How to calculate your Amazon profits
If you have a book or product for sale via Amazon Marketplace - or planning on it for the future - and are unsure how to calculate how much profit you'll make on a sale, we've got you covered. As our customers are prepping for holiday launches for books and planners we've been hearing this question more often, prompting our CEO, Cindy Tyler, to create a video walking you through the process of identifying costs and calculating profits for your listings on Amazon Marketplace. Click here to access this special video with Cindy. In this video we cover: How to have Vervante set up your Amazon listing for you How to access our online retail transaction calculators Details of how Amazon fees work Estimating product and postage costs Calculating final profit amounts If you're curious to learn more about our services listing products on Amazon, the difference between using Vervante vs. KDP (Amazon's publishing services), or details and best practices when it comes to selling and shipping retail products, we invite you to visit our online library of free resources, including the following: Why Vervante vs. Amazon KDP Helpful Hints for Retail Distribution From Retail Sales to Royalties: How Authors Get Paid Bottom line? We want you to feel confident as you list, sell and ship your books and products and know that our team is here for you to help you along the way. For free production quotes, or to answer any other questions you might have, reach out to our team at Vervante customer service, we're here for you!
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Magnetic Boxes for Card Decks
Magnetic Card Deck Boxes You're hearing it here first: We just posted another new video to the Vervante Video Vault introducing you to a new option for card deck packaging - Magnetic Boxes - as well as other ideas for card deck presentation that fit every style and budget. Sturdy, professional and attractive ideas for card decks including magnetic boxes with custom designed front and back, printed tuck boxes, clear plastic tuck boxes, and 2-piece rigid clear plastic boxes. To watch the video, click HERE. To access all videos in our video vault, click HERE. For free quotes or questions about our new magnetic card deck boxes, or any other products or packaging solutions, we're here to help at [email protected].
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A 2022 Daily Planner You Can Customize
Our 2022 daily planner is here and we're so excited to share it with you! After the last couple years we've had, the theme of "Choose Happy" is one of our favorites, and we hope you love it as much as we do. With light and bright colors and positive messages throughout, we feel like the "Choose Happy 2022 Planner" is one of our best yet. It features a board cover, full color inkjet printing, with round corners and white metal spiral binding. Another option we debuted recently is the undated Orange Blossom Planner that features a sturdy 10 mm laminated cover with metal spiral binding. We've designed these planners to be used in several ways: You can order and use it just like it is. Personalize with a simple change like adding your logo. Or you can fully customize to fit your branding and vision. (We provide access to the InDesign files so you can change anything you want.) How to make these planners your own As we mentioned above, you are welcome to modify or change whatever you'd like to make the Choose Happy or Orange Blossom planner your very own. We provide the InDesign files, you make the changes, then send the files back to us. Here are a few links for ordering, accessing, and customizing these planners: "Choose Happy" Planner View planner cover-to-cover online Order a sample copy of the 2022 Planner Access the InDesign files to make changes / customizations Check out the Vervante Video Vault for detailed ideas for planners, planner add-ons, and lots of other products and customizing options available. "Orange Blossom" Planner To watch a video with details, click HERE. To order a sample, click HERE. Access the InDesign files here: Orange Blossom Planner InDesign File Download We're pretty excited about all of our planners - and we hope you are too. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]
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Faux Leather Softcovers
We've got Faux Leather Softcovers! Yes, you're hearing it here first: We just posted another new video to the Vervante Video Vault introducing you our Faux Leather Softcovers. Planners can be customized in so many ways, including the addition of adding these faux leather covers. Budget-friendly, professional, and sturdy, they can be foil stamped and give your books or planners that luxe look your customers desire. These special covers can be wire-o, spiral or perfect binding. To watch the video, click HERE. To access all videos in our video vault, click HERE.
