Should I Hire a Research Assistant for my Non-fiction Book?

Before you start writing a non-fiction book you need to do some research.

But no matter how talented you are as an author, the research phase is downright daunting.

It requires time, energy, and often a ton of patience. As much as you hate doing it, it needs to get done so you can write your book.

It’s why many authors before you chose to work with a research assistant – an essential help for you to transform your idea into a finished product by conducting research.

That being said, some authors aren’t sold on the idea of having someone else do the research on their behalf. For these individuals, writing a book is an exercise of personal growth, a journey of discovery; they want to be the ones in control of every aspect of it.

So, we seek to answer in this blog whether hiring a research assistant is the right move for you and your book.

Fact: A research assistant is not the same as a ghostwriter from the perspective of authorial control. A ghostwriter is somebody you hire to write your book for you, while a research assistant helps you with the research and gathering of information so you can write your book yourself. In other words, a ghostwriter does the work for you while a research assistant does the work with you.

The work contributed by a research assistant is significant across several fronts, making the decision to hire one a difficult but crucial one. Here are three factors you should consider before deciding:

1 – Type of Book You’re Writing

Are you writing a non-fiction title based on your personal experiences and research?

Or are you writing a novel that requires in-depth historical research?

If you’re writing a non-fiction book, hiring a research assistant is likely the right decision for you.

A good research assistant helps you gather information, verify facts, and find data relevant to your book.

They also help with the tedious task of organizing everything to focus on writing the book and that alone.

If you’re writing a novel, it’s not as essential to have a research assistant since the work is mostly creative in nature.

However, there are still instances where having a research assistant would be beneficial – for example, if you need help verifying historical accuracy for your novel.

Don’t discount the prospect of hiring a research assistant if your fiction title contains verifiable information.

The last thing you need is a bunch of critics citing your book as nothing but a trove of historical inaccuracies, and working with a research assistant guarantees that won’t happen.

2 – Your Research Abilities

How confident are you in your research abilities?

Can you easily find the information you need and verify its accuracy?

If the answer is no, hiring a research assistant makes perfect sense.

A good research assistant will save you time and frustration by finding the information you need and confirming its accuracy.

As prolific you are as an author, it doesn’t mean you’re a skilled researcher, too.

There are many nuances to conducting quality research, and it’s often best left to someone with extensive experience.

Now when you’re looking at prospects, be sure to put a prime on experience. Are you talking to someone who’s been there and done that?

3 – Writing Schedule

How much time do you have to write your book? Are you able to research and write simultaneously, or do you need to focus on one task at a time?

If you’re short on time, hiring a research assistant is a great way to free up some of your time so you can focus on writing.

A research assistant does practically everything other than writing the book – from finding information and conducting interviews to transcribing data.

On the other hand, if you have the time and ability to research and write simultaneously, you may not need a research assistant after all.

But then again, it all comes down to understanding how much help you need, regardless of schedule or time constraints.

4 – Cost of a Research Assistant for your Book

Hiring a research assistant costs money – there are no two ways about it.

The amount you pay varies depending on the country, city, and type of research assistant you hire, but it’s safe to say that it will cost you a few hundred dollars at the very least.

This is definitely something to consider as you weigh your options.

If money is tight, hiring a research assistant may not be the best option for you.

However, if you have some to spare, then it’s worth considering.

So, how much can you afford to pay for a research assistant?

Research assistants typically charge by the hour, so make sure you have an idea of how many hours you’ll need them for.

There’s no fixed rate, so you’re better off negotiating with your prospects right before you hire any one of them.

You can also hire them for a set number of days or weeks, which is a more affordable option.

But don’t think for a second that you can skimp on quality by hiring a cheap research assistant.

A quality research assistant is worth their weight in gold and will save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

Find the Right Research Assistant

Now that you’ve finally decided to have a research assistant on board, it’s time to find the ideal fit.

You know by now that not all prospects are worthy of being hired – so much so that a single misunderstanding while doing research can be costly.

The ideal research assistant understands your vision for the book and works with you to bring it to life.

They’ll also be able to research independently and come up with new ideas and perspectives that you may have never thought of.

Of course, you must keep an open mind when it comes to inviting a fresh pair of eyes to your work.

Final Thoughts

Writing a book is hard and so it’s definitely beneficial to have some help either with researching or hiring someone like a writing coach can really help you achieve your goals.

With the help of a research assistant, you can make sure your book is just that more authentic and believable, allowing your reader to delve deeper into whatever story you are trying to tell.