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Top mistakes self-published authors make
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Top mistakes self-published authors make

Vervante • June 24, 2019

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!

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Author Spotlight: Amber Campion
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Amber Campion

Vervante • June 4, 2019

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 Amber Campion, an international yoga teacher, life + leadership coach, martial artist, author, and creator of an innovative life design and goal-setting guided journal and companion planner. Amber took this product a step further, by publishing The Fulfillment Formula Journal + Companion Planner in conjunction with The Changemakers Collective, a 4-week experience + community designed to help people who use the journal to create their year ahead with purpose, presence, and peace of mind. The story behind the Fulfillment Formula products Q: What inspired you to create this set of products? I had been teaching and coaching this process I created (The Fulfillment Formula) for two years. I had clients saying I ought to write a book and make a guided journal/planner...and so I did! The guided journal was a goal of mine for 2018 (set for myself in 2017). I thought it would be a really creative way for me deepen my thoughts around my message and what I'm teaching, to help me better formulate my words for pitching a book to a publisher. It was a great experience creating it and I'm so glad I did! It wasn't easy, but it was worth it! Q: What advice would you give to others considering creating journals or planners?  I did research first to see what was out there and what people liked and didn't like (for instance, I found that lots of people said they prefer wire binding when they're writing in a book, so that it stays open). My research also led me to Vervante (which answered many of my concerns with self-publishing). And finally, I have an audience to sell to...so I highly recommend you have a mailing list. This makes all the difference in making sure sales happen. We often think everyone will buy because it's a low cost product, but the truth is...the 'know-like-and trust' factor is a thing. Even low cost items take marketing effort. If you have an audience who knows you, likes you, and trusts you...well, this helps significantly. Q: What do you love about your products? I love end of the month and year rituals that are sustainable, soulful, and creative. It feels deeply nourishing to have guided processes for setting goals and designing a life that feels like me...so this journal is my little sacred book to bringing my full self to the world. I also love having my goals and life design for the year ahead, in one place. I feel like this journal is my little Dreams, Character, and Goals companion to keep me aligned with my deepest truths and desires. About The Fulfillment Formula Journal + Companion Planner This beautiful guided life design journal + soulful planner will enable you to envision, design, and create an enriched life of purpose, presence, and peace of mind with more ease and efficiency. This is not a daily planner where you write down your meetings and appointments. This is a life design journal + companion planning system that supports you in defining, designing, and developing the one thing that matters most when it comes to creating a life of fulfillment…you. Through a one-of-a-kind life design and goal setting application, to a series of provocative writing prompts and exercises, this book will inspire you to bring your full self to the world.  Every aspect is carefully curated to support you to create clarity for what really matters most to you, discover your truth with more depth, design a life with more meaning and on your own terms, and build your wholehearted courage muscle to live a life true to your whole self. To get the most out of this book, Amber recommends joining The Changemakers Collective - a 4 week experience guiding you and deepening into the processes in the journal, along with bonus interviews with creative changemakers, yoga/meditation classes, and a community of like-minded rebels with a cause at http://www.ambercampion.com/thechangemakerscollective. Learn more Learn more about Amber, her journal and planner at: http://www.ambercampion.com/thegoods/ 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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Author Spotlight: Lanny Sinkin
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Lanny Sinkin

Vervante • May 28, 2019

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 Lanny Sinkin, a man who wears many hats but above all passionately follows his heart and his conscience to make the world a better place. The Conscious Bible, written under the nom de plume of Lani Kukini’elele, was formed from Lanny's experiences over several years while living and working in Hawai'i. The story behind The Conscious Bible Q: What inspired you to create this book? I think of myself as bringing in the book, more than creating the book. The process began when I was co-coordinator of The Lightworker Center in Hilo, Hawai’i in the early 90s. The Center was a space for teachers and healers to present workshops and classes. Over a three year period, hundreds came to present their knowledge and practices. One of the repeated experiences I had was going home to sleep, waking up in the middle of the night, going down to the Center, turning on the computer, and typing out a full cosmic story/message. By the time we closed the Center, there were five or six such stories that I left up on the Center website for anyone to find.   Some time later, I was visiting Punalu'u Beach, also on the Island of Hawai’i, with the King of the restored Kingdom of Hawai’i. As I stepped out of the truck, an energy descended upon me and I was in a different dimension. A figure dressed in a cowl and robe walked up to me and handed me a scroll. The figure said: “This is the new Bible.” I placed the scroll inside me and “woke up.”   Over the next three weeks or so, I spent every day at the computer bringing in different parts of the book, including the extensive presentation of the Melchizedek science of creation and cosmic stories, like The Star Unicorns. The stories from the Lightworker Center and the information downloaded from the scroll came together in The Conscious Bible.   Q: What advice would you give other aspiring authors or creatives? If Spirit knocks, open the door.  You may end up being a compiler, a channel, or a creator. Q: What do you love about The Conscious Bible? I love the messages, teachings, and diversity of presentations in the book. I love that some of the information is presented as kaona, a Hawaiian word that means a parable whose meaning is well hidden. There are many layers of information in the book with the deeper messages found by spending the time to reflect. I love the love that shines throughout the book. About The Conscious Bible This narrative is an exploration of consciousness, touching on a number of perspectives and different takes on creation. It presents questions for pondering, such as, “What if our God, our divine source, is a young God in the process of learning all its dimensions?” Is this God “prepared to join a larger community and participate in the unfolding of an even greater reality?” With reverence for sentient and mythical beings, such as the echoes of dolphins communicating a coherent message to mankind, and star unicorns offering illumination, the narrative continues. With a nod to conventional stories of creation, and using mathematical formulas and venn diagrams, weaving between energy, matter, and void, the book confronts topics of fear, chaos, and ultimately the purpose of existence itself. The Conscious Bible is a record of a vision that came to Lani Kukini’elele. He considers himself both scribe and author, and the book a collaboration with various expressions of consciousness. Learn more Learn more about The Conscious Bible here: TheConsciousBible.net 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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Author Spotlight: Rhonda Hull
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Rhonda Hull