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How to Improve Your Author Website
Every author needs a website. Especially self-published authors. Social media is great. But when it comes down to it, an author website that you control is the best way to promote your books, boost your sales, and create a loyal following that will support your future endeavors too. As a self-published author you should have a website, at least one social media account, and an Amazon Author Page that works together in harmony to connect and promote. But the mistake that many authors made is building them – then forgetting about them. An active website can do wonders for sales and engagement. An outdated or stagnant one will do the opposite. Luckily, it’s easy to improve your author website so that you can make sure it’s supporting your goals. If you’re thinking to yourself “Gee, it’s been a while since I’ve checked in to my own site,” we’ve rounded up a few tips for making your author website all it can be. 5 Things You Need for An Author Website First, let’s cover the basics. You should have the following 5 things on your author website. Author Bio Your Books and Products Mailing List Sign Up Contact Info Blog or Calendar Tips for improving your author website TIP #1: AUTHOR BIO: Make sure your bio is up-to-date, and that it includes a clear call-to-action at the end. If a reader feels connect to you, give them a way to stay in touch. This can include pointing them to your email/newsletter sign-up (see Tip #3), buying a book, or even just following you on an active social media account. TIP #2: BOOKS & PRODUCTS: All of the books and products you currently have available for sale should be listed and have easy-to-find links for purchasing. If you have multiple products or lines, make sure this page is well-organized and easy to read. Many readers will go to your website to find your books, and if you make it easy for them to click and buy, you’ll make them very happy (and get more sales!) We encourage you to sell directly from your site using any shopping cart, then let us print and ship the product to your customer. Selling direct allows you to collect the customer data, specifically their email address, and build your subscriber list. You can then sell your products on Amazon as a secondary distribution channel. TIP #3: MAILING LIST SIGN UP: Start collecting email addresses even if you don’t have a newsletter yet. Building a database of interested followers and loyal fans is a very powerful way to boost future sales, connect with your readers, and create a community that will support you for the long term. (You can read more here about how a contact list can support your next book or product launch.) TIP #4: CONTACT INFO: Don’t leave them hanging. You don’t have to share your personal email or phone number, but be sure that readers have a way to stay in touch including an email/newsletter sign-up, social media, or even how to follow you on your Amazon Author Page. TIP #5: BLOG or CALENDAR PAGE: A blog is a great way to let people know more about you, share your world, announce new books, launch campaigns, and give them a place to connect in a deeper way with you. A calendar is also a great method of announcing events such as book signing, online live streams, holiday promotions, etc. TIP #6: MAKE IT SPECIAL: Offering incentives can go a long way toward creating a loyal and enthusiastic following. Lead Magnets Pre-Sale / Pre-Launch Offers Discounts Bonuses VIP Status Free Content Swag (Stickers are fun -- Custom card decks too!) If you’re gearing up for a book or product launch for the holidays, now is the perfect time to update your author page. Having one more support system updated and ready to go will streamline your launch and help with smooth sales throughout the year ahead.
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Perforated Pages and Cards
Check it out! We've just posted a new video to the Vervante Video Vault introducing you to our new Perforated Pages & Cards. If you're thinking about adding something fun and functional to your planners, journals, workbooks or similar products, performated pages or punch-out cards are a great idea! They can be added when you first have your entire product printed and assembled, or they can be added after the fact. These are also very popular for coloring books so you can cleanly remove pages that have been colored to share or display. We can perforate pages that can be added to planners, journals or products. You can also create perforated cards to add to products – and it’s great for easy tear-out pages in coloring books too! To watch the video, click HERE.
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The importance of copy editing for books and all products
Nothing can be more damaging to your products and your reputation than publishing a book or other written product that is filled with typos, errors, and incorrect information. Every book needs editing, as well as other products such as planners, workbooks, journals, training manuals, fitness or health programs, and more. A few mistakes here and there aren't that big of a deal, but consistent misspellings, grammar errors, and incorrect information (such as wrong dates, incorrect website addresses, etc.) will distract your reader and leave them with a negative perception of you, your expertise, and the message or information you share. No matter what your budget might be, investing time and/or money into editing for your project is a vital step that will help you create the best product you can. When your book or product is in the final stages of writing or design, we recommend that you have it professionally edited. Do not compromise when it comes to the quality of your product. If your budget allows for it, hire a professional. If not, consider a trade of services. Or ask for help from family, friends or colleagues. There are several kinds of editing services that can be done, including proofreading and copy editing: #1 PROOFREADING: This is editing that is done at the final stage, before your book, planner, workbook, journal, etc. is finalized for printing. The editor checks for typos, formatting issues, and any other errors they can find. Proofreading is a "lighter" sort of editing that focuses on eliminating minor errors and inconsistencies. Proofreading is right for you if: Your book, planner or product is in the final stages of design and ready to be printed. You are reasonably confident in your work and just want one more set of eyes to catch any errors that might have slipped through. #2 COPY EDITING: Copy editing is detailed, word-by-word editing that includes everything you get from Proofreading plus a deeper look at grammar, usage, and consistency. Copy editing is right for you if: Your manuscript is finished but hasn’t moved to the design and formatting stage yet. You want a professional set of eyes to ensure your content is free of errors, technical problems, inconsistencies or loose ends that might confuse or turn off your readers. While we do not provide editing services here at Vervante, we strongly believe in the necessity of having an editor and often use editors to ensure professional end results. We are happy to provide you with referrals for editors, or answer any questions about editing at [email protected].
