Author Interview: Patrick Ames, Editor in Chief of Juniper Networks Books
by Vervante •
As part of our continuing series of Author Interviews, we chatted this month with Patrick Ames, Editor in Chief of Juniper Networks Books, who shared his experiences publishing a wide variety of books and ebooks, including some of the things he wishes he'd known before he started the process. (Great info for future authors to keep in mind!)
Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR), the industry leader in network innovation, is composed of nearly 9,000 employees worldwide serving more than 100 countries, all focused on helping customers build the best networks on the planet. From the network core down to consumer devices, Juniper Networks’ innovations in software, silicon and systems transform the experience and economics of networking.
Juniper Networks Books works with reputable book publishers around the world to publish networking tracts for use in the field or classroom, and publishes its own suite of books and eBooks within their Day One library. All books are authored, edited, and reviewed by Juniper Networks subject matter experts and engineers, and are singularly focused on network productivity and efficiency.
All sales requests for Juniper Networks Books are referred from the Juniper Networks website to the Vervante Bookstore where orders, sales and distribution are then handled.
Q: Tell us a little about your products
We created the Day One book series because our networking technology books are somewhat of a niche topic, certainly meaningful to a group of networking engineers. Some Day One books are read by only a few hundred people, and traditional publishers wisely avoid these type of small-run titles. We publish in PDF, in ePub, and in Paper. The paper books are always coveted.
Q: What do you wish that someone had told you BEFORE you began the publishing process?
That book-building is like a scriptorium.
Q: What’s something you’ll do differently next time?
Use more visual content. Illustrations, pictures, movies, sound.
Q: During the process, were there any surprises? Something you would do differently or advice other authors to be aware of?
Paper stock. Be sure to inquire about various paper stocks and ask for a draw-down (an example).
Q: Why did you choose Vervante to help with self-publishing?
Vervante has a history that goes back a long way. It’s important to have that history, to know the mistakes others have taken and how to avoid them. Today’s publishing is about immediate gratification and instant downloads. Vervante has managed to make that same immediacy and combine it with the paper world. That’s amazing.
The Vervante team is also great with new concepts. Want a poster? Want a fold-out cover? Want color? They will give you the individual attention you need to make your books useful and attractive. Their on-demand print knowledge is invaluable.
My project has lasted for five years. Vervante was there on the first day and continues to be. I can be assured that this corporate publishing program has an on-demand printing service that I don’t have to fund or administrate.
You can learn more about Juniper at www.juniper.net/books or www.juniper.net/posters. If you enjoyed this article, and would like to be featured in a future Vervante author interview, please email us at customerservice@vervante.com.