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Vervante • September 27, 2016

Did you know that audiobooks are the fastest-growing format in the book business today? According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, sales in the U.S. and Canada jumped 21% in 2015 from the previous year and keep growing. Much of the credit is being put to smartphones and the popularity of multitasking, with people loving the ability to download a book to their phone and listen to it at their own page in the place of their choosing. Here at Vervante, we love audiobooks. But we also stand by the value of printed books and books on CD. As an author, you should think carefully about your readers’ personal habits and needs when it comes to choosing the right format for your own book. If it’s CDs, that’s fine. As the author of the article stated, cars have CD players and as long as they do, there will always be a call for books on CD to enrich commutes and entertain passengers. As for printed books, well, we love how author Colm Toibin put it: “I really believe in the slow solitary silent business of reading. An audiobook is a kind of performance, like a radio play. On a long car journey, I can’t think of anything better. But it doesn’t replace reading.” If you want to offer your book as an ebook, audiobook, or other creative way using CDs, DVDs, and more, we can help. Reach out to our publishing experts at [email protected] and we’ll get you started right away. You can read the entire story by clicking HERE.

Vervante • September 20, 2016

The two main forms of commercial printing are digital and traditional offset printing. Understanding and choosing the right printing method for your projects is essential for creating the best end result for your product - and your budget. Here at Vervante we offer both digital printing and offset printing services. Both have their pros and cons. To choose the right method, you'll need to look at things like quality, volume, budget and timelines. Digital Printing Digital printing is great for people who need smaller runs of less than 1,000 copies, flexibility to customize, and quick turnaround times. Digital printing also is great for creating proofs of each product. Extremely detailed samples can be made of your print job quickly and cost effectively, helping ensure the final product is just right without hurting your budget. In addition, if you need to make slight changes to your products, such as personalizing with different names or logos, digital printing is a better way to go. For example, personalized letters can be printed with a different name and address on each letter. This is great if you are creating products for direct marketing, client relationship development or advertising. Bottom Line: If you need a fast turnaround, a short print run, or the ability to customize your prints, digital printing will help you meet your deadline and keep costs down. Offset printing Traditional offset printing is a better choice when you need a large amount (more than 1,000) while keeping your expenses low, a wider range of paper, ink and finish options, and exceptional color accuracy. With offset printing we can print on any stock, create custom covers that can include foil stamp and embossing, and work with a wide range of printing surfaces including paper, wood, cloth, metal, leather, rough paper and plastic. A budget-friendly option for high volume projects, traditional offset printing is not only more cost effective but can be quicker. The more you print, the better, as unit cost goes down as quantity goes up. Many of our customers print thousands at a time, opting to store extras in our warehouse for later shipments while enjoying a drastically reduced cost-per-product. When it comes to color quality and accuracy, offset printing uses the Pantone Matching System and inks to deliver unparalleled accuracy, making it the best type of printing when image quality or accuracy is concerned. Bottom Line: Traditional offset printing is a better choice for higher volume print runs, projects that demand a higher level of color or image accuracy, and the potential for much higher cost-per-product savings. Choosing the right printing method comes down to each projects' quality and volume demands, budget and timelines. Remember, we're here to help, please feel free to email us at [email protected] and we'll help you make sure you choose the best method for each of your projects.

Vervante • September 6, 2016

If you have a book, or any other product that can be sold online, it needs to be on Amazon. One of the world's most robust online stores, Amazon is the place to be. While the benefits are many, two stand out: Boosting credibility and visibility through improved search engine optimization (SEO), and boosting profits with increased sales opportunities. Did you know that Vervante offers FREE Amazon listing services for our customers? And that we can add the "Look Inside" feature as well? In a matter of days, we can list your Vervante-produced items for sale on Amazon, activate the Look Inside feature, and help you gain access to a vast worldwide audience hungry for what you are sharing. With the holiday season fast approaching, it's time to take action and list your book in Amazon's global online marketplace. Here's what to do: STEP 1. Log into your Vervante Author Account. Select the link "List Physical Product for Retail Distribution" under the Support section. STEP 2. Scroll down and familiarize yourself with the Amazon Marketplace information. If this is the first time you've listed your book or product on Amazon, we offer a retail calculator to figure your profit for each transaction. STEP 3. Continue to scroll down the page and fill out the form, be sure to select the box for listing your product on Amazon Marketplace. We automatically waive the $50 fee per product for any Amazon Marketplace submission received for books or products that are published through Vervante. You are welcome to add other retail venues, but normal fees will apply. STEP 4. If you would like to have the "Look Inside" feature for your Vervante-produced book, please send us an email at [email protected]. A quick recap: Listing your book or info product on Amazon Marketplace that has been published using Vervante services is free. If you select any other retail listing, a $50 fee will apply. You will be asked to check a box stating acceptance of the $50 fee per listing when you submit your form. Go ahead and check the box, but don't worry. As a Vervante client, all fees for Amazon Marketplace submissions will be waived on your final invoice. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our Amazon Marketplace experts at [email protected]. And don't forget, we offer a vast collection of expert guides and useful information to help you plan and execute a powerful sales strategy once your book is listed on Amazon. For instance, check out: "How to Plan a Successful Amazon Book Launch" "Helpful Hints for Retail Distribution" "Fast Track to Self Publishing"  

