it’s not really a job, it’s more than that. I love helping authors and so many of them have other jobs so being able to help them achieve their dream is just the best feeling ever.

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

Immerse yourself in the indie community. Join reader groups, find out as much as you can. Stalk authors, read as much as you can. Talk to PAs and find out from them how they got started and what they do. And seriously if you think it’s something you want to do, talk to an author you love and have a relationship with and ask them if they need help. Go from there. I’ll never regret taking that leap. It’s the best non-job ever and it’s changed my life.

Are you available for new work or booked solid?

I do have some availability depending on the author’s needs. I’m always happy to help out an author who has questions – I’m on all the social medias and you can find the full list of what I offer on my website.

hannah@bookishauthorservices.com

Feb 26 2021

Jenny Bodle PA #interview

Please give a warm welcome to PA Jenny Bodle

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Jenny and I live in Central Minnesota with my Husband, one of my kids, a cat and a dog.

How long have you been a PA?

I have been a PA for about a year and a half now.

Have you always wanted to be a PA?

Actually, I didn’t even know what it was till Carissa Andrews found me. I was working at a deli and she was one of my customers. We became friends but I had no idea she was a writer till I was shopping at the local consignment shop when I picked up a book and found her picture in the back of it. A while later she asked me to be her PA because she could not find one that was a good fit for her.

What do you do as a PA?

I do anything that the author does not want to do except write or edit the book. I help them as they write with ideas and things like that though. I do images, scheduling, market research, ads, uploading books to different platforms, newsletters. I really can keep going but I think you get the drift.

Do you have any quirks while working?

When I do graphics I like to listen to the book I am working with on audio. It gets me in the frame of mind so that the images match the book better.

What are your hopes for the future?

When I started I wanted to be an all inclusive service. I would have graphic designers on hand and all that jazz. I have since found that I like chatting with the authors so my goal is to get very effective for the authors so that I can charge more and take less clients. I love the relationship I have with them and do not want to have to give that up to take on more clients.

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

Charge what you are worth, ask questions, and take criticism. Not everyone’s the same and will want different things. Be flexible. Join a PA group chat and do not hesitate to ask them questions. We are all here to work together.

Are you available for new work or booked solid.

For the right client I would take them on but I have become a little more picky. I do not mind helping out anyone if they need it and I can answer questions for anyone.

Jan 23 2021

Allie Green PA #interview

Please give a warm welcome to PA Allie Green

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi, Everyone! I live in Monroe, Washington which is about a 45-minute drive North-East of Seattle. I work full time as a diesel mechanic although I don’t know how much longer I’ll be doing that if things go the way I want! I also pet sit in addition to being a PA to a bunch of wonderful writers. I love reading, writing, hiking, and camping.

How long have you been a PA?

I have been a PA for about a year now! And I’ve loved every second of it!

Have you always wanted to be a PA?

It isn’t even something that had crossed my mind until I stumbled across the Indie community on FB. I fell in love with the whole community and wanted to help out and the best way for me to do that seemed to be to offer up PA services!

What do you do as a PA?

Let’s see…. I help all my authors by promoting their work in various ways. I run their facebook groups to keep up interaction and ensure their names are staying out there! I am basically an emotional support animal in that I help keep their confidence up and help them work through any issues they may be having. While I might be an employee I am very much friends with all my authors and I enjoy being there to help them. I help them plan fun events and find fun events that they can participate in. I also help them find new opportunities for writing; if I find fun box sets or collaborations I think they would enjoy I make sure they get the information for them. Besides those things, I just help them with whatever they may need!

Do you have any quirks while working?

Not that I know of. Sometimes I spazz out and have to get a cup of tea to chill out when FB is being annoying but other than none that I can think of. You’d have to ask my authors lol! 😂

What are your hopes for the future?

I am hoping to help my authors reach their dreams of being full time writers or reach a bestsellers list. My personal goals are to finish writing MY first book that I have up for Pre-Order on Amazon right now. Starting off as a PA has really helped me make my dream of being a writer a little easier.

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

I think the best advice I have for someone just starting as a PA would be to connect with PA’s that have been out there for awhile. I found a fabulous group that made my job a whole heck of a lot easier. They are able to answer questions, send you good opportunities, and offer you support. Besides that, you just need to be BOLD! If you see a job and think you’d be a good fit you need to jump at it even if it seems daunting!

Are you available for new work or booked solid.

At the moment I could only take on 1 or 2 more clients depending on what they might require.

Instagram

Allie’s Eclectic Bookworms

Feb 7 2020

PA Julia Murray #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi, the name is Julia. I like to call myself the professional Serena Akeroyd stalker, it’s ok she loves me and welcomes my stalking. She now even employs me to do it, win for me! I have two young boys who like to keep me busy and a mischievous dog called Loki. If I’m not reading or surfing Facebook I love to bake for my family and friends.

How long have you been a PA?

I’m a relative newbie! Coming up for 2 months now.

Have you always wanted to be a PA?

The job was a complete surprise! I have been a very vocal supporter for Serena’s books and helped however I could to get the word out on her work, either by recommendations or posting promo. I might’ve shed a few tears when she offered me the job. I feel truly blessed to have her in my life.

What do you do as a PA?

I help with whatever Serena needs, from doing promo, helping out in her group on facebook. Organising Newsletter swaps and finding takeovers. Research for books. Helping with the Arc and Street teams. And I will have the privilege of helping out at a few conventions this year too.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I haven’t noticed any, other than ignoring my husband Haha. He even confirmed this 🙈

What are your hopes for the future?

For my job? That I get to keep working for Serena for many years to come and watch her reach the accolades she deserves.