Vervante • May 21, 2019

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 Rhonda Hull, Ph.D., a seasoned author, artist, speaker and guide. Through the conscious use of the energy found in words+art+collaboration, Rhonda is a powerful advocate of whole-hearted living and to support her message she has created a series of Keepsake Treasures products that are easy to share, easy to carry, and always stay in your heart.  The story of Rhonda's Keepsake Treasures Q: What inspired you to create these products? I have long been some form of teacher, mentor and guide, but neglected to see my lettering and calligraphy as a worthwhile part of who I am and what I offer.  Walking the path of cancer with my barely 2-year-old grand-nephew (now 14), followed by becoming actively involved in the ongoing journey of my grandson when diagnosed with autism at age 3 (now 13), and then facing my own health challenges as a result of the stress of it all, I learned the power and importance of self-care, and in having a circle of ones who you love and who love you unconditionally. I learned that the things we think are so important become less so, and that love really is the answer to every question. Every moment can be a keepsake moment, even the messy ones.  I knew it was time to bring my art forward as a way to touch hearts and make a difference. The importance of savoring even the bittersweet moments is what I attempt to reflect in my products, dedicated to uplift and offer encouragement to those maneuvering the meaningful and messy moments of life. Q: What advice would you give other aspiring authors or creatives? Dare to believe it’s possible. Take at least one step beyond your comfort zone. Dream not only outside the box, but as if there is no box. Get clear on the people you want to serve.  It was amazing to me how by daring to hope, and ask, and take risks, and believe it was somehow possible, be willing explore pooling the talents of other creatives, and then leaning on the guidance and experience of Vervante, even more than I could imagine became possible. As a result, I found the courage to set my creativity free! Q: What do you love about the Keepsake Treasures products? They are filled with colorful energy captured in a variety of forms that expand my ability to touch hearts! A long time ago I took on the belief that I could never succeed as an artist. Vervante offered me the framework through which I could see beyond that limiting belief. Using words+art+collaboration transformed into variety of product formats, I was easily able to expand my product line and began to see the value in using my creative inklings to make a difference - and an income! About Keepsake Treasures The trickiest journey of a lifetime is only 16 inches, the adventure from your head to your heart. “But, where do I start,” you may wonder, and, “how is it possible for me to feel so easily overwhelmed, so little meaning, and all alone in a world where I am elbow-to-elbow with over 7 billion people?” In a world of too much ‘stuff’ and too little time, we can loose sight of the essential things that matter most; the things that keep us connected to our own heart and to the people we love, confident that every moment matters, despite our circumstances. Combining art+words+collaboration, the keepsake products at Rhonda's website, are infused with love and designed to keep us ever-aware that every moment is full of miracles, even the messy ones. Whether something simple that offers acknowledgement to someone you love (My Little Red Book), uplifting comments and profound questions to help you maneuver through tough times (Healing Heart Cards), or daily encouragement to focus on the power of presence and possibilities (Yes, And the Adventure Continues Playbook/Any-Time Day Timer), these products are an invitation for us all to make every moment a keepsake moment. Thanks to words, wisdom, and collaborative art skillfully brought to life through the craftsmanship of Vervante Press, RhondaHull.com offers a life-line of creative energy, and heartfelt encouragement on your adventure from your head to your heart. Come dare to make every moment a keepsake moment! Learn more Learn more about Rhonda and Keepsake Treasures products here: https://rhondahull.com/keepsake-treasures/ 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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Author Spotlight: Diane Windsor
authors

Author Spotlight: Diane Windsor

Vervante • April 30, 2019

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 publisher Diane Windsor (pictured) and her client Julie Samrick's book, Murphy's Miracle. The story behind Diane and Julie's journey Q: What inspired Julie to write this book? Murphy's Miracle - One Dog's Wild Journey is based on a true story. Julie's friends' dog, Murphy, was missing in the El Dorado National Forest for almost two years, and then was miraculously found! Julie fictionalized what may have happened to Murphy during the time she was missing. Q: What advice would you give for others who are thinking of writing a book? As a publisher, I'm responsible for editing, formatting, cover design, etc. But the most difficult part is marketing. You can have the best book ever written available, but if people don't know about it, it won't sell. It's so important to develop a marketing plan that includes multiple strategies. And it's important to be creative - think out of the box when it comes to marketing! For example, when Murphy's Miracle was released I partnered with our local animal shelter, and it benefitted both of us. Also, marketing is a long-term part of publishing a book. It's not only at launch, but for as long as the book is available.  Q: What do you and Julie love most about this book? The story is all about never losing hope. The Brauns, Murphy's family, never gave up that she'd come home one day. Also, I love the cover. That's an actual picture of Murphy, and I love it!  About "Murphy's Miracle" Murphy Braun is a five-year-old golden retriever who loves her family, and loves doing everything with them. This includes going on camping trips in the beautiful ElDorado National Forest. But one camping trip didn’t go as planned. Murphy was lost in the forest; no matter how hard her family searched, they couldn’t find her. She spent many months alone in the wilderness, fighting to survive. Will her family ever find her? Learn more Learn more about Julie Samrick’s book by clicking HERE. 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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Author Spotlight: Kesha Brown
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Kesha Brown

Vervante • April 9, 2019

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 Mediocrity Escapologist Kesha Brown at Uncommon Chick Media. A "planner addict" from the time she was a teenager, Kesha finally found the perfect planner - by creating her own! Learn about her journey, the tips she shares for other entrepreneurs considering adding planners to their business model, and see how she uses video in a creative way to share and promote her planner with her audience. The story behind Kesha's Unstoppable Planner Q.  What inspired you to create this planner? I have been a planner addict since I was in high school and, through the years, have tried almost every planner on the market. However, I simply was not finding exactly what I wanted. So one day, I decided to create my own planner. The first versions were printable planners that I shared with my tribe. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive! Then, I kept being asked to create a physical version of the planner. That process of finding a vendor who could economically produce my vision was a headache until I found Vervante! Now, I am happy to say that I use my very own planner every day and am ecstatic to be able to share it with others as well! Q.  What advice would you give for others creating a planner (or any other type of product)? First, know your WHY for creating it. It will make it that much easier as you’re going through the process, which may not be easy or quick! Secondly, decide exactly what you want so that you can articulate your idea to whomever will be designing your product for you. Last but not least, create a marketing plan early (for online and offline marketing). Know who your ideal customer is and share early and often. Even share as you’re going through the process of designing your product to spark interest and keep people abreast of what you have coming out. Besides, people love a ‘behind the scenes’ view Q.  What do you love about your planner? I love that it’s my OWN creation come to life! In it, not only do I get to remind myself of my life’s vision and mission daily but I also have used the Vision pages as mini-vision boards that I review every day to help visualize my goals and keep them top of mind. In addition, although the planner was created based on my personal planning and goal achievement philosophy, it’s still flexible enough for others to take it and make it their own so that they too can be Unstoppable! About the "Unstoppable Planner" For the woman with BIG dreams and an UNSTOPPABLE mindset. This is your time to create the life you know you deserve. This is your time to you focus on what makes YOU happy and stop doing what everyone else expects you to do. This is your time to stop "shoulding" all over yourself and escape the status quo to be the unstoppable chick you truly are! More than just a place to write down a simple list of to-dos, the Unstoppable Planner helps you plan, organize and master your life, while keeping your vision, mission, daily success habits, and mindset at the forefront of your day. Features: 7 x 9 in colorful planner with white spiral binding 184 beautiful, full-color pages 12 full-color tab pages that you can use for whatever your heart’s desire! Space to add ideas and inspirations and monthly reflections Bucket list page Monthly and weekly inspirational quotes Monthly layouts for big-picture planning Weekly layouts with space for your top 3 tasks each day (to focus only on the most important items first) along with your other daily tasks, weekly goals, and a weekly meter to indicate how your week went 2 Sticker pages to adorn your planner with flair Corner pocket on the back inside cover to house stickers, photos, or other items The Unstoppable Planner is your new partner to help you focus on what matters most and create more fulfillment, freedom, and magic in your life! Learn more Learn more about Kesha’s products here: https://uncommonchick.com/product/the-unstoppable-planner-undated/ See Kesha's planner video here: https://youtu.be/kc_yGQRCC7Q 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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Free online storefront for Vervante authors
authors