Vervante • May 20, 2016

Everyone likes a nice surprise, right? We've noticed a few of our customers adding extras to customer shipments with great success, so we had to share this idea with you. It's a great way to add value all around: Customers are impressed with the extra attention The perceived and actual value of your product goes up You get to share something new, unique, or valuable that can benefit all Here at Vervante, we can add these extras as we package and ship each order. Think items like flyers, postcards, small journals, free notecards, calendars, audio CDs, etc. Here are some ideas of what we've seen our customers include:  Mini blank journals Bookmarks or postcards Logo decals Audio CDs Branded calendars or notecards Fliers sharing new products, classes or events Hats, t-shirts, exercise bands, etc. Recipe cards Certificates The "extras" you decide to include in your shipments can be products created and published by Vervante such as bookmarks, postcards, audio CDs, etc. Or they can be products you supply and store in our warehouse such as decals, t-shirts, hats, etc. Just think of all the ways you could really make someone's day! If you have an idea for extras you'd like to include in your customer shipments, let us know at [email protected].

Vervante • April 25, 2016

When it comes to books, we love 'em! From that first burst of inspiration all the way through to sales and distribution of the final product, we take joy in helping our clients every step of the way. In fact, we go above and beyond when it comes to books by providing full-service solutions that anticipate and meet every need our authors might have, including:  LCCN assignment Copyright registration eBook conversion Word count conversion charts Listing on Amazon for Kindle and printed books List on Barnes & Noble for Nook and printed books Supporting Amazon Bestseller campaigns Both paperback and hard cover formats Printing both on-demand or in bulk Storage in our warehouse for bulk orders Assembling of your book with other products for shipping Wide variety of products that help market and sell your book, including bookmarks, postcards, special event tickets, printed newsletters and more. Check out our special "Fast Track Publishing" infographic by clicking HERE to access our easy-to-follow guide for creating and printing your book - and all the great services we offer in between. Whatever you can think of for your book - including interesting products that will help market and sell it - we've got you covered. Here's to letting your creativity flow!