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. There are lots of amazing PA’s out there who are willing to help answer any questions you might have!

Are you available for new work or booked solid?

I am Serena Akeroyd exclusive PA. She keeps me busy enough!! We might also be rather possessive of each other 😂❤

Linktree

Jan 20 2020

PA Dom Whit #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

A bit about myself, hmmm, this seems to always be the hardest of questions. Lets just start with the norm, I am mom of two daughters, who I homeschool. Yes, that means I am a stay at home mom! I married my best friend; we have been together going on 16 years. I am a pet lover and have loads (the hubs is not thrilled with this little quirk). I have for as long as can remember been an avid book lover, which lead to the best job ever. A few things people might not know is, I have a Master of Science in Psychology, I enjoy sewing or cross-stitching and I am a coffee addict…love the nectar of the gods!

How long have you been a PA?

I have had the absolute privilege of being called a PA for about 15 months! It is such a blast working with these wonderful ladies and assisting them in their careers.

Have you always wanted to be a PA?

Honestly, even as an avid reader for the last 30 years, it never dawned on me that one could be a PA for their favorite authors. I was still thinking of the old school or classic process of going through a publishing house. Yes, the thought is laughable, but I was more of a reader and less activate on social media. Once I gained social media, I realized that the indie author movement was huge, and got a glimpse of the process authors take to get their books to the masses!

What do you do as a PA?

As a PA I support my authors in any way that I can! An idea of what I assist with is helping create graphics, supporting during a takeover, recommending others to love their work as much as I do! I do my best to ensuring the author reader groups are fun and engaging. I also get the pleasure of reading their books and listening to audiobooks too! I will attend a few signings to support them through that process, BABE is going to be so exciting!

Do you have any quirks while working?

I do not have any unusual quirks while working, unless having a toddler in my lap while I create games or graphics a quirk!

What are your hopes for the future?

My hope for the future is to continue supporting my authors, they truly are amazing ladies with hearts of gold! My goal is to have a front row seat watching their career grow and prosper and I am thankful to be a part of it!

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

My advice to new PAs or people who want to start PAing, is to be diligent and work hard for your author, because they become your author and not just an author. Be honest with them, let them know what you are or are not capable of creating or accomplishing. Do not hesitate to ask questions of them and other PAs, they have been here a bit longer! Be friendly and understanding of the readers, who are anticipating the next book, or signing or a plethora of other things from your author! My last bit of advice is simply to have fun and be loyal to who you are supporting!

Are you available for new work or booked solid.

I would love to say yes, I am available to take on more of the incredible authors out there, but at this time I am fully book with my fabulous authors!

Facebook

Jan 7 2020

PA Josie Cross #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Josie, I’m 28 and I live in Western Pennsylvania with my husband, 2 dogs and 2 cats. When I’m not working my day job as a Certified Veterinary Technician or doing my PA duties, I enjoy reading (of course), video games, camping and kayaking.

How long have you been a PA?

Only for a few months.

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Have you always wanted to be a PA?

Actually, no. I am new to this whole author/PA world only really getting immersed in it within the last year. I actually started as an ARC reader but got to talking to Ira Myriam one day and she told me that I should think about becoming a PA. She got me in contact with the right people and I haven’t looked back since. She has been amazing and a true blessing in my life.

Example:

What do you do as a PA?

Currently I am working with 2 bloggers and an author. I help with running their group pages; engagement, new posts, accepting members, welcoming members, closing and choosing winners for giveaways. I make various types of forms; takeover sign ups, ARC sign ups, prize claim forms, etc. I also promote books on various platforms. I also am slowly teaching myself to make graphics for various things (it’s a work in progress).

Do you have any quirks while working?

Does listening to 2000s emo music while working count? If so, that’s my only one.

What are your hopes for the future?

I am hoping to continue working with the awesome bloggers and authors I have, as well as possibly adding others. I also hope to get better at making graphics as I’m new to all of that.

Example:

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

Don’t be afraid to take the plunge. I was terrified to become a PA at first and now I can’t imagine being one. Find a few friends in the PA community. There are so many amazing people who are willing to talk to you and help you out.

Are you available for new work or booked solid?

I am available.

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Instagram

Aug 17 2019

Sosha Ann PA #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a single mum from Scotland. I have three little demons and a fur baby. I’ve been apart of the RH community for about 4 years.

Have you always wanted to be a PA?

I honestly never thought it was possible. I started as an arc reader and realized early on that I loved the community and wanted to be apart of it. I had been an unofficial PA for about a year. Then I met Lacey and my life changed.

How lone have you been a PA?

I have been a PA for two and a half years.

What do you do as a PA?

My job is to help. I run my authors social media, keep there groups active, promote their books, look for arc and beta readers, put out newsletters, run parties and takeovers, post giveaways things like that. We do whatever the author needs so they can focus on writing.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I would say no but my partner Nichol would say I do. I like to plan each author has their own notebook and doc. Everything I’m doing or planning is down in my notebook. I also have this weird thing where I stress about what games to post will the readers like them, will the group be active.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to still be a PA and apart of this community. I would love for the publishing company me and my partner are running to be a success and I just started taking a class to become a literary agent so I would love to have completed that also.

Do you have any advice for new PA’s?

Work together, building relationships with other PA’s will make things easier. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help. When I started I had three PA’s who helped me a lot. With out Jamie, Erin and Missy I wouldn’t be here. Also having a good relationship with your author helps I can honestly say my authors are like my family I love them so much. And last I would say enjoy it yes this is a job and you will have a lot to do but you can also have a lot of fun too.

Are you available for new work or booked solid?

We are running a few sales at the moment and have availability for two authors.