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Copyright registration FAQs
You did it! You’ve successfully written and published that book you’ve always dreamed of. Now comes the next big issue, how to be sure that your work is protected by copyright. Here at Vervante we provide copyright services, or you can work with the government directly to secure your own copyright. We've gathered the following information to help you gain a better understanding of what copyright is and how it can protect your book. What is copyright? Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. What does copyright protect? Copyright protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed. Do I have to register with the U.S. Copyright Office to be protected? No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. Can Vervante register for copyright for me? Yes, we can handle the process for you. A Vervante team member will complete the application on your behalf and submit a copy of your book to the Copyright Registration Office. Your book should be complete, available in your Vervante Author Account, and ready for shipping before submitting this request. Here's how it works: Log into your Vervante Author Account and click on Copyright Registration under Publishing accessible via the Services menu. Fill out the form there - all fields are required. Your request will be completed within 10 business days. Your print files will be uploaded to the Copyright Office. You will be charged $95 for this service. In approximately 13 months you will receive the physical certification in the mail. Can I register for a copyright myself? Yes, to file directly with the U.S. Copyright Office website just go to their website at www.copyright.gov and fill out their online application. The online application takes about 15 minutes and there is a fee of $55.00. You will receive a packing slip at the end of the process. This should be printed and a copy of your book mailed to the Copyright Office within 30 days of completing the online submission form. OR, you can upload print files for your product to the Copyright Office. You do NOT have to do both. In approximately 13 months you will receive a certificate of registration in the mail. How much does it cost to file for copyright? Vervante services are $95 (as of September 2021) U.S. Copyright Office fees are $55 (as of September 2021) How soon can I publish my book after applying for a copyright? As soon as you want. Once you have submitted the application and a copy of your book, you do not need to wait for the copyright certificate to proceed with promoting and publishing your book. You are free to log into your Vervante author account to have your book printed and your orders shipped. When is my product copyright protected? Copyright protection exists from the moment the work is created. Do I have to wait for the certificate? You do not have to wait for the certificate. How long does a copyright last? As a general rule copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. I plan on selling and distributing my book in countries outside the United States. Is my copyright good in other countries? The United States has copyright relations with most countries throughout the world, and as a result of these agreements, we honor each other's citizens' copyrights. However, the United States does not have such copyright relationships with every country. For a listing of countries and the nature of their copyright relations with the United States, see Circular 38a, International Copyright Relations of the United States. Bottom line? Your book is the result of your hard labor and intellectual brilliance. Taking the step to protect your work, once you’ve written and published, is quick, easy and will provide peace of mind. For more information or to register your book, go to www.copyright.gov.
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Why margin width is important for printing
When it comes to deciding on the details for your next planner, book or journal, the smaller choices are just as important as the big ones. 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. Details like margin width are very important, as you can see. If you are designing a new planner, journal or book, attention to margins is crucial. We receive a lot of questions from our customer asking about margins, so we thought we’d share our recommendations here. 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 If you have any questions, we're here to help at [email protected].