Vervante • March 8, 2016

Do you ever feel exhausted or "brain-foggy?" Desperate for a quick boost of energy or inspiration so that you can get focused, get on track, and get that next big project done? We know the feeling! Creating a successful business takes a lot of work. Add to that the effort and energy it takes to write books, choreograph and film videos, create information products, and more, and suddenly that morning cup of joe is starting to look pretty weak. We knew that there had to be easier, and healthier, ways to boost creativity, focus and energy than an addiction to Starbucks. So we reached out to our favorite fitness, energy, nutrition and wellness experts and asked for their secrets. We loved what they shared – activities, recipes, exercises, products and more – all designed to keep you at the top of your game so you can create the life you want.  We know you’ll feel energized just reading this. There are some surprising ideas we loved and have already put to the test successfully, so be sure to read through to see them all. We’ve split this article into a series of 2, so read through these and watch for Part 2 coming soon for even more powerful ways to boost your energy, clarity and creativity all day long. Mike Mahler, Mahler’s Aggressive Strength One of my favorite methods for increasing energy, mood, and focus is deep breathing exercises. This works especially well early in the morning to get your day going. Sit down and relax and take a deep breath to a count of four. Hold it for four seconds and then breathe out slowly to a count of four. Make sure to breathe in deeply through your nose into your stomach as opposed to your chest. Breathe out through your mouth. Do 10-15 deep breaths every morning or whenever you need a boost. http://mikemahler.com   Holli Clepper, Fitness Education Unlimited To boost creativity I often breathe in my favorite essential oil, (Clarity by Young Living), which includes a mix of oils such as basil, ylang ylang, rosemary, jasmine and bergamot. This helps settle the mind a bit. I then use a breathing technique that I find really increases focus and calms the mind. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly while lying down (seated if you have nowhere to lay). Breathe deeply into your belly making the hand on the belly rise, hold that breath for 2 seconds then while still holding the breath, move the breath into the chest until the chest rises, hold for 2, send it back to the belly, hold for 2, back to the chest, hold for 2, and back to the belly, hold for 2, and exhale. This charges up the body, released toxins and helps work the diaphragm. Moving the breath around instead of just holding it is what really gets the diaphragm working. A tight diaphragm can affect your breathing and posture, which is why breathing exercises are important. You can perform this technique one to six times, during the day, before bed or whenever you need to settle the mind. www.fitnesseducationunlimited.com   James Wilson, Mountain Bike Strength Training Systems My top tip to boost creativity, energy and focus is to take 5 minutes and meditate. Nothing fancy, just sitting there focusing on your breathing while counting out 10 breathes in your head is fine. If meditation isn't your thing then get outside for a 10 minute walk (as bonus, a walk will help boost your energy as well). The problem is that we usually have too many other things buzzing around our heads and finding a way to lower the noise so you can finally focus the brain is the key. I've found that taking 5-10 minutes to help quiet and focus the brain really pays off in terms of how much more work I can get done in the remaining time I have and the quality of that work. www.bikejames.com   Chad Tackett, Fast Track to Fat Loss There are all sorts of manufactured energy drinks, pills, bars, and "shots" on the market, but none hold a candle to real, whole food. Choose the right foods and you'll get more nutrients for faster (and better), long-term energy. Here are 5 energy-boosting super foods that will give you true, lasting energy throughout the day: 1. Fruits, especially those high in potassium, such as bananas, apricots, cantaloupe, and kiwi. Other excellent energy-boosting fruits are apples, grapes, and peaches. 2. Quinoa is truly a super food. It’s a super-grain that's a complete protein, a high-quality complex carbohydrate, and high in fiber and iron, as well as calcium. Quinoa is also high in magnesium, which helps relax your muscles and blood vessels and has a positive effect on blood pressure. In addition, it's full of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and can even help balance your blood sugar! 3. Oats are a quality source of complex carbohydrates that are high in fiber, low on the glycemic index, and rich in energy-boosting B vitamins. I'm not talking about instant oatmeal, but rather old-fashioned oats, dry rolled oats, steel cut oats, or oat bran. Because these kinds of oats aren’t broken down like instant oatmeal is, it takes longer for them to be processed within your body, providing a slower release of energy (meaning, sustained energy). Oats also contain stress-reducing B vitamins, which helps transform carbs into usable energy. And because they're high in fiber, your body gets an ongoing stream of energy that gradually flows into your bloodstream, as opposed to a short-term spike that crashes soon after. 4. Seeds such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and hemp seeds provide a great supply of fiber, healthy fats (including omega-3's), vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Chia seeds are an especially great choice because they have a large amount of soluble fiber, which creates sort of a gel in your intestines. This keeps you full and satisfied longer and provides time-release energy, which stabilizes your blood sugar and keeps your energy levels even during intense training or longer physical activities. 