Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Ashley.
Hi Megan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I have always been fascinated by social media and loved using it, so when I left my 12-year teaching career, my friend asked me if I’d ever heard of being a VA or social media manager. I hadn’t, but she knew someone who was looking for one. She introduced me and the rest is history. I was hired to be a virtual assistant and social media manager for a romance author. Before that, I had never even read a romance novel.
I was 31 at the time, so I guess that can be kind of shocking. I used to be more into memoirs and self-help books. Once I got into romance, I never looked back. I still love to read other genres, but I primarily read romance now and also primarily work with romance authors. I also work with a few horror, psychological thriller, and cozy mystery authors, but I am open to all genres.
Once I got my foot in the door of being a VA and got some experience, I also branched out to work with podcasts, coaches, and a marketing agency doing social media for therapists. It’s been such a fun journey and I feel very fortunate to be able to be doing this full-time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It can be a struggle working for yourself. I hadn’t worked from home before I started this, so it was a whole different ballgame. It honestly took me a few years to get into the groove and be able to find enough clients to make this a full-time job. Clients sometimes need to switch hours around or get more or less, so it can feel like never-ending changes. I started to read as much as I could about self-publishing and marketing for authors, so that helped me a lot.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in working with authors, but I have worked with other creatives and small businesses as well. I specifically handle a lot of social media, book launch planning, and taking any tasks off of the client’s plate so they can focus on what they love to do. I have labeled myself “The Lovestruck Reader” so it makes it clear I specialize in romance authors, but I also love working with different genres as well.
I’m most proud of being in this field since 2018 since the turnover rate can be quite high, I’ve stuck it out and found it to be very well worth it. What sets me apart from others is my enthusiasm and being able to be a friend and cheerleader. If there’s something I don’t know, I’ll learn it. I’m always willing to go the extra mile to help.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as happiness. I am so happy and fulfilled in my job and home life, I would say that I am very successful.
Pricing:
- $25 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lovestruckreader.com
- Instagram: @thelovestruckreader
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovestruckreader
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xomeganashley/
- Twitter: @luvstruckreader