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Orange Blossom Planner
Check out our latest video that takes you through a tour of our new gorgeous "Orange Blossom" planner. This undated planner is available to order as a sample and features a sturdy 10 mm laminated cover (one of our most popular new options!), metal spiral binding, stickers, and undated monthly and daily planning pages. To watch the video, click HERE. To order, click HERE. If you love the look of this planner, and would like to customize it to use, share, or sell as your own, you can download the InDesign files from Dropbox by clicking here: Orange Blossom Planner InDesign File Download
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How to set up shipping for the holidays
If you’re planning on a holiday launch, or would just like your product to arrive by the end of December, one important aspect is shipping. Delivery speed, cost, and customer satisfaction are all affected by the way your products are shipped to your customers. Here at Vervante, we make sure that you have total control of this important part of your product sales process by offering the ability to choose the best shipping method for each of your products. Our shipping system will automatically default to Media Mail for domestic shipments. If you want to set a specific shipping method for a product, you can do this from your Author Dashboard. If you want to make any changes, here's how: STEP #1: Log into your Vervante Author Dashboard and select the link that says "Select Specific Shipping Methods." You will see a list of your products, their estimated weights, and the default shipping methods. Initially the shipping methods are set to the default of "Best Way." This means that we will use Media Mail unless you change (or have previously) changed the shipping method to something else. STEP #2: FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING please click on the link at the top of the page for International Shipping Methods. STEP #3: TO SET DEFAULT SHIPPING METHODS for each of your products, select the desired method you prefer in the right hand column, then click on the "Update Ship Methods" button at the bottom of the page to save your preferences. ***(VERY IMPORTANT TIP: Don't forget to save your changes)*** You can also include the shipping method in your order notifications. If you are using Zapier or another automated order processing format as outlined HERE, you can include the shipping method on the order. This is only applicable for those order notifications in a format such as the text-only email, API or Shopify formats. ABOUT MEDIA MAIL PLEASE NOTE: Media Mail is the default shipping method. If you do not want to use Media Mail, you must select another shipping method on that page. Media Mail is often the least expensive postage option for most products, but it is also slower than other methods such as First Class or Priority. To learn more about media mail, please see "The Pros & Cons of Using Media Mail." We suggest that you use First Class (if your product weighs less than 13 ounces) or Priority Mail (over 13 ounces) for orders shipped after Thanksgiving if you’d like them to arrive by the end of December. We have found that orders shipped via Media Mail the last six weeks of the year may take a few weeks longer because of the holiday shipping. If you have a new product or dated product such as a planner, we recommend using Priority Mail the last six weeks of the year, and then if you’d like to switch back to Media Mail in January to save money on postage, just log back into your account and change the shipping method. HOW TO CHOOSE BEST SHIPPING METHOD Not sure which method is best? If an order weighs less than 6 pounds then USPS is generally the least expensive shipping option. We have created a USPS postage calculator so you can view your different USPS shipping options. From the author dashboard, scroll down to Support > Calculate Postage You will see a list of your products at the top of the page with the estimated shipping weight. In the USPS Postage Calculator enter Vervante's zip code (84042) and the zip code we will be shipping to. Most products ship as a package. If you have any questions, we're here to help at [email protected].
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What you need to do BEFORE you publish a planner
Ever have a feeling that you forgot something, but not sure exactly what it is? If you’re creating a daily planner (or any other kind of product), we’ve got what you need to feel confident that you’ve checked all your boxes and never miss a step. The Vervante Expert Guide Page and the Vervante Video Vault are free resources that contain invaluable guides, how-to’s, checklists and inside tips for creating and publishing planners, books, and other printed products. You’ll find everything you need to know from A to Z and help ensure a smooth and stress-free process from start to print to sales and shipping. Whether you’re working on a 2022 Daily Planner (the deadline is less than 3 months away) or an undated one that can be launched anytime, you’ll find everything you need to know so you don’t miss a step. Free Guides for Creating Daily Planners Start with our 7 Steps to Create a Perfect Planner guide Download and print out the Planner Checklist Infographic to keep you on track For deeper insight, learn how to create and use Custom-Printed Die-Cut Tabs for your planner Finally, scan through the rest of our library for resources to help you with everything from print file preparation to sales, royalties, retail distribution and even zombie invasions. All-Access Video Guides for Creating Daily Planners Another great place for daily planner resources is the Video Vault page on our website. This page is filled with real-life, full-color demos of our products and all the extras showing how they look and function to help you make your decisions. Take a few minutes to watch our videos, like this sampling listed below, and you’ll be sure to not miss a step as you create your new daily planner: Our Annual Customizable Planner Planner & Journal Add-On Options Hardcover Planners & Journals Planner Notepads Concealed Hardcover Wire-o How to Order Daily Planner Samples Did one of our planners catch your eye? In addition to reading and watching videos about planners and how to create them, you can also order samples to ensure they fit your vision. Check out our Product Sample Page to order any of a variety of styles. We hope this helps you to avoid that “Did I forget something?” feeling and keep the excitement going as you create new daily planners for the people who really need them. We’re looking forward to helping you make your vision come to life and are here to help every step of the way.