Free online storefront for Vervante authors

Vervante • April 8, 2019

If you’re looking for a way to make it easier for your readers to find and buy your book – or any product you create with us – the Vervante Bookstore has exactly what you’re looking for. The Bookstore is a free online storefront solution we offer exclusively to Vervante customers. It allows you to direct customers from your website or social media to a page in the Bookstore that showcases your books and products and manages credit card transactions, fulfillment and distribution. Here are a few highlights of what the Vervante Bookstore provides Author Bio Page: Similar to Amazon’s author bio pages, connect with your customers by sharing your story. Peek Inside: Just like Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature, customers can see a sample of your book’s interior. Easy Sales Solution: You don’t need to set up complicated shopping carts or sales pages, we handle that for you. Database Growth: You have full access to your customer’s data. Higher Profits: You set the retail price for your product and pay us a simple 10% per transaction fee. The buyer selects and pays for the shipping and postage. Full Access: You can login to your Bookstore account at any time to view activity, and we send monthly statements to always keep you in the loop. Book Launch / Pre-Order Support: You can also use the Bookstore for pre-orders. Shipping estimates can be changed to show pre-order status and expected ship dates. To list your book or product in the Vervante Bookstore Log in to your Vervante author account on our website, then navigate to the Vervante Bookstore page under the Services Menu. On that page you will see information about pricing and sales, a calculator to help determine your royalties, and directions for submitting your books or products to be listed in the Bookstore. Once your listing is ready, each product will have a unique URL that you can use to direct online traffic to the sales page. If you would like to revise the product descriptions or your author page, please send your requests with the final, approved content to our customer support team. You can then promote your products from online locations such as your website, social media, blog, etc., using a link back to your unique Bookstore page. Your customers can then purchase from that page. No matter if you're new to online sales or looking to add another distribution channel to your current sales strategies, the Vervante Bookstore provides an easy, effective and streamlined way to connect with your customers and get your books and products where they need to be.

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Author Spotlight: Lisa Hill
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Lisa Hill

Vervante • April 2, 2019

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 Lisa Hill, Professional Career Coach and author of "Help, I Need a Job Now!" The story of Lisa’s book “Help, I Need a Job Now!” Q: What inspired you to write this book? After being an Executive Recruiter for so many years, and finding so many people new jobs and career paths, I decided that there was a real need for my book, "Help, I Need a Job Now!"  Looking for a job is a job in itself and you need to know how to go about this successfully and confidently. Not only do you need to do well in this job market, but you need to do "better" than your competition. My book was created to do just that! Q: What advice would you give for aspiring authors reading this? My advice to others creating a similar product is to think of a need for this product, plus a skill you can offer, and put them both to work in your product. Try to "walk in their shoes" to understand their needs, so you can use your skills to create a product that will help others to fulfill their goals, as well as your own.  Q: What do you love about your book? I love this book because it reflects my goal to help others to find their career paths and achieve their goals. I put as much of my skills, background and experience toward helping the many people who are unemployed find their way in this difficult job hunting situation.  Through my experience, I'm teaching others what I learned over the years, and I hope this book will help them to find their goals in life. About “Help, I Need a Job Now!” "Help! I Need a Job Now!" is a concise, lighthearted but comprehensive guide to navigating the world of job hunting. Combining real-life experiences and lessons with valuable insights, it takes the job seeker through the various steps of job search most necessary to give them that "edge" in finding that job or career they seek. Remember, "Getting a job is a job in itself." This book will arm you with the right tools to do the job of getting that special job. Learn more Learn more about Lisa’s book here: http://www.mustgetajob.com/services, on Amazon, or in the Vervante Bookstore. 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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Author Spotlight: Debbie Tudor
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Debbie Tudor

