Becoming a Professional Virtual Author’s Assistant (PVAA) is an important first step in getting the skills and credentials you need to successfully work with authors.
The next step is to become a Master Virtual Author’s Assistant (MVAA).
The MVAA certification focuses on demonstrating: • The wide variety of practical skills and experience you have gained in working with authors • A commitment to the publishing industry, the work of the author and the profession of the author’s assistant • A commitment to your own continuing education and developing your own author’s assistant practice • A commitment to professional ethical standards
Advantages of MVAA Certification We are committed to creating and maintaining high standards for the author’s assistant industry and attaining the MVAA certification is a way to tell your clients you are a serious, dedicated professional, at the highest pinnacle of your profession, dedicated to their success.
When you receive this certification, you will be eligible to use the MVAA insignia on your web site, letterhead and sales material. Your MVAA status will also be highlighted in the Author’s Assistant Directory at www.AuthorsAssistants.com.
To receive the MVAA certification you must first have taken either the self-paced or live Virtual Author’s Assistant Training Program and passed the final examination. If you have had prior experience working with authors, you may be immediately eligible to become an MVAA as soon as you have become a PVAA.
How to Be Certified as an MVAA Submit a package of materials to substantiate that you have met certain additional requirements to demonstrate your skills, experience and commitment as an author’s assistant.
The downloadable MVAA package of information will help you document and include:
Part I. Written documentation of: A. Work done with three different authors (at least one with a book listed on Amazon), on books of at least 49 pages that were ultimately published with an established publisher or self-published, that include six different tasks (from a list of the 24 that were part of the training program), in at least two of these specialties, writing, publishing or marketing. B. Simple statements of recommendation from at least two of these three authors.
Part II. Printed copies, PDFs (and/or links) to: A. Three original articles posted on public sites or article databases that either teach other VAA’s or teach authors B. Registration information via PDF (and/or links) to two talks, workshops or classes of at least 30 minutes each that you have conducted or participated in to teach what you know to other VAA’s or authors.
Part III. Receipts/proof of registration from three classes (online, live, teleclasses or other) you have taken of at least one hour each in duration on any aspect of the book publishing industry, including but not limited to writing, editing, publishing, promotion, Internet marketing.
Part IV. Printed copies or PDFs of a personal/business plan for annual continuing professional education (one page) in the area of the author’s assistant OR a business plan (one to three pages) OR a marketing plan (one page) for the author’s assistant business.
Part V. Provide evidence of passing an ethics exam at IVAA.org or Brainbench.com or provide proof of passing any other professional program ethics exam or requirement.
Part VI. Pay the $85 certification fee for three years of certification
Recertification Every Three Years MVAA Certification is good for three years. MVAA’s must be recertified every three years so we can assure the public that each individual has kept up with the changes in the industry and continues to work successfully as an author’s assistant, gaining skills and experience. Additional periods of certification will require satisfaction of the MVAA certification standards at the time of renewal. However, once the ethics component is satisfied with initial certification, you do not have to satisfy that component on renewal.
How to Submit Your Certification Package After payment, you will be able to download the MVAA Certification package. You can mail, fax or email your information when it is completed and you will find contact information and submission instructions at the end of the download. Please send the entire package at one time and include your name on everything you include.
What Happens After You Submit the Certification Package? We will notify you of the acceptance of your materials within 10 business days. If you do not meet some of the requirements we will send you a letter letting you know what you need to do. Your application will stay open for 120 days to give you time to complete the package if you need to. The certification fee is nonrefundable.