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Adding custom postcards to packages
In a recent article we talked about a wide variety of items you can add to a package to enhance your customers’ experience. Today, we would like to focus on just one of those – Postcards. Creative postcards added to your product packages are guaranteed to get attention. They are simple, budget-friendly, and offer a surprising among of flexibility. As the first thing your customers will see when they open their packages, postcards add value and set the tone for each customers’ experience. And here’s the fun part… Your postcards can say anything you want. From a photo with a simple thank you, to a full-length mission statement, mantra, or take-action message, you can share a personal, intimate glimpse into you and your company in a way that can create instant connections. We’re not talking about those “wish you were here” travel postcards you see on vacation, but strategically created cards with branding and content that fits what you need. The key is to keep it simple, be real, and share something you know will resonate with your audience. Love this idea? We do! Here are a few ideas for how we’ve seen our customers get creative with postcards: Welcome Get Started Instructions Mission Statements Mantras or Affirmations Offers for Free Items Discount Codes Contact Information Invitations to “secret” pages on your site or forums for customers only Tickets to special events Postcards can be printed any size and shape, but generally range from playing card size to traditional postcard size. They are printed on heavy stock, can be on both sides, and in color or black & white. There’s a lot of power in these little cards. We’d love to help you harness it! If you’re interested in creating a batch of custom postcards to include with the packaging of your Vervante-created products, let us know at [email protected]. We can give you a free quote for creating the cards, and let you know how we can include them in all of your future mailings. You provide the design, we’ll get it to your customers, as easy as that.
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How you can add extras to subscription boxes and packages
One of the most addictive things we love to watch on social media are “unboxing” videos. How fun is it to watch people open their packages and see not just what they ordered, but all the extra fun and special stuff inside? The packages you send out can be just as fun for your customers to open (and maybe end up starring in their own unboxing videos) by adding just a few “extras.” The beauty of this idea is that it’s very customizable. You can create as much as you want, add any products you like, and customize the design and details – and we can help you make it happen. How to add fun extras to packages This works for any type of packages including Subscription Boxes, VIP Boxes, Book Launch Boxes, Planner Debut Boxes, and even just single-purchases such as books or journals. FIRST: Decide what extras you would like to include in your package The secret to really impressing your customers is to choose items to add to your box that will complement the product ordered, or that will add value to the event or program your customer signed up for. We can produce some types of items such as: Thank you postcard, notecard or letter Wallet card flash drive Card decks Golden tickets, coupons, or bookmarks Notepads / Notebooks / Journals Stickers (see our online catalog and samples for more ideas of products we can help you create) You can also send us supplied items and our fulfillment service team can include them in your packages for you when we ship out your orders. Some ideas include: Pens, pencils, markers Apparel Crystals Bags for card decks Tissue paper to wrap the planner/book/journal Colored crinkle paper to sprinkle in the box Athletic accessories (fitness bands, supplements, etc.) Tote bags, pouches or pencil cases NEXT: Decide on box specs and presentation SIZE: If you would like a custom printed shipping box, we need to determine the correct sized box based on the content. Or, you can use one of our white shipping boxes and we’ll use the correct size. When you speak with our team about putting together your special packaging, consider how you want it presented. Do you want the products nestled inside layers of colorful tissue paper? Add a touch of glamour with confetti? Carefully positioned in shredded packing paper or bubble wrap in colors that match your brand? Take a look at unboxing videos for similar products to yours for ideas on presentation, then let us know what you’d like to do. Also, be sure to check our video vault page to see live examples of how this can work: Creative shipping boxes Creating custom printed boxes Add extra items to your packages FINALLY: Set up for warehousing, fulfillment and shipping Special boxed items like these involve multiple parts that need to be assembled, packaged and delivered just right. Here at Vervante, we provide the storage, assembly and shipping services you need for all types of boxes. If you're ready to create a box that provides an extra special experience for your customers, here are your next steps: Start by sending an email to [email protected] for a free quote. Let us know the products you plan on using, the box size and anything else you want for this project and we'll help you get set up. Better yet, put your head together with our CEO, Cindy Tyler, and she'll provide the advice you need for the box you want to create. (Schedule a phone call by clicking here) P.S. Creating special boxes like these can also be a great opportunity for a collaboration. Send this email to a friend or colleague and work together to create something special!
