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How Vervante helps authors get the independence they deserve

by Vervante •

Happy (Author) Independence Day!

As we celebrate here in the U.S. the blessings and benefits that independence brings to our lives, we can't help but think about how this affects authors too.

The world of self-publishing has opened so many doors for passionate, creative people with dreams and ideas that need to be shared with the world, and it's given them the freedom they need to write, design and share their book ideas in exactly the way the want - without holding back or changing to fit someone's ideas of what's "right."

For more than 30 years, we've dedicated ourselves to providing the resources, support and guidance authors need to turn their book and product ideas into viable, thriving businesses that give them the independence they deserve.

With Vervante, you have the freedom to:

  • Be in the driver's seat for all design and content decisions, so you can create exactly what you want, and what your customers will love
  • Create additional products that add value to your book and can create additional revenue streams
  • List your book for sale where ever you want: We can help you list on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Baker & Taylor, Vervante Bookstore and eBook venues including Kindle and Nook. PLUS we can also list your book through the Vervante Bookstore and personal websites
  • Use a shopping cart solution that works best for you (we can work with ANY)
  • Have access to a Free online storefront solution if you don't want to mess with shopping carts
  • Be in complete control of your listing prices, discounts, special offers, etc.
  • Gather customer emails and create a database that allows you to stay connected to your loyal fans and be free of the whims of social media for marketing and connecting with your audience
  • Choose shipping options that work for you - and not worry about bogus additional frees
  • Not be restricted by unnecessary contracts or high-priced publishing "package" requirements
  • Retain all rights as sole owner of your book with our unique non-exclusive agreements
  • Publish when you want, not when you're told to: If you are writing a book that cites current events or has a topic that is timely, bringing the book quickly to market is critical. Once you send your print-ready files to Vervante, your book can be ready to print and listed for sale in a matter of days.
  • Sell to a global audience: We ship anywhere in the world
  • Get all the expert help you need. We know how important it is for authors to have access to resources and guides that they trust. That's why we created a FREE Expert Guide Resource Library on our website filled with a wide range of free ebooks to inspire, educate and support your journey creating, sharing and selling books and other printed products with Vervante.

If you've been thinking about writing and publishing a book, but something's held you back, we hope that this holiday inspires you to finally take the leap to assert your own independence and become the author you were meant to be.

Because nothing's worse than having a dream inside you and keeping it hidden where the world can't see or benefit from it.

Happy Independence Day, authors. We're excited to watch you shine!


Author Spotlight: Vyana Reynolds

by Vervante •

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 author, mermaid, ocean advocate, mystic, and creator of the Diving into the Divine Feminine collection, Vyana Reynolds.

Vyana's story

Q: What inspired you to create these products?

I found myself hitting bottom AGAIN, even in paradise, with sugar addiction after 46 years! I assumed that once I had transitioned from lawyer to mermaid and retired in Hawai'i, my addiction would magically disappear -- not the case. Having tried EVERY 12 Step program known to man, I gave up. I surrendered to the knowing that I would only find freedom by creating my own program.

For me, it must be based not on 12 Steps but 13, inspired by the Divine Feminine. Every day, I awoke and asked the Universe, "What do I need today to overcome this addiction?"  Every day, I was given an affirmation, a wisdom story and a power practice to apply to my life.

By the end of 13 weeks, I found freedom for the first time in my life. I knew I had to share this method with the world! So, my first book was published with the help of Vervante.

Q: What advice would you give other aspiring authors or creatives?

Let Vervante hold your hand and conspire to make your products even better!  In my case, the CEO suggested that I might also want a matching journal and 91-day affirmation card deck. Voila! In 2 weeks, they were done.

Q: What do you love about this collection?

Now I can provide an entire support system to those still suffering from addiction. Best of all, these products inspire me to create even more! I constantly recommend Vervante to friends who say, "I've always wanted to write a book, but don't know how to publish it." I recently wrote my first children's book in 3 hours during an airplane ride. In the past, I wouldn't have wasted my time writing a book that I didn't know how to publish. It's so easy now!

About Diving Into the Divine Feminine: 13 Steps to Freedom from Food Addiction

Tired of struggling with food cravings? Frustrated with diets only to find nothing works, and worst of all, you blame yourself thinking it has something to do with your lack of will power? I answered “yes” to all these questions before I wrote this book. Now, I have found FREEDOM from food addiction without much effort. It feels natural to reach for healthy food.

It turns out my addiction had little to do with food. I was surprised to discover the true source of my hunger. My previous food choices were just a symptom of a spiritual hunger that haunted me. Now, I have everything I need and more -- a spiritual center, daily affirmations, powerful practices and stories to remember this wisdom in those moments when old habits want to take over.

Diving Into the Divine Feminine: 13 Steps to Freedom from Food Addiction is based on ancient wisdom; connection to your higher power; and a willingness to explore a new future for yourself. Following this program, food is now in its rightful place -- a back seat pleasure, not a driving force. This entire collection is designed to give you the support you'll need to finally end this old pattern and BE FREE!