Vervante • March 26, 2019

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 Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor Debbie Tudor, who specializes in Divorce Recovery, Stress and Anxiety management, Depression, Women’s Issues, Recovery from Narcissistic parents and/or spouse, and Spirituality. Debbie is a prolific author on these topics, including the book “It’s Not You, It’s Them: 30 Days of Hope and Help for the Adult Child of a Narcissistic Parent.” The story of Debbie’s book “It’s Not You, It’s Them” Q: What inspired you to write this book? I’ve been a Licensed Professional Counselor for 23 years. I realized again and again that the wounds caused by a difficult childhood, particularly one where the parent had no empathy and was self-centered, could be addressed in a workbook that combined information and exercises for healing. I became certified in Narcissistic Abuse Recovery a few years ago, and this workbook presents the tools needed for healing. It can be used independently or as a supplement to therapy. Q: What advice would you give for aspiring authors reading this? If you have a creative way of helping, professional expertise in the field, and a writing talent, then write down step by step instructions for others who may be in the same situation. I will say that writing content was the easiest part for me-publishing was complicated! Vervante helped a great deal with the details of getting a book published.  I also recommend that you connect online with others in your field. My book is selling worldwide because of a connection to another Narcissistic Abuse Recovery website. Q: What do you love about your book? What I love about my book is that I take a warm, loving and patient approach to this very sensitive topic. It’s a way for people who can’t afford therapy to get professional, expert help, and most of all PERMISSION to feel the pain and ultimately let it go. I also give practical tips on dealing with the narcissistic parent if they are still in their lives. About “It’s Not You, It’s Them: 30 Days of Hope and Help for the Adult Child of a Narcissistic Parent” Written by Debbie Tudor, a licensed, professional therapist who is certified by Dr. Karyl McBride to treat the adult victims of narcissistic parents, this workbook offers concise, practical insights and journaling exercises to give help and hope to those suffering from the effects of currently dealing with, or having been raised by, a narcissist. Debbie's 20 plus years of experience as a licensed counselor gives her many stories to tell and new ways of protecting yourself and finding freedom. Do you wonder why you have low self-esteem, don't trust your own judgment, continually seem to be apologizing to others, and are often depressed or anxious? Do you just feel “not good enough?” She explains the effects of this childhood on the adult and gives excellent explanations of the family roles: Narcissist, Enabler Parent, Golden Child, and Scapegoat. You will see yourself clearly for possibly the first time as you read the information, work the affirmations, and do the journaling exercises. “It's Not You, It's Them: 30 Days of Hope and Help for The Adult Child of a Narcissistic Parent” will make you feel less alone in the issues that you face, as you read the stories shared and the solutions proposed to the problems you may face. Debbie shares her own experience as the adult child of a narcissist, plus stories from the lives of her patients and others, in short paragraphs, then gives you journaling challenges to overcome these challenges in your own life. There are affirmations that are specifically tailored to help overcome the wounds that are unique to a person in this position, as well as practical ideas on how to handle the narcissistic parent in the present day. This is a very personalized way to work your recovery, whether alone or with a licensed therapist. Learn more Learn more about Debbie’s book here: https://rockwall-counseling.com/product/its-not-you-its-them-30-days-of-hope-and-healing/ 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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Free ebooks and resources for authors
audiobooks

Free ebooks and resources for authors

Vervante • March 19, 2019

We know how important it is for authors to have access to resources and guides that they trust. That's why we're excited to share with you the new Expert Guide Resource Library on our website. Think of this as your own personal publishing library, 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. There are currently 24 ebooks in the library with plans for more coming soon. Here's a few highlights of our most popular ebooks: Bleed and Crop Marks Guide: What you need to know when formatting print files Word Count Conversion: How many words does it take to make a book? Copyright Permissions & Fair Use guide: Answers to one of the most common issues all authors face How to Create Audiobooks: When you want to give your book a voice. How to Self-Publish: The complete guide for authors & entrepreneurs Helpful Hints for Retail Distribution: Understanding the sales and fulfillment process From Retail Sales to Royalties: How authors get paid Book Publishing Checklist: Keeping you on track from the first draft to the finish line. How to Create Custom Card Decks: One of the hottest products in publishing today. And so many more... We hope you bookmark this page and come back to visit often as we're constantly adding new ebooks to provide the support and resources our authors and clients need. For questions, free quotes, or more information please email or schedule a phone call with one of our publishing pros via the Contact Us page.

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Author Spotlight: Ellen Korman Mains
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Ellen Korman Mains

Vervante • March 11, 2019

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 Ellen Korman Mains, teacher, writer, and author of “Buried Rivers: A Spiritual Journey into the Holocaust.” Trained by the late Tibetan Buddhist master, Chögyam Trungpa, Ellen has led meditation retreats in North America and Europe, and enjoys working with groups and individuals to deepen compassionate self-awareness. Born and educated in Montreal, she lives in Boulder, Colorado and travels often to Poland to engage with her family history while forging new friendships and promoting dialog. The story behind Ellen’s book Q: What inspired you to write this book? My book is a memoir that was inspired by some extraordinary experiences I had beginning in 2005. I had always had an interest in writing, but never a strong enough motivation.  This time, the story seemed so important that I had to tell it.  None of it was fabricated, but I had to learn how to tell it. Q: What advice would you give for other aspiring authors? For your writing to be meaningful to both yourself and others, take a deep plunge into whatever area you choose to write about. Don't be afraid to take some risks. But then be sure to get lots of honest feedback, not just from your friends, but other writers, editors, and teachers of the craft. Take time to breathe, reassess, and weigh their feedback. Be wickedly determined and don't give up! Q: What do you love about your book? What I love about my book is that it became a mirror and companion for me while I was working on it, and now I love the fact that others are moved by it and it's actually making a difference in their lives. About “Buried Rivers: A Spiritual Journey Into the Holocaust” To the chagrin of her parents—Polish Jews who survived the Holocaust—Ellen Korman Mains became a Buddhist at 19, nearly tearing her family apart. Over three decades later, on a German train, she felt the presence of spirits who died in the Holocaust. Their question "How can you still believe in basic goodness?" sent her on a series of life-changing journeys to Poland to find the answer. Beyond recovering her own family's lost history, "Buried Rivers" explores family loyalty and religious boundaries, and demonstrates how healing, opportunity, and magic can emerge from the densest suffering. This compelling memoir includes an Auschwitz survivor account by the author’s uncle. According to Kirkus Reviews, "(Buried Rivers) provides a fresh take not only on the Holocaust, but also the proper response to the seemingly inerasable stain left by profound anguish. …A moving and original contribution to an inexhaustible body of literature.” Learn more Learn more about Ellen’s book here: https://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081805469.html 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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How to create and sell audiobooks
audiobooks

How to create and sell audiobooks

Vervante • March 10, 2019

Audiobooks are a fantastic growth market for authors and entrepreneurs looking for new ways to expand their audience, boost their income and increase their influence in their unique market. In addition to providing a new revenue source, audiobooks open new markets and new audiences to you that you might never have reached otherwise. And audiobooks allow you to reach a greater audience to increase your discoverability and boost your credibility as an author. In today’s market there are more opportunities to share an audiobook than ever. Sure, you can list yours on Amazon Audible – and we can help you with that. But big-name services like Amazon come with big commitments. For example, authors who use ACX to produce and sell audiobooks only on Amazon Audible and iTunes are entered into a 7-year exclusivity agreement and share royalties with the producers.   In an industry that often requires extensive contracts and staggering fees, we don’t recommend locking yourself into a long-term contract that limits your options. Many authors today are choosing to record their own audiobooks and retain control of their products and royalties by using other venues such as: Podcasts Google Play CDs USB flash drives Downloads from your website or shopping cart When it comes to building a business, nothing is quite as powerful as selling or sharing products in a way that allows you to collect customer contact info and cultivate loyal connections. Selling audiobooks, physical books, or any product from websites or shopping carts you control allows you to do that. Handing your products over to Amazon does not. (For more details regarding the pros and cons of using Vervante as opposed to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (aka CreateSpace), Audible, and similar online retailers we recommend reading this article.) How to list your audiobook on Audible If you love Audible and want to list your book there, Vervante offers Audible listing services. Working with Amazon’s ACX program, we can list Vervante author’s audiobooks on the Audible service. If you want the option to both sell on Amazon AND through your own website or other options, you can have the best of both worlds by selecting their non-exclusivity contract that allows more freedom, but with lower royalties (see details below). Audiobook technical requirements Audiobooks files must adhere to the following requirements in order to meet ACX standards and be published through Amazon, Audible and iTunes. Even if you are recording your own audiobook to sell on your own website, following these guidelines will ensure a high-quality audiobook that your audience will enjoy listening to. Audiobook files must: be consistent in overall sound and formatting include opening and closing credits1 be comprised of all mono or all stereo files2 include a retail audio sample that is between one and five minutes long3 Each uploaded audio file must: contain only one chapter/section per file4 each file’s section header must be read aloud5 have a running time no longer than 120 minutes have room tone at the beginning and end and be free of extraneous sounds measure between -23dB and -18dB RMS and have -3dB peak values and a maximum -60dB noise floor be a 192kbps or higher MP3, Constant Bit Rate (CBR) at 44.1 kHz More audiobook technical details For opening and closing credits, at minimum opening credits must note the name of the audiobook, the name of the author, and the name of the narrator. Closing credits must at least say something to the effect of “the end.” Mono files are strongly recommended. We recommend mono for audio consistency and ease of uploading. The sample file is what potential customers will use to preview of your audiobook before purchasing. Each sample file should start immediately with narration, not opening credits or music. No explicit material is allowed. Opening credits and closing credits must be their own separate files. This helps listeners to easily navigate between sections. Reading the section headers aloud helps listeners know what section of the book they are listening to without having to look at their player. More details about ACX requirements can be found online at ACX Video Lessons & Resources. Audiobook Sales Recommendations QUALITY CONTROL: Be sure to schedule a full quality control listening session to your audiobook before submitting the files. Do it yourself, hire or have someone listen to the audio in its entirety from start to finish to ensure all edits are done properly and the audio matches the book. This is crucial to avoiding errors that can hurt your reputation. SELLING FROM YOUR OWN WEBSITE: If you make your audiobook available for purchase and download from your own website or shopping cart, you retain the full proceeds from each sale. This can be done digitally, or by sending your customers the audiobook on CD or USB thumb drives. SELLING THROUGH AMAZON ACX: Royalties for audiobooks sold through ACX via Audible.com, Amazon.com, and iTunes are dependent upon the distribution and production options you select.  If you choose to distribute exclusively to these three channels, you will earn 40% for the duration of a 7-year exclusivity agreement. If you choose to produce the audiobook using the Royalty Share option, you will earn 20%. If you choose to distribute your audiobook non-exclusively, which means you retain the right to sell your own audiobook through other retailers (including yourself) you will earn 25% and retain the right to distribute your recording at your discretion. Download our free audiobook guide More information about distribution, sales, royalties and more can be found in our free Audiobooks Expert Guide on the Vervante website. How to list your audiobook for sale If you want to sell or share an audiobook and would like to talk to one of our audiobook publishing professionals, email [email protected] or schedule a 1-on-1 phone call by clicking here. Your book deserves a voice – let us help you share it with the world!

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Author Spotlight: Jeanna Gabellini
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Jeanna Gabellini

Vervante • February 19, 2019

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 Jeanna Gabellini, Master Business Coach, Law of Attraction expert, and author of the “Speed Dial the Universe to Double Your Profits” journal. The story behind Jeanna’s inspiration Q: What inspired you to create this journal? A: This journal was created out of frustration. I used to have several different notebooks and journals, each one with a different focus. I had my daily gratitude lists, my intentions for the day, my great ideas, and visions for my future. I also had a slew of other journals where you fill in certain sections daily, but they were never quite right for me. My coaching clients were having similar frustrations, so… I decided to make a journal that would include the best processes I’ve found for mastering the Law of Attraction, raising your vibration, and setting yourself up to receive. Q: What advice would you share with other aspiring authors? A: Create the product you want and need. What would allow for more ease, flow, and joy in your day? Then leverage your expertise with an info product. And get your clients involved before you even introduce it… so they're already "hooked" on the solution you will provide. Q: What do you love about this journal? What I love about this journal is it gives you a shortcut to infinite ideas, solutions, and connection while shifting your energy, focus, and expectations to create more of what you want, every day. In just 10 minutes a day. I also love hearing daily, about the awesome results my clients receive in their lives and their businesses! About “Speed Dial the Universe” The Speed Dial the Universe journal shares a 6-step, 10-minute money-magnetizing process that sets you up to receive everything you want in your business. With all of the to-dos, demands, and craziness of your business, it’s easy to stumble into each day without taking the time to get focused, set your priorities, raise your vibe, and deliberately create what you want. The Speed Dial process is an easy-breezy way to create a whole new level of prosperity, profitability, and manifestation power. Because when you’ve got the Universe on speed-dial, anything is possible. This journal guides you through 6 Steps to: Choose how you want to feel, let go of your past stories, and amp up your vibe for maximum manifestation. Clarify your top priorities and inspired actions for the day so you spend your time and creative energy on what matters most. Delegate all the to-dos, demands, and desires you don’t want to deal with to the Universe (and watch what happens!). Be an idea machine for new strategies, products, and services that put your business on the map and pay off big time. Shift your focus, energy, and expectations to easily manifest your deepest desires and realize your wildest dreams. Expand your capacity to receive and flex your manifestation muscles by clarifying and claiming your most outrageous dream biz. 6 Simple Steps + 10 Minutes a Day = Whatever You Want! Learn more Learn more about Jeanna’s book here: https://masterpeacecoaching.com/products/speed-dial-to-profits 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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Can I quote someone in my book? (What authors need to know about fair use and permissions)
authors

Can I quote someone in my book? (What authors need to know about fair use and permissions)