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Canva Tips and Tricks for Printed Products
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, here are a few tips and tricks to make sure your files are correctly set up and your printing experience stress-free. Page Limitations When you create a design in Canva that has multiple pages, Canva limits you to 100 pages. If you are creating a product that has more than 100 pages, such as card decks or daily planners, here’s what to do: Split up your design into multiple files within Canva. Send us the files and our design team will merge them into one final print-ready pdf for a small design fee. Please number the PDFs in the order they should be merged. We will then send you the final file for your approval before proceeding with setting up your product for printing with us. Adding Bleed If your product has color that goes all the way to the edge of the page, you need to be sure that you’ve added bleed to your design. Bleed helps to avoid having unsightly white gaps when you want your design to print to the edge of the paper. Here is how to set up bleed on designs in Canva: Click on “File” Select “Show print bleed.” A border of broken lines will appear close to the edges of your design. This margin is fixed and cannot be adjusted. If you see white gaps around the design edges, adjust your background and design elements to cover the white spaces. Due to the risk of a shift when cutting, make sure you extend the images outside of the bleed line to guarantee your document does not have a white stripe along the side of your page. Also, when you’re making those adjustments, know that anything in the bleed area will be trimmed off your print in the finishing process so if you want something to show up on your print, don’t let it creep into the bleed area. Crop Marks Crop marks show the printer where to trim (or cut) the paper or card for your product. The size for crop marks is fixed and cannot be adjusted. The time to add crop marks is when you’re ready to download your design and send it for printing. After you add bleed to your design, click the Download button on the toolbar. On the File Type dropdown menu, select PDF Print. Click the box next to “Crop marks and bleed.” Click Download. For more details and information about preparing your files for print, be sure to refer to this article “How to Prepare Your Files for Printing” on our blog. ***Why are bleed and crop marks important? Missing bleed and crop marks seem to be the most popular reason 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. Print file preparation is extremely important, so even if you're not ready to start printing just yet, be sure to save these instructions to help you down the road. Downloading Files From Canva Canva provides all you need to download a print-ready file, if you follow these directions: Start by clicking the download button in the top right. Under “File Type,” make sure “PDF Print” is selected. (Not PDF Standard). Make sure “Crop marks and bleed” are checked. Download your files in a single-page PDF format. Click “Download” to get your files. If you have any questions about using Canva for printing, or preparing your files to send to us, we’re here to help.