5. Lentils are a great source of fiber, which again, translates to a slow release of glucose, as well as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium and copper. Protein helps slow down the digestion of food for sustained energy and lentils help reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure as well. Plus, they’re low in fat and calories! Beans (black, kidney, garbanzo, etc.) are also an energy-boosting food with similar benefits. BONUS: In addition to these 5 foods, keep in mind that without water, your body cannot generate energy. Water makes it possible for your system to digest, absorb, and transport nutrients. It also helps regulate body temperature. When you’re dehydrated, your cells receive nutrients for energy less efficiently, and your body can’t properly expend heat through sweating. Both conditions lead to fatigue. Try to drink eight to ten 8-oz. glasses of water a day and you'll be amazed at how much energy you get just from staying adequately hydrated. http://fasttracktofatloss.com/fbg/fat-burning-gene.php.   Chris Barnard, Strength Camp and Overtime Athletes My favorite go-to tip for boosting creativity, energy, and focus comes from a simple morning ritual.  Every morning I meticulously wake up and repeat a series of steps.  No matter if I'm at a seminar in another city or at the comfort of my home, I try my hardest to set my day off with my morning ritual.  A morning ritual can consist of many different aspects but here are the 3 things I believe add up to successful day.  1.  Combine Movement and Breathing - Meditation can be difficult for some people to get into but anything you can do to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system is essential in our busy driven lives.  I love to take a short walk and focus on breathing deep into my belly and clear my mind to the present issues of the day.  Simply try your hardest to be aware of something new on your walk each day.  This allows laser focus. 2.  Consume Knowledge - To increase creativity, it will help if you expose yourself to new ideas.  The simple way that I do this is listen to audio books on my way to work. I typically like to choose a book that is pertaining to the things I may be dealing with in my present life and allow new ideas or ways to approach each situation and marry it with my own. In turn this allows me to put my own creative spin on it. Try listening to a new idea every morning to allow your past ideas to mesh and become a new creation each day. 3.  "Super Shake" - For energy I have a "Super Shake" every single day.  With our days filled with meetings and always on the go we sometimes forget to treat our body as a temple. So each morning I drink a potent shake that literally takes me 2 minutes to make. Here’s my recipe:   - 2 scoops whey protein (Nectar fruit flavored)   - 1 scoop Living Fuel Greens   - 1 scoop Living Fuel Berry   -  5 drops liquid Fulvic Vitamins   -  5 drops liquid Fulvic Minerals   -  1 Adrenal Support   http://strengthcamp.com   Rachel Cosgrove, Results Fitness University When working on a project such as an article or a book I love to create a Mind Map to brainstorm my ideas. I'm a very visual person, as 80% of people are, so by drawing a mind map or using one online (I like www.mindmeister.com) it gets my brain churning with ideas of what I want to include - stories, images, points I want to make...and each of these goes in a bubble. From there I end up branching off of each bubble with more points or ideas. Ideas will hit me at the strangest times (in the car, walking the dog, in the shower) and as soon as I can I add them to my mind map. Then when I sit down to create the product I can chunk it down into writing each bubble at a time. www.RachelCosgrove.com, www.ResultsFitnessUniversity.com   Hut Allred, New Wave Fitness "To ramp up vitality, try a supervised detox for a minimum of 7 days. A detox helps to rid your body of harmful toxins and as a result, can give you increased energy plus physical and mental vigor." www.NewWaveFitness.com     Janet Rae Humphrey, E-RYT Oxygen is the best energy booster. The chemical reactions that produce energy in the cells of your body require oxygen. Inhale more oxygen by sitting up tall and taking long diaphragmatic inhales: Diaphragmatic Breathing for Energy Sit away from the back of the chair using the muscles of your back and abdomen to sit erect. Place your feet flat on the floor parallel to each other and your knees over your ankles. The long upper bones of your legs (femurs) should be parallel to each other. Place your little fingers in the crease between your torso and thighs with the middle fingertips touching two inches below the belly button. Inhale – Expand your belly out and lift up your belly, spine and chest. Exhale –Pull your lower belly in and hug your shoulder blades together on your back. Take three long, slow diaphragmatic breaths in and out through your nose. For energy and to decrease depression – make your inhale longer than your exhale. Inhale for the count of six, hold for the count of one, exhale for the count of three, and hold for the count of one. Concentrate on your breathing for three to five minutes. For anxiety and to increase relaxation– make your exhale longer than your inhale. Inhale for the count of 3, hold for the count of one, exhale for the count of six, and hold for the count of one. Concentrate on your breathing for three to five minutes. www.AgeWithoutLimits.net   Dave "The Band Man" Schmitz Performing quick 20-minute morning exercise routines have been my "go to" when it comes to boosting mental focus and physical energy. To accomplish this I have found resistance bands to be the go-to training tool no matter if I am on the road, in​ the​ office, or at home. Bands provide all the benefits of training with weights while making it easy to train anywhere, anytime at any intensity level while being able to perform any movement​. Give bands a try.... You will not be disappointed.   www.resistancebandtraining.com    

