Welcome to the next step in our special 5-part series, as we walk you through the process of creating a new product from start to finish. In Part 1, 2 and 3, we discussed getting started, setting up your product and the importance of design and all the little details that come with it. Now we're ready to talk about one of the most exciting steps - printing and publishing your new product!
First step: Order a sample copy
Your design looks great on your computer screen - now it's time to make sure it looks just as nice in real life by ordering a sample copy. Do not skip this step! Printing a single copy of your book or product is important to confirm that the appearance and quality are what you want them to be.
If your final product includes a cover or binding option that we don’t offer on demand, we recommend at least a softcover proof before you order a bulk order. Softcover proofs can generally be printed in 5-7 days. We also offer a hardcover proof option that will be exactly like the final product. This option can take 4 weeks to produce.
To order samples, upload print-ready pdfs to your author account. Our team will review your files and add the product to your account so you can place an order through your author dashboard. Or you can contact us at [email protected] for assistance.
Next: Consider author imprinting
Some authors use our services to self-publish one book. But most end up creating multiple books and products. This is the time to consider imprinting. A publishing imprint is the name assigned to an ISBN. It will be the name listed as publisher on your book copyright or imprint page, on the back cover of your book, and in retail descriptions such as Amazon.
Authors who publish their works under a publishing imprint set themselves apart from other self-published authors who have no imprint and are publishing under their own names. Having your book listed with a publisher name that is different than your own creates a level of professionalism that can overcome bias that many still have against self-publishing. Read more here about the benefits and how to set up your own publishing imprint: Why self-published authors should consider imprinting.
Set a price for sales
Once you’re ready to sell, the next step is something a lot of people really struggle with – setting a price. It’s like a scary math problem where the answer isn’t always clear. Price it too high and no one will buy. Price it too low and you devalue your work and your profits. Finding the right price doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game, though, especially if you follow the tips we provide in this article: "How to price your book or product for retail sales."
A very common question we hear is how to much should I charge? A couple of things to remember when determining your retail price:
Your product is unique, custom and printed in small batches.
You are not appealing to a broad audience but rather a niche group that will find value in the product you’ve created.
You cannot compete with pricing for products mass produced in China.
Your product is valuable and will provide your customers with a unique solution.
We recommend that you double your cost (or more) to determine the retail price.
Decide if you want to add extras
You're ready to launch your book, planner or other type of product, yay! This is a good time to take a pause and consider if you want to create any extras that will help you launch or promote your product. Stickers, coloring books, bookmarks... these and more are fun items that are easy to create, budget-friendly, and can be great for adding value to your product and pizzazz to your launch. Check out these articles for inspiration:
FREE RESOURCES
Our Help Page offers a variety of free resources including product videos and guides on everything from design to step-by-step instructions. Below are links for guides and useful blog articles for more information about what we've discussed above:
In the next article, we will take the next big step - listing your book for sale online, all about Amazon, and other details such as fulfillment, shipping, royalties, and more.
Getting your first order is an awesome feeling. But before you send anything out, there is one thing you need to set up to ensure your customers have the best experience possible – your packing slips.
Packing Slips: Every package we send out includes a packing slip inside. Think of this as valuable real estate perfect for sharing important information your customers need, including:
A greeting or message that makes a personal connection
Your logo for brand awareness
Return policies that eliminate confusion about timeframes or refunds
Business address and contact information
To add personalized content for your packing slip, log into your author account at www.vervante.com, scroll down to “My Profile” and click on “Customize My Packing Slip.”
((Quick FAQ: Prices are not included on packing slips.))
About Returns: As of March 15, 2022, any returns received will incur a $4 charge.
If an order has an insufficient address or other address issues, it will be returned to our office. We will notify you when we receive it, and the reason for the return.
If we receive a return for insufficient address or address problems, and you are able to provide us with an updated correct address, we will reship the order at no additional charge except for the postage.
If a product has NOT been opened, used or is not damaged, we will re-use the product.
If the product HAS been opened we do not re-use returns.
If you would like returns sent back to your office so you can use them for prizes, promotions, or display please include instructions and your address information on the packing slip for customers to send the products directly to you.
Drawing a blank? No worries, here's sample copy you can customize.