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Why self-published authors should consider imprinting
Some authors come to us to self-publish one book. But most authors end up creating multiple books and products, as it’s hard to turn off inspiration (and your audience keeps asking for more!). No matter what kind of books you’re writing – from fitness to finance to fun cozy murder-mysteries – there’s something that everyone should understand early in the process: The benefits of publishing imprints for self-published authors. What is a publishing imprint? 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. Benefits of creating a publishing imprint Authors who publish their works under imprints 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. Having an "official" name on the back of that book gives it a professionalism that many readers are looking for. It also helps you create continuity with your branding, and gives you more flexibility in marketing and sales. How to create a publishing imprint When you work with Vervante, you have the flexibility to choose between using us (Vervante) as your imprint, or creating one for yourself. Using Vervante as your imprint: If an author uses an ISBN purchased through Vervante, then Vervante will be listed as your imprint. Using Vervante ISBNs and listing Vervante as your publisher adds credibility as we are an established, respected publisher who has been in business for 21 years. Another benefit to using our ISBN is that you, as the author, retain full rights to your ISBN and content (a benefit that many other publishing companies do not offer.) Creating your own imprint: If you already have a business brand name and your book is a part of that business, you might choose to create an imprint that is consistent with your business. For example, if your brand is “Fitness International,” and you are writing a series of books about nutrition, health and wellness, your publishing imprint could simply be “Fitness International Press.” If an author wants to create and use their own imprint, they must purchase their ISBNs directly from Bowker. When you purchase your ISBN directly from them, you can set up the publisher name that will be attached to it. PLEASE NOTE: If you purchase ISBNs from Bowker, you don't need to purchase barcodes as well. There are a number of free barcode generators online that you can use. An imprint is a great way for self-published authors to brand their works and elevate their credibility by having a professional publishing name associated with their books. If you have any questions about using Vervante as your imprint, or creating your own, please email our team
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Author Spotlight: Manuel Buitrago
We're constantly amazed by the clever, unique, brilliant and beautiful books and products our customers create. Today we’d like to introduce you to Manuel Buitrago, fitness professional, weightlifting expert, and self-published author of two books, including “Chinese Weightlifting: A Visual Guide to Technique (2021).” Manuel’s ability to see a need and rise to the occasion to help others through his research and writing is a great example, as well as his insight into what it takes to publish (it’s a team effort!), and being open to learning even the second time around. Manuel’s story Q: What inspired you to create this book? I was on Instagram one day and saw a CrossFit post of a weightlifter performing a snatch in slow motion video. The lift wasn’t perfect from a technical standpoint and the caption read “What do you see?” And the responses from trainers and coaches was interesting because there was no consensus even though everyone was watching the same video. For example, one person would say the problem is X while another said the problem is Y. And another said the problem was A (which contradicted X) while another said B (which contradicted Y). Most of these issues were symptoms rather than root causes. So, it became clear to me there was an opening in the market for a visual guide to show what is good technique and how to identify technical mistakes. I learned professional weightlifting in China, which uses a unique weightlifting philosophy to achieve a technical standard. So I figured I could add even more value to the book by proposing Chinese training solutions to overcome these mistakes. Q: What challenges did you have to overcome? It was quite a quest to develop this book. First was organizing the 2-day photoshoot at a Chinese sports school (which requires permission and knowing someone). I had to book international flights, local trains, and Chinese car services in advance to make sure the Hong Kong based photography crew, a former national-level Chinese weightlifter, and my colleague and I all arrived on a date that worked for all parties. Given the complexity, we only had this opportunity to film and a limited time per day, so I had to cross my fingers that there were no delays! The actual organization, writing, and editing of the book was straightforward, however I wanted to offer 6 translations to reach a broader audience (English, French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Portuguese). So, I had to make sure my writing was clear enough to be translated easily into other languages. The next challenge was organizing professional translators. This is easier said than done because many translation services provide google translations or word-for-word translations that don’t sound authentic. Eventually I was able to find some capable translators and also had bilingual weightlifting friends proofread and edit the texts to ensure accuracy and authenticity. Thankfully I’ve received messages from non-English speakers thanking me for providing a high-quality translation. Q: Share a high moment or interesting story about creating your book that might inspire other future authors/creators. A book is rarely a solo effort. One of the best parts of creating a book is the people who help make it happen. The team I organized to produce the pictures worked long hours, ate little, and drank a lot of coffee to maximize our filming time. But there’s a feeling of solidarity when a group comes together and struggles to create something good. Afterwards, we were invited by our hosts to a traditional Chinese meal, which was a great and unexpected celebration that I would not have had otherwise and made the entire experience much more memorable. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help (whether it’s proofreading, editing, graphics, etc.). Q: Any advice for others? My book Chinese Weightlifting: A Visual Guide to Technique is my second book with Vervante. I never thought I would write books, mainly because I didn’t think I could come up with an idea (much less write about it for hundreds of pages). But after writing two books, and considering a third, I recall the words from Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Gyorgyi: “discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.” About “Chinese Weightlifting: A Visual Guide to Technique” If your weightlifting progress is stalling, you can’t figure out the cause of your technical mistakes, or have no idea how to fix them, then this book is what you need. Often referred to as the “little black book of Chinese weightlifting,” Manuel Buitrago’s Chinese Weightlifting: A Visual Guide to Technique helps weightlifters and their coaches learn to spot the technical issues that prevent reaching maximum weightlifting performance and excel to their highest potential. This book is great for: Beginner and intermediate athletes who coach themselves Experienced athletes who have stubborn habits Coaches looking to improve their “eye” for weightlifting technique Trainers looking for ways to fix technical errors Anyone wanting to learn what to do and what not to do when performing the snatch, clean, and jerk. Learn more You can learn more about Manuel’s book on his website, and connect via social media on Facebook or Instagram.