Book

Instead of waking up every morning dreading another day of struggle with food, pick up the book and apply the principles.

Journal

Your unique journey offers many insights. Having a Journal to keep track of them and your progress will inspire you to keep moving forward.

Daily Affirmation Cards

Allow the images in the 91 Daily Affirmation Cards to further inspire you. 

Bookmark

An inspirational bookmark with vintage key is a symbol of your freedom to create a life you love.

Golden Gift Bag

In the midst of our negative self-talk, it's easy to forget how beautiful, sacred, and precious we are. Gifts of beauty, such as this golden gift bag serve as a wonderful reminder.

Learn more

Learn more about Vyana's complete collection here:  https://divingintothedivinefeminine.com/freedom-from-food-addiction/

Get your product featured

If you enjoyed this article and would like your Vervante product featured in our newsletter and blog email [email protected] with the following information:

  1. 250-word overview of your product
  2. URL link for the landing or sales page for the product
  3. High-res image(s) of the product and/or author

Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!


Top mistakes self-published authors make

by Vervante •

If you are writing your first book, you’re probably worried about what to do, what not to do, and wondering if you’re forgetting anything in the process. Learning from other’s mistakes is a great way to get a jump start, so we gathered a list of the most common errors we’ve seen authors so you can avoid them in your own journey.

Skipping the editing stage

Sloppy writing reflects poorly on the author. Readers are forgiving only to a point. If your book is full of errors, it will be distracting and difficult to read. Depending on your budget, hire a professional editor, find someone willing to barter services, or even a colleague with eagle-eyes and a willingness to help you.

Bad cover design

The design of your cover deserves as much attention as the content. The first impression of a book cover can make or break the sale. A professionally-designed cover isn’t just important – it’s everything! Hire a professional to create a cover that will attract attention and portray the message and professionalism you need.

Bad interior formatting

Just like cover design, you need the services of a professional to format your book’s interior to make it pleasing to the eye and easy to read.

Bad timing for your book launch

If you’ve written a book that is more relevant to a specific season, be sure to strategize and plan ahead. For instance, don’t launch a fitness book about getting ready for summer in November. And don’t write a book about the winter holidays and launch it on Dec. 25.

Not thinking beyond the book

If you have a book, you can also create an ebook. But don’t stop there. If you publish a children’s book with images, create a companion coloring book by removing color from the images. Non-fiction books can be accompanied by workbooks, journals, planners, calendars, card decks and more that continue the theme and add value to your book. Plus, more products mean more income, more exposure, more readers and customers, and the ability to build a successful business by repurposing your content.

Ordering expensive, unnecessary “starter” packages

A good publisher will not force you to purchase hundreds of books or pay large fees to print your book. Look for a company that offers Print on Demand services as well as larger print run options – like us!

Not ordering a sample

Always order at least one (or a handful) of sample copies, or ARCs (Advance Reading Copies), before you offer your book to the public to make sure it’s exactly what you were envisioning.

Launching without feedback

Speaking of sample copies, be sure to share a few with trusted colleagues or hand-picked “beta readers” for constructive criticism.

Getting too much feedback

Feedback is great, but don’t make the mistake of letting too many cooks into your kitchen. In the end, your book is your book. Feedback that catches editing mistakes, points out inconsistencies in stories, suggests additions or stories that would add to the value of the book are great. But suggestions for total rewrites to fit the taste of each individual is not what you need.

Only selling on Amazon

Amazon is great, but don’t limit yourself to just one venue for sales.  If you list via Amazon Marketplace you’ll make higher royalties and still have the ability to also sell your book in other locations like your own website or other online bookstores. Selling from locations you can control gives you the freedom to be creative and offer more value for your audience in the form of bundles, coupons, promotions, etc.

Ignoring fair use and permissions

Whenever you want to directly quote, excerpt, or reproduce someone else’s work in something you are writing, you should consider whether or not you need legal permission to protect yourself and your business from potential future problems. Some of the things you may want to quote or reuse will fall under the “Fair Use” umbrella, which means you don’t need permission as long as the way you’re using it does not impede on the owner’s rights. Other things, however, are legally protected by copyright and should only be used after acquiring permission. Check out this article for more details: Fair Use and Permissions for authors.

Book sales tunnel vision

Don’t make the mistake of trusting Kevin Costner movies and thinking “If I write it, they will come.” If no one knows about your book, no one will buy it. In today’s evolving publishing world, even top publishing firms are asking their authors to help with marketing and promotion. Be active in social media, share your book idea and tidbits as you are writing, give away short ebooks and previews in exchange for email addresses to build a database that you can reach out to in the future for book launches, tours, events, updates, announcements and future sales.  

and finally…..

Not following your heart

If you have a book idea and it’s something you feel strongly about, the biggest mistake you can make is to not write it. Everyone has a special talent or message they can share, and somewhere out there are readers who need what only you can provide. Self-publishing is a great resource for empowering aspiring authors to turn their ideas into reality. So go for it!