PERSONAL MESSAGE
“In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s difficult to reach out and thank every customer for their loyalty, trust, and support. Even though this note can never fully express our gratitude, we want you to know that we truly appreciate the trust you’ve place in us by placing this order. With so many different choices to grow your business, we’re honored you’ve chosen us to be a part of your journey.
To Your Success,
COMPANY OR INDIVIDUAL NAME
RETURN POLICY COPY (FOR VERVANTE CUSTOMERS ONLY) Damaged shipment: This product was shipped to you by Vervante in partnership with COMPANY NAME. In the unlikely event of damage during shipment, please contact Vervante at [email protected].
Return policy: COMPANY NAME offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you would like to return the product, please make a copy of this packing slip and return the copy with the product to: COMPANY MAILING ADDRESS. When we receive your return a refund of ....
Too often, the value of these small slips of paper that come with packages are overlooked. We hope this gave you some great ideas and useful info for customizing your packing slips asap. And if you have any questions, please let us know. We're here to help at [email protected].
It's time to talk design! Recently we’ve discussed the beginning stages of creating a new product and working with Vervante. In Part 1 and 2 of this series, we discussed the first steps of defining and content creation for your new product. Now we’re ready to talk about design.
When it comes to designing a book or product, it's important to pay attention to the details. For example, you can have a gorgeous cover design for your book, but if when you look inside the words are cut off in the margin, or holes are punched in the wrong places, it can ruin the whole experience. Things like margin width and print file formatting are very important. Whether you are doing the design yourself, or you use a graphic design professional, attention to these technical details is crucial.
How to prepare your files for printing
We know you’re excited to get your new product printed and we want to expedite the process as quickly as possible for you. All files must be submitted as print-ready PDFs using the "Upload Files" link on your Author Dashboard. When you upload your PDFs, our team downloads your files and reviews them to ensure that they are set up properly for printing. Many of our customers create their own print files using applications such as Canva, while others hire a professional graphic designer. Both methods are fine, just remember that your PDFs must contain bleed and crop marks in order to be considered print-ready.
Tips for designers who use Canva
If you use the online design program Canva to create your products, you’re not alone. Many of our customers use Canva with great results for creating planners, journals, card decks, calendars and more. If you have your Canva designs ready to send to us, be sure to check out this blog article filled with tips to insure your files are correctly set up.
Why margin width is important
If you are designing a new planner, journal or book, attention to margins is crucial. For example, you can have a gorgeous eye-catching cover, but if you open the book and the words are cut off in the margin, or holes are punched through them, it can ruin the whole experience. In general, for spiral or wire-o bound products we recommend 1/2" margins to be safe. However, if space is an issue, you can follow these specific guides:
Holes for spiral binding are smaller and only require 1/4" of the binding edge.
Wire-o holes are larger and require 1/2" margins
Bleed and crop marks
Missing bleed and crop marks are one of the most popular reasons for rejected print files. If your PDF has edge-to-edge printing, then you need bleed. This means the image should be slightly larger than the finished page size so that when we trim to the crop marks, we will cut through the image so that the printing actually prints edge to edge. Without bleed, your page/cover/document will have a white border all of the way around and the color will not print to the edge of the sheet. Be sure to download our free expert guide for more information about bleed and crop marks.
FREE RESOURCES
Our Help Page offers a variety of free resources including product videos and guides on everything from design to step-by-step instructions. Below are links to just a few available:
(Coming Soon to our Expert Guides Page) Guide for Using InDesign
In this section of our special 5-part series, we hope we shared information that has inspired and motivated you to move forward with your idea for a book or special product. Next week, we will focus on important facts about publishing and printing your products, including tips for how to imprint as an author, pricing your products, listing on Amazon, online sales, and more.
Welcome to the next step in our special 5-part series, as we walk you through the process of creating a new product from start to finish. In Part 1, 2 and 3, we discussed getting started, setting up your product and the importance of design and all the little details that come with it. Now we're ready to talk about one of the most exciting steps - printing and publishing your new product!
How to turn daily planners into collections
Getting your first order is an awesome feeling. But before you send anything out, there is one thing you need to set up to ensure your customers have the best experience possible – your packing slips. 
It's time to talk design! Recently we’ve discussed the beginning stages of creating a new product and working with Vervante. In Part 1 and 2 of this series, we discussed the first steps of defining and content creation for your new product. Now we’re ready to talk about design.