Vervante • February 7, 2016

If a new book or info product is in your future plans, we bet that the following issue has come up: What's better? Hard copy or digital? It's an increasingly digital world out there, and the proliferation of smart phones, tablets and e-readers continually ignite a debate about which is better. For each person who reads this, the answer might be different. But these two issues are the same: What's best for my reader AND supports my business goals? Here at Vervante we offer every format you can imagine: Hard cover, paperback, digital files on disc or flash drives, and more. We work with a wide variety of authors and entrepreneurs, each with different needs and goals, and help them find the best formats. Here's what we learned from them, and suggestions about what you need to consider when deciding which way is best for you: ASK READERS WHAT THEY WANT If you can, it’s best to reach out to a sampling of target readers and ask their opinion. Some will wax poetic about loving the feel of an old-fashioned book. Others may cite devotion to their Kindle or Nook. Aside from ease of access, price points and attitudes about technology, it is also important to consider the type of information you are sharing in your book, how your target reader absorbs that info, and the value or benefit they receive overall. Multiple studies have shown that readers are able to absorb information better when reading physical books.* If your book is graphic-heavy, though, the opposite may be the case. Again, talk to your readers, see how they feel. CONSIDER THE PROS & CONS Hard Copy Book / Product advantages include: Higher perception of quality and value Greater profit margin for author Longer lasting / library effect Easy to share Back of rooms sales Book signings Low tech pros = not having to deal with dying batteries or malfunctioning devices  E-book / Digital File advantages include: High tech = easier to access / instant gratification Low production cost for author Lower purchase cost for reader Privacy / people can’t see what you’re reading Can access anytime, anywhere  Bottom line? It’s important to create the right book or product that best fits your goals as well as the needs of the reader. What is the preferred format for your target audience? How do they best absorb information? And which format fits your budget and revenue needs? Addressing these issues will help you find the right format that’s perfect for you! ASK THE EXPERTS: If you have any questions about your next book or product and how we can help you - no matter what format you choose - please email us at [email protected] and we'll help you get started. * Sources: The Guardian, Medical Daily

Vervante • December 17, 2015

Getting organized any time of year is always a great idea - and we've got an easy tip that will make your work with Vervante easier and more efficient. If you have several products and have been using Vervante for some time now, your Author Dashboard may start feeling like a maze. Check out your "Place an Order" link or the "My Vervante Parts Numbers" link and you'll see what we mean. If you have outdated products no longer in use, it's easy to remove them and clear the clutter. Even better, if you have a lot of different types of products, we can help you organize them by type. To remove products from your Author Dashboard If you have outdated products no longer in use, we can remove titles from your list. Worried that you might change your mind and want to bring them back one day? No problem! We will archive the print files and can restore them to your account at your request. Just send us an email at [email protected] and let us know which products you would like removed from your Author Dashboard list. To organize your products by category We can also organize your products into categories such as Books, DVDs, CDs, Calendars, and Products. All we need is an email from you letting us know the category name (can be anything) and which items go in which categories.

Vervante • December 7, 2015

One of the most common questions we get is from customers planning ahead for big sales—whether it’s an upcoming launch, holiday season, or a steady stream of orders throughout the year. Our best advice? Bulk printing is the way to go. SAVE MONEY >> Bulk orders reduce your cost per unit, helping you maximize profit while getting beautiful, high-quality products ready to ship. STORE WITH US >> We can store your printed products in our secure warehouse until they're sold and ready to ship. No need to fill your garage or spare room—we’ve got you covered. And since printing and fulfillment happen under one roof here, it’s easy, fast, and efficient. FAST FULFILLMENT >> When your product is in stock with us, we ship within 24 hours of receiving an order. You get all the benefits of print-on-demand speed with the lower cost of bulk printing. We print a wide range of custom products in bulk—books, planners, journals, card decks, welcome boxes, kits, and more. If you're gearing up for a product launch or want to get ahead of the holiday rush, now is the perfect time. Please email us at [email protected] to get started. Planning pays off—and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Vervante • November 9, 2015

If you are ready to offer your book, ebook or information product to a worldwide audience to create greater impact, influence and income, then Amazon is the place to be. No matter if you've waited because you don't know how, or just don't have the time, we'll help you get it done! Here's what to do: 1. Log into your Vervante Author Account. Select the link "List Physical Product for Retail Distribution" under the Support section. 2. Scroll down and familiarize yourself with the Amazon Marketplace information. If this is the first time you've listed your book or product on Amazon, we offer a etail calculator to figure your profit for each transaction.  3. Continue to scroll down the page and fill out the form, be sure to select the box for listing your product on Amazon Marketplace. We automatically waive the $50 fee per product for any Amazon Marketplace submission received from our Vervante authors. You are welcome to add other retail venues, but normal fees will apply. Listing your book or info product on Amazon Marketplace is free. If you select any other retail listing, a $50 fee will apply. You will be asked to check a box stating acceptance of the $50 fee per listing when you submit your form. Go ahead and check the box, but don't worry. As a Vervante client, all fees for Amazon Marketplace submissions will be waived on your final invoice. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our Amazon Marketplace experts at [email protected]. And don't forget, we offer a vast collection of expert guides and useful information to help you plan and execute a powerful sales strategy once your book is listed on Amazon. For instance, check out:  "How to Plan a Successful Amazon Book Launch" "Helpful Hints for Retail Distribution" and "Fast Track Publishing"