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How Vervante handles returns
One step in the sales process that is important to plan ahead for is returned orders. There are a lot of reasons for returns, but no matter why, we can help you plan ahead to create a hassle-free process for both yourself and your customer. RETURNS POLICY First, we highly recommend that you share your return policy with customers by including it on your packing slip. For directions on how to do this, see this article on our website: "How to Customize Your Packing Slip." Here is an example you can customize to fit your needs: "This product was shipped to you by Vervante in partnership with YOUR COMPANY NAME. In the unlikely event of damage during shipment, please contact Vervante at [email protected]. YOUR 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 that copy with the product to: COMPANY MAILING ADDRESS. When we receive your return (FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS HERE)." WHAT HAPPENS TO RETURNS When a return is received, our receiving department will e-mail you that the package has been returned. As of March 15, 2022, returns sent to Vervante will incur a $4.00 charge to your account. Damaged products: In the unlikely event of damage during shipment, please contact Vervante at [email protected] (or have your customer contact us) and we will replace that item. Address issues: Any address issues that make your product undeliverable 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 and they will be destroyed immediately. ORDER PROCESSING & SHIPPING For more information about how order processing and shipping work for all of your books and products with Vervante see this article: "How Vervante Order Processing & Shipping Works." Returns happen, and we're here to help you handle them as gracefully as possible. For questions or requests regarding book or other products returns, please reach out to our team at [email protected].
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Free resources for self published authors
How is your latest project going? If you're writing a book, or creating a new product like a card deck, daily planner, or journal, sometimes a little help getting started is what you need. Or maybe you're in the middle, got stuck, and not sure what your next step should be. No matter what you need - ideas, instructions, inspiration - you can find it on our website. Free resources written by our expert team that detail every step and every angle of the process, all free, easy to access, and available right now. Just click on the images below for access to everything you need to give your books and products the advantage as you bring your ideas to life. FREE GUIDES FOR AUTHORS DETAILED VIDEOS PRINT SPECS, SAMPLES & MORE
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How to set up and use Amazon Author Pages
If you’re looking for a secret weapon to support your Amazon sales, here it is – Amazon Author Pages! Authors who sell books on Amazon automatically have access to this very cool – and free – resource, but often don’t know they can use it, or forget about it with all the hustle and bustle of a sales launch. Amazon Author Pages help you to connect with your readers by providing detailed information about you, your books, and any other links or products you’d like to promote. There’s even a way for people to “Follow” you on Amazon so fans can be alerted when you debut new items. If you haven’t used this resource yet – or maybe set one up but forgot about it – it’s not too late. Here’s what you need to do: How to set up an Amazon Author Page Get started by going to Amazon Author Central and log in to your account. If this is the first time you're logging in to Author Central, follow their directions for verifying your account and linking to your existing books for sale on Amazon. Once you've done that, Amazon will walk you through the rest of the setup steps. Here are a few pro tips to make sure you are using this resource to its best: Amazon Profile: Start by uploading a current photo. Biography: Sharing your story helps readers make a stronger connection with you. Blogs: Link to your blog so updates will be posted on your Author Page as well. Photos & Videos: Upload event videos, book trailers, speaking highlights, interviews, etc. Once you’ve filled in all the information, check that all of your books are listed on your Author Page. If any of your books are not listed, go to the Books tab and click Add more books. To see how your Amazon Author Page looks to other people, click on the link provided in the Profile section. You'll also see a tab at the top called "Reports and Marketing," where you can: Use the Sales Rank feature to check how your book is performing in Amazon. Check Customer Reviews under the Reports + Marketing tab Want to see how other authors are using Amazon Author Pages? Here are a couple you can check out for inspiration: Melanie Beckler Judi Holler Amazon Author Pages are free to set up and a great opportunity you don’t want to miss. We hope this inspired you to get started on your own, and please let us know if you have any questions.
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