Vervante • February 18, 2019

“Can I use song lyrics in my book without getting permission?” “What about quoting someone? Is that allowed?” This and other fair use/permission issues are frequent questions we hear from authors wondering what the legalities are for using things like quotes, poems, lyrics, song titles, scriptures, and more in the books and products they are creating. These are good questions and something every writer should have a basic familiarity with. 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. Q: Can I quote a celebrity or influential person like Oprah or Richard Branson in my book? A: This is one of the most common questions we get. The answer depends on how you are using the quote. A quote used within a book, article or social media post to support the topic in a positive or neutral way is usually OK. Creating something that entirely depends on quotes from other people is NOT OK.   Here’s an example: DON’T NEED PERMISSION If you use a few brief quotes by Steve Jobs, Richard Branson and Tony Robbins in a book discussing entrepreneurship, that would fall under fair use. If you are creating a planner or journal that contains quotes as a small part of the product, but it is filled with a lot of other information created by you such as instructions, motivations, education, art, etc., you are probably safe as well. **But be sure to provide attribution – it’s just the right thing to do. More about that below. NEED PERMISSION However, if you write a book of quotes, or create a deck of cards or other merchandise that contains nothing but quotes from celebrities, influencers or other famous people, that would NOT fall under fair use and you DO need permission. The following is a quick roundup of common issues we get asked about and whether they need permission or not. Please note that this is not a full list and we are not copyright lawyers, so it’s best to do further research if you are unsure. This article by attorney Howard Zaharoff in Writer’s Digest magazine called “A Writers’ Guide to Fair Use” is a good resource. Another good one is How to Legally Use Quotations. You can also check out The Library of Congress online search engine for copyrighted works at the Copyright Office website. You DO need permission to use: Song lyrics or poems (even partial ones). Songwriters are very protective of their rights—and permissions can be very expensive and difficult to obtain. There are a couple of exceptions, though: If you’re quoting a song from before 1923 you don’t need permission. All works before then are in the public domain. Hymns that are in the public domain fall under fair use. Not ALL hymns are free to use, though, so be sure to check. If you’re writing song lyrics as part of a scholarly work or a critical review, you may have permission under fair use. Art or photography that is copyrighted. Best practice is to use photos or images that are public domain, licensed creative commons, stock images, or belong to you. Quotes from famous people if they are used as a book title or as a majority of the book contents. Quotes from "new" versions of the Bible published after 1923 (see section below) You DON’T need permission: To use quotes from famous people as long as they are used in a brief and positive or neutral way to support your independent work - and with proper attribution. To quote or reference the title or author of a work such as books, poems, movies, TV shows or songs. To link to something online from your website, blog, book or other publication. To quote books or other works published before 1923 For news stories or scientific studies. Shorter quotes, references and paraphrasing is usually ok without permission. Copying large amounts of a story or study, however, may require permission from the writer or publisher. Most sites have a policies/procedures page that will note their preferences. Recipes (although this falls into a bit of a gray area – for more info read this article by attorney Sara F. Hawkins.) To quote scriptures from Bibles published before 1923 (see section below). Quoting from the Bible Any work published prior to 1923 is in the public domain and falls under fair use. This includes older translations of the Bible including: King James Version Revised Standard Version (but not the NRSV) Duoay-Rheims Young’s Literal Darby JPS Bible (but not the New JPS nor the Jerusalem Bible) However, “newer” versions of the Bible have some pretty strict copyright guidelines and should be researched. Here are a few examples: NIV: https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/#copy ESV (English Standard Version): https://www.crossway.org/permissions/ GNT (Good News Translation): https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/copyright-and-permissions/ All Thomas Nelson Bible translations: New King James Version (NKJV), New Century Version (NCV), International Children’s Bible (ICB), Expanded Bible, or The Voice: https://www.harpercollinschristian.com/sales-and-rights/permissions/ As you can see, permissions vary from translation to translation. For example the ESV allows for the use of 1,000 verses without permission as long as those verses are not a complete book of the Bible or the entire text of the book you are creating. But the NIV allows for only 500 verses. If you plan on quoting from the Bible in your next published work, be sure to research the copyright and permissions guidelines for the specific version you are using. Best practice: Attribution A good rule of thumb, no matter what, is to always include proper attribution when quoting or paraphrasing someone else’s work within your own. Acknowledge the original source of the material, who and where it came from, links to websites if applicable, and your reason for using it. When in doubt When it comes to fair use and permissions, most experts agree: When in doubt, leave it out. Want song lyrics? Make some up that fit what you’re writing. Need an inspirational quote? We’re sure you can think of a great one – and now you’re the quotable person and people will want to quote you in the future! The books and products you’re creating are full of your creativity, passion and ideas. And that’s what people want to hear the most. ** Please note, this article is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal advice.

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Author Spotlight: Jennifer Regular
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Jennifer Regular

Vervante • January 29, 2019

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 Jennifer Regular, a wellness leader who facilitates authentic self-empowerment through inspiration, healing and spiritual wellness strategies, and author of the book Embrace Your Power: A Healing Journal of Self-Discovery. The story behind Jennifer’s book Q: What inspired you to write this book? A: I was first inspired to write this book when I was just 10 years old, a very observant child who wanted to share my thoughts and observations on how society determines your destiny. The book took many forms in my head and on paper as I gathered wisdom, experience, training and education, yet the basic concept always stayed the same. Later I led personal growth and empowerment workshops and students were asking for a type of manual or workbook to use on their own following the workshop. I decided this was a good time to publish the book with the intention of using it for those attending my workshops and for back-table sales following my speaking engagements. I started working with a copyright editor and life coach who helped motivate me to finally get the book published 30 years later. She told me about the option for self-publishing and steered me toward Vervante. So grateful she did! Q: What advice would you give for other aspiring authors? A: Gather people who are best at what you may not be, such as an editor or graphic designer, rather than letting these things hold you back. Great to gather support from those who will motivate and inspire you to follow through, and perhaps even hold you accountable for completing the project. Q: What do you love about your book? A: I love that it is published on demand, and that I'm able to buy copies to sell on my own. It means you don't need a ton of money up front or the storage to keep hundreds of books. It also gives people an easy link to purchase and that you can use to promote your product. About Jennifer and her “Embrace Your Power” book Jennifer Regular is an inspiring wellness leader who facilitates authentic self-empowerment through inspiration, healing and spiritual wellness strategies. Her book, Embrace Your Power: A Healing Journal of Self-Discovery, is a journaling-style exploration designed to give you an opportunity for deep reflection and connection with your core self to rediscover what you came here to do. It is an opportunity to go within and re-emerge as your True Self. It also offers a soul-nurturing toolkit. As you work through the book, you become more comfortable making choices you know are intuitively right for you and begin to focus on what nurtures, guides and heals you as you tap into your inner knowing and learn to trust yourself again. Use this journal to align with your heart’s desire. Tune into your innate wisdom as you make the journey into authentic empowerment. This journey is about reconnecting with your true self; nurturing your soul and meeting the need for fulfillment and meaningful engagement. Consider this a pilgrimage of your heart’s true desire that empowers you to reclaim your life and reveal who you truly are. Learn more Learn more about Jennifer’s book here: http://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081706423.html 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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What's new with Vervante
authors

What's new with Vervante

Vervante • January 8, 2019

Happy New Year! A fresh start, new beginnings, endless possibilities… We figured this is the best time to catch you up on what’s new with Vervante in 2019. Whether you’re looking to add new products and revenue streams to your business, publish books, journals or other products, or get super creative with Tarot decks, planners and more, we’ve got what you need. Here's a quick look at the latest and greatest from the past year here at Vervante: Vervante Publishing from A to Z You may think you know Vervante, but check out the Vervante Publishing From A To Z guide and you might be surprised. We take you on a tour of our products and services, then give you a peek behind the curtain to learn more about our vision and how we work to provide the very best in publishing, production and fulfillment solutions for everyone.    VIP, Coaching or Subscription Box Services We can help you create a unique welcome or VIP gift for your coaching clients. Or if you'd like to start a subscription box membership we've got ideas and affordable ways to produce beautiful boxes or packages for your customers and clients. Click here to learn more.   Book Coach, Author Coach, and Publishing Consultant Services Here at Vervante, we give book coaching professionals the ability to offer their clients complete idea-to-finished-product services – expanding your impact on their journey as an author, as well as your ability to increase your income as a business. Learn about our specialized services just for you by clicking HERE.     New Book: “How to Self-Publish” “How to Self-Publish: The complete guide for authors, entrepreneurs and industry influencers” was written to help authors, entrepreneurs and industry influencers make sense of all the steps that might seem confusing when publishing a book. By following this guidance in this book, you can check off all the details in a matter of days — and at a fraction of the price if you tried to figure everything out on your own. To order a copy, authors can log into their Author account, scroll to the bottom of the dashboard and click on "Order Samples." For those who don't have an Author account, you can order the printed book in our Bookstore by clicking HERE, or download a digital copy here. The Honest Truth About Amazon Best-Seller Status When we started working with authors almost 20 years ago, bestseller status on Amazon had credibility and true value as it was achieved using the traditional method of counting book sales. But there’s a secret behind all of the buzz about becoming an Amazon bestseller that no one is talking about. And a lot of misinformation that we feel should be addressed. Over the years, Amazon’s methods for assigning bestseller status have changed – and we shared the hard truth about it HERE.   Author Spotlight Series Debut We're constantly amazed by the clever, unique, brilliant and beautiful books and products our customers create. That's why we started a spotlight feature to share the details of their creations and the inspiration behind them. We built this business to support authors, entrepreneurs, coaches and business owners. We realized that sharing your products with all of our customers is one more way we can offer our support. We're all in this together trying to provide valuable products or services to the world, and if we support each other, that's just a really good thing. In 2018 we shined the spotlight on Nancy & Steve Juetten, James & Christopher Dack, Betsy Wiersma, Amber Lilyestrom, and Joy Don Baker & Terri Goodman. We’re not even close to done, as 2019 has a lineup ready to go of more inspiring authors, entrepreneurs and visionaries with stories we’re excited to share.   New Book: 50 Ways to Build a Business and Life You Love "50 Ways to Build a Business and Life You Love" is a little book filled with big ideas about taking charge of your own destiny, following your passion and realizing your full potential. It's a great gift idea with an attractive design hard cover, foil stamped with a soft-touch UV finish. Launched near Valentine's Day, this book is perfect for showing someone you care. Buy one for yourself. Give copies to everyone in your mastermind. Offer them as special bonuses with products, as prizes, or as gifts for clients you love to work with. No matter what, this little book will make a big impression.      

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Author Spotlight: Corliss Rassyle
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Corliss Rassyle

Vervante • January 8, 2019

We're constantly amazed by the clever, unique, brilliant and beautiful books and products our customers create. So much that we're putting them in the spotlight to share the details of their creations and the inspiration behind them. Today we'd like to introduce you to Corliss Rassyle, personal leadership coach, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of "Lead Your Life."    The story behind the book Q: What inspired you to write this book? A: What inspired me to write a book? I rediscovered purpose! I had been doing the same career for many years and wasn’t feeling the same passion as I once did. My children had also grown and were more independent and that left me asking myself what was next for me. With some self-reflection I recognized I was wanting more for myself, but to contribute more to others than I was. I started my new company, With Purpose Consulting, to help people who are like me. People who want to have a sense of purpose and passion in their lives and bring that home to their families and with them to their work. As I was creating content for the workshops, seminars and conferences a book was born! I want to make a positive and significant difference in the world and a book is a powerful way to share insights that can help others. Q: What advice would you give for other aspiring authors? A: Write from the heart and be yourself. There is a message within you that needs to be heard. Share from that place. Q: What do you love about your book? A: I love knowing I have a tool that can help and support people as they journey through life. About “Lead Your Life. How to live with purpose, passion and confidence” Corliss Rassyle’s book, “Lead Your Life. How to live with purpose, passion and confidence” helps readers discover their unique purpose, connect to their passions, and find the confidence to create the life they deserve. Corliss has a natural talent for simplifying topics that are often difficult for people to grasp. After decades of balancing a high-level leadership position, surviving divorce, and independently raising three children, she understands the burden of responsibility and how the monotony of routine can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled. With a leap of faith, and a deep desire to create something new, she courageously turned her own life around and shows others how to do it too. She understands the issues plaguing women of today and with honesty and transparency will guide you to answer the questions you’ve been asking yourself; “Is there more to my life than I am currently living?” and “What is next for me?” As you experience life you will grow and evolve, as can your purpose and passions. “Lead Your Life” will guide you to discover those passions and connect with a purpose that brings meaning back into your life, and with purpose, you will have the motivation to confidently create the life you imagine! Learn more Learn more about Corliss and her book here: www.corliss.ca 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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Author Spotlight: Joy Don Baker & Terri Goodman
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Joy Don Baker & Terri Goodman

Vervante • December 11, 2018

We're constantly amazed by the clever, unique, brilliant and beautiful books and products our customers create. So much that we're putting them in the spotlight to share the details of their creations and the inspiration behind them. Today we’d love to introduce you to Joy Don Baker and Terri Goodman, co-authors of "The Wake-Up Call."    The story behind the book Q: What inspired you to write this book? A: We are nurses, have known one another for years, and both wanted to write a novel. That desire to write became the foundation for our partnership. We realized that we could be successful working together and writing about something we know. We chose to start writing about our characters early in their nursing careers, therefore, creating unlimited opportunities for developing a compelling series, the Nurseketeers. Q: What advice would you give for others creating products like these? A: Be a hungry learner. Read everything you can, participate in writers’ groups, watch online videos, and attend conferences. Turn your writing dream into a goal and create incremental, manageable objectives that will make the dream come true. Identify key accomplishments or milestones on your journey and celebrate those successes along the way. Network with anyone who will discuss with you the various components of writing, editing, and marketing. If you want or need a partner, choose one with skills that complement your own. Within the partnership, partners will need organizational skills, business acumen, and communication skills in addition to creativity and a solid command of language. Creating structure around the partnership motivates authors to take the work seriously. Q: What do you love about your book? A: Our book is entertaining, engaging, demonstrating the wake-up call that occurs for the student entering college and a nostalgic journey for those who have already experienced that type of transition. Readers have compared our book The Wake-Up Call to The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Our book follows the suitemates' interwoven college life and sets the stage for readers to follow them through their careers as the Nurseketeers Series progresses. About "The Wake-Up Call" In 1970, pampered, naive, Philly-born Frannie is overwhelmed by the responsibilities of nursing school and college life in Dallas. A love-hate relationship erupts when Robin, her fiery, red-headed roommate, arrives from Chicago to find Frannie's belongings covering every inch of space in their room, and Frannie nowhere in sight. Adding fuel to the fire, Frannie pursues a relationship with a sophomore hunk whom Robin insists is pond scum. She ignores her suitemates' pleas to join their study group, insisting her high school achievements will guarantee her success in college. Frannie's wake-up call comes after nearly two semesters of disastrous decision-making. She finds herself flunking out and her nursing career ending before it begins. With support from an unexpected source, she faces the biggest decision of her life - one that no matter the outcome will up end her future. Learn more Learn more about Joy Don and Terri's book here: https://www.bakergoodman.com/books 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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Author Spotlight: Amber Lilyestrom
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Amber Lilyestrom

Vervante • December 4, 2018

We're constantly amazed by the clever, unique, brilliant and beautiful books and products our customers create. So much that we're putting them in the spotlight to share the details of their creations and the inspiration behind them. Today we’d love to introduce you to Amber Lilyestrom…   About the “Master Your Money Mind” book If you’re like me, “money” has been a code word for “stress” for as long as I can remember. Over the years, building a 7-figure business from scratch, working tirelessly on my personal-development + mindset, and identifying the limiting beliefs around money and my own self-worth that were holding me back, I’ve come to understand that our money game is changed in our MINDS first and that our wallets come after. I wrote the book, Master Your Money Mind, for those who have been called to make a bigger impact and the income to match. The passionate soul on a mission who is here for more but feels stuck and overwhelmed when thinking about how to create momentum and more abundance in their lives. Master Your Money Mind is a game-changing guide to transforming your mindset and daily habits around how you think about yourself and money. Many will teach you about the power of the mind as it relates to money, but few will dive in to the daily habits, rituals and exercises that will transform the entirety of your life, not just your bank account balance! Master Your Money Mind focuses on how to: use your words to attract more money, apply the MYMM equation to change your life + career, get crystal clear on what’s blocking your abundance and create a daily money mindfulness practice. The story behind Amber’s book Q: What inspired you to create this book? A: I wrote this book for the former version of me who was always operating from a place of scarcity. I knew my audience was missing out on experiencing the full depth and breadth of the abundance that was trying to make its way to them, so I knew I had to write the book that could help them find their way out of that. Q: What advice would you give for others creating products like these? A: Share the message that’s in your heart and don’t worry about saying it “right” or in the way that others want you to.  Also, carve out space in your days, every day that you can, to sit down and actively write. I know of so many amazing ‘would-be’ books that have never been written because there just wasn’t any time to write them. So make time! Q: What do you love about your book? A: It’s honest, it’s impactful and it helps my readers change their lives in a way they never dreamed was possible. I love that you can carry this book around anywhere you want with you and pull it out whenever you need it, and that you can read it again and again and pick something new out of it each time! Learn more Learn more about Amber’s book and business here: www.masteryourmoneymind.com 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: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product and/or author Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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Author Spotlight: Betsy Wiersma, CampExperience™ Network founder
author spotlight

Author Spotlight: Betsy Wiersma, CampExperience™ Network founder

Vervante • November 26, 2018

We're constantly amazed by the clever, unique, brilliant and beautiful books and products our customers create. So much that we're putting them in the spotlight to share the details of their creations and the inspiration behind them.    About the Passion Planner, Angel Oracle Cards, Inspirational Art Cards & Postcards I have always loved art and crafts and have used art as a connector in programs for my 5000+ tribe of women called the CampExperience™ Network. Before August of 2017, I would consider myself a casual crafter with some bead jewelry, collage and some sewing.  And then life changed forever. In August of 2017 I participated in a week-long art retreat and immersed myself in learning some techniques.  My basic skills became faces and mixed-media pieces. The art that was in my soul came forth!  Soon I was diving in to mixed-media as a bliss-filled escape and creating “inspiration art” for fun! It was the partnership with Vervante that really set my art free to serve the world!  Their team helped me not only produce my original idea of a Daily Insight Card Deck featuring my 36 pieces, but also led me to creating a Daily Planner, greeting cards, postcards and hardcover journals. The response has been fantastic! My CampExperience™ Network tribe has been buying my inspiration art for family and friends, my images are perfect for my marketing, and with Vervante I am on Amazon!  My parents are so proud! The story behind Betsy’s products Q: What inspired you to create these products? A: I have been an event planner since high school and a public speaker, traveling to 20+ countries to uplift and educate my guests. In 2006 we began the CampExperience Network  consisting of 5000+ women gathering for uplifting events and positive messages. In August of 2017 the message just came to my canvas and I wanted to add it to the mix for supporting people to live lives of passion and purpose. Q: What advice would you give for others creating products like these? A: I would say just CREATE and see what happens.  I did not set out to create these products.  I let art out of my soul and the products became a natural way to share it!  Take a class and let one of the thousands of experts help you unlock your own inner talent.  And have FUN every day! Q: What do you love about these products? A: I actually cannot believe what has come forth when I let go and enjoyed the journey of the art. Mixed media art is messy and you just let go of the outcome, add more texture and color and see what emerges. I just love to see my art and products in the world and hear the feedback of my customers who LOVE the Sisters and friends. Learn more For a peek inside Betsy's planner, click HERE. You can also learn more about Betsy’s products here: https://CampExperience.com and https://betsywiersma.com/shop/. Want your book or product to be featured? If you liked this and want your Vervante product featured in our newsletter and blog, please email [email protected] with the following information: 250-word overview of your product URL link for the landing or sales page for the product High-res image(s) of the product Your creativity inspires us and your success deserves to be shared!

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