Vervante • August 25, 2015

Today's subject is something that we wish we didn't need to discuss. But the sad truth is that even though the U.S. Copyright Office has issued more than 33.6 million copyrights to date, the U.S. economy loses $58 billion each year to copyright infringement, including $16 billion in the loss of revenue to copyright owners. If you are the author of a book, CD, DVD or other product that contains your intellectual property, you need to take action now to protect your property. And we're sharing how below. How to copyright your book (or other intellectual property) "Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression." That's a fancy way of saying if you are the author of a product that contains your unique content, then you deserve legal protection from those who would copy or steal it from you. This goes for more than just books, including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture, according to the U.S. Copyright Office. Is it really necessary to copyright your book? Technically, under U.S. copyright law, your self-published work is protected as soon as you put the pen to paper. Official Copyright Registration, however, gives you a higher level of security when it comes to protecting your work. When you register your work with the U.S. Copyright office, you create a public record of your authorship and are officially recognized as the copyright holder in a court of law. Wait a minute! How did we end up in a courtroom already? You may think that something like this will never happen to you, but as you can see by the statistics we mention above, it can and does happen quite often. Think of the hours and effort you put into your most recent book, special report, coaching CD or fitness information product. Now imagine seeing your very same product for sale on another person's website. They might change the cover image or title to make it seem different, but inside are your words, your programs and your original ideas. It's devastating. But taking the steps to copyright your content right from the start is the best way to protect yourself and your property from a scenario like this. Here's how: If you want to do it yourself, you can submit your copyright registration online HERE. You will need to fill out an application and pay a registration fee. You will receive a packing slip at the end of the process. This should be printed and used to mail a copy of your book to the Copyright Office within 30 days of completing the submission form. In approximately 13 months you will receive a certificate of registration in the mail. Here at Vervante, we offer copyright registration services done for you. One of our publishing experts will complete the application on your behalf and submit a copy of your book to the Copyright Registration Office. To get this process started, simply log in to your Author Account on the Vervante website and navigate to the "Copyright Registration" page under the Services menu. If you are unsure if your product qualified for copyright registration, check the list also available on that same Copyright Services page. We truly hope that you never have to experience the theft of your intellectual property. But we also know the value of planning ahead and making sure that you are protected, just in case. If you have any questions about copyright registration, or other services we offer for creating, printing, and distributing your products, please email us at [email protected].

Vervante • August 11, 2015

Ari Galper, founder of the best-selling trust-based sales program Unlock The Game©, is recognized as the world’s #1 authority on trust-based selling, making the shift from chasing sales to building authentic relationships based on trust, authenticity and integrity – resulting in more sales than ever imagined. With a Masters degree in Instructional Design, which strongly analyzes the way people learn, and two decades of experience in direct selling in a variety of industries, Ari pioneered his breakthrough sales system through his experience working with iconic companies such as UPS and QUALCOMM over the past twenty years. Ari has been featured in a multitude of leading sales and business books, is a sought-after international speaker, and go-to media authority when it comes to trust-based sales. He also regularly presents at sold-out sales seminars and corporate training events where he has shared the stage with fellow entrepreneurs including Joan Rivers, Mark Victor Hansen, Dan Kennedy, Harry S. Dent, Christopher Howard, Bill Glazer, Ali Brown and more. Q: You offer a variety of information products as part of Unlock the Game – books, CDs, DVDs, cards and guides. How have these supported your business model? I can’t be everywhere physically, so these products are a great way to leverage my time, share my concepts and ideas and give my audience a way to access my intellectual property in ways they can absorb and use at their own comfort level. We are able to help people all around the world by offering physical products they can access at any time. Creating and offering products like these have really helped to support my status as a trusted authority. They’ve elevated my profile and positioned me as THE expert when it comes to my topic, instead of just one among many.  I originally started with an eBook, then I created a video, then someone told me to that I should create a CD. A book came along later, and now we have a whole range of products as part of the Unlock the Game series. Having these products really helped kick off the business and is a big part of my business model to this day. The real key is to have different modalities – audio, video, physical products, etc. We offer mostly physical products these days, don’t do much in digital downloads. We’ve found that digital content has become so commoditized now that it’s lost its value and people don’t take it as seriously. We’re trying to hold the line and give readers something tangible, that they can hold, feels more real and offers a much greater perception of value. Also, we always video tape my events so that they can be turned into products. Any delivery of intellectual property needs to be recorded. At my next event I’ll offer the videos along with other products as different bundles or packages that people can invest in. I also just launched a book on Amazon a few weeks ago called “Unlock the Sales Game,” which is a compilation of my best articles. Q: What advice would you give authors just getting started? First of all, pay attention to defining your ideal client – that one client who pays you the most amount of money for the least amount of work. From there, identify what are the key problems they have that you solve. Once you’ve figured that out, gather the information you have for how you help them solve those problems, and that becomes your product. Often authors just talk about the solutions and forget about articulating the problems as they share how to solve those problems and get to the solutions. A lot people get stuck when their identity is so tied to the solutions that they forget to focus on defining the key problems that they solve. It’s a mindset shift that needs to happen and helps you get clear on your products. Also, if you are going to offer self-published products, look for a publisher that is reliable, works with you as a partner, and you can trust to catch problems and be proactive so you don’t have to worry about it. Having a publisher that offers all the types of products, plus online tracking, customer service, distribution and all the rest is extremely valuable. I found Vervante about eight years ago, through Ali Brown, and have been using them ever since. Q:  Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently? I would have spent more time thinking about who my ideal client was, rather than chasing the market and getting caught up in people who just told me they were interested but weren’t really my ideal client. I would have spent more time figuring out who were the ones that I could best serve, and been confident enough to let the others go. You can learn more about Ari at www.UnlockTheGame.com.

Vervante • August 1, 2015

We think perfect-bound books are perfectly wonderful. And that’s why we’re pretty excited about this special offer – check it out!   For the month of August, you can enjoy: 10% printing discount: Print any perfect bound book, in any quantity. Want 1? Great. Want 1,000? We can do that too. Free: We’ll store them in our warehouse until you’re ready to send. Plus: Extra discounts on printing and shipping if you order in bulk (see below). If you have a perfect-bound book, this is a great time to plan ahead, print what you’ll need for the rest of year at a discount, and enjoy the luxury of free warehousing and discounted fulfillment services once you are ready to send them out.   Oh, and bulk order discounts still apply, which means you can boost your savings even more. Here are the details for printing costs with bulk discounts applied: 1-99 books: $5.33 per book* 100+ Books: $3.75 250+ Books: $3.00 1000+ Books: $2.27 Plus: Place a bulk order and you’ll receive a 20% DISCOUNTED FULFILLMENT FEE for books printed in bulk and then shipped on demand. *Prices based on 120 pages, 6x9 or smaller, black & white text, no bleeds, full color cover, perfect bound. Prices do not include postage.   Ready to print? Contact [email protected] to get your project started right away. And remember, this offer only lasts until August 31.

Vervante • June 29, 2015

Lyle McDonald has helped thousands to change their bodies for the better through products, programs and online resources that focus on health, fitness and nutrition. Lyle became interested in sports performance in high school which led him to UCLA to pursue a degree in kinesiology/exercise physiology.  During this time he got involved in competitive cycling and in-line skating which took him deeper into the science and practice of sports performance, nutrition, training, and supplements. His first book, The Ketogenic Diet, was published in 1997 and he has written 10 books since then on various topics of nutrition, fat loss, diet and exercise. Lyle is also a passionate volunteer and advocate for the Austin Humane Shelter and regularly shares his experiences on his website with the shelter and his two rescue dogs Alfie and Norman. Q:  What inspired you to become an author? My first book was written back in the 90's; due to my presence online and background I had become a bit of an "expert" on low-carbohydrate diets and set out to write an objective book on the topic, looking at both the pros and cons of such diets.  I actually originally published it through a short-run print house before switching to Vervante and have produced 7 products through them since. For various reasons, I had become dissatisfied with my short run print company, mainly with having to maintain inventory, pay up front for books and handle the shipping myself.  As print-on-demand services like Vervante offers became more common I researched them heavily and made the switch.  What I liked most about Vervante was that their setup was easy and they do not charge a setup fee.  They also do not take a percentage of sales like many other companies outside of actual print and shipping costs.  Being able to pay at the end of the month only for products actually sold, plus the fact that they handle returns and reships quickly and easily, sold me. I've never looked back and refer any friends or colleagues looking to get into book publishing without a publisher to Vervante. Q:  Do you offer digital downloads along with printed products? I actually do. I had offered digital downloads earlier in my career but became frustrated with piracy so I stopped. Two years ago I started offering them again and am thankful I did. We are moving to a digital age and a majority of my sales are digital only. However, I offer bundles on all of my books where the purchaser can get the hardcopy (for people who want physical books) and the immediately downloadable digital version. I have also recently got into Kindle .epubs and Nook formatted products. So many people are using only phones or tablets, so they need scalable digital files. I really see digital ‘books’ as almost overtaking the physical kind in the future. No need for space, easy to transport, we live in a digital world now. Q:  What advice would you give to other authors who want to increase exposure and sales? I am in a different position than most as I’ve been in the field and online for 20 years now. Getting started with writing now is much more difficult, there is much more competition, and it’s a lot harder to stand out. I have hosted a handful of seminars including in Canada and Ireland, but beyond that I’ve mainly just focused on books themselves. I am lucky that I was on the Internet in 2004, about when it started, so by the time I got around to really writing I was well-known and already had the exposure. Certainly as the Internet grows, my exposure grows by leaps and bounds. Since I focus on nutrition and fat loss books, and given that just about every forum has some type of weight loss related topic, people more or less do my marketing for me. Writing good content and quality books is the first step, but without marketing you’re a store that nobody can find. YouTube, Facebook and Twitter are more or less mandatory now. Finding folks who are popular bloggers in a niche, who have a following, also helps. Approach them politely and offer to send a book copy for review. If you have an affiliate program make them aware of it. Yes, objectivity can suffer when affiliates are making money off the product but that’s really part and parcel for the Internet now. Even Amazon takes a cut and nobody complains about their business practices. A recent practice is to actually release the whole book or a chapter (usually digitally), for free initially, giving readers a chance to sample it without risk.  If they like it, they will buy it. People are tired of flashy marketing that sells garbage books. Show readers you’re a good writer, don’t just tell them. In the long run that, more than anything, will help with growth. People that like your work tell two friends and they will tell two friends, and so on. In a world dominated by social media, all it takes is for a few people to share your work and it can explode. Q: What do you wish that someone had told you BEFORE you began publishing books? My first book was a nightmare since I didn't know what I was doing.  From layout to not getting an ISBN, or realizing how long it took to get them (this was in the mid-90's), my first book's publishing was delayed for reasons that had nothing to do with the writing. To be honest, my first book was such a disaster that I almost gave up on it near the end. After that, trying to write another book gave me anxiety attacks for years. It was all pretty difficult. But that was part of the learning experience and I didn’t have access to resources to help me through all of the problems (again this was the mid-90's).  I had also already been selling my book through a different company to begin with; a lot of the problems were fixed by switching to a better company, Vervante. Now, I mainly try to walk friends/colleagues who are doing their first book through the minefield of potential problems since I think I personally found them all. The only problem I can recall early on with Vervante was a very old issue with the author interface.  I had some books that never made it to the purchaser but I wasn't aware of it and wasn't able to correct the problem. They really stepped up when they identified the problem. Since that time Vervante has made significant improvements to the author interface and there's nothing I can't check in terms of orders that didn't ship or when I need to put in specific order requests myself. My books are well received, people seem happy with quality of the books and shipping, and that makes me happy. Five Fun Facts about Lyle 1. Favorite book / author Robert Sapolsky is the writer I hope to someday be when I grow up.  His ability to take complex scientific concepts and write about them in a fashion that is both non-technical and entertaining is a skill and an art that most science writers lack. He is truly brilliant. I also have a long enjoyment of Robert Anton Wilson, a counterculture author to be sure but reading his work truly gave me a new perspective on not only the world but on how to think about things. 2. What are you reading right now? I actually just started re-reading Sapolsky’s book Monkeyluv.  I had lent out my copy and never gotten it back. I’m also re-reading The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson, a 3rd generation cyberpunk and author. I love his work. 3. And when you’re not writing? I watch a lot of Netflix, I love the ability to watch shows from beginning to end. Video games.  Playing with my dogs. I’m quite the introvert so I tend to be fairly much of a homebody. 4. One thing about you that would surprise people: That despite my often brash online demeanor, I can actually be the best friend anyone will ever have. I’m just 100% or nothing. A friend I will do anything for. Everyone else... 5. What makes you happy? When I finally finish editing a book! You can learn more about Lyle and Body Recomposition at www.bodyrecomposition.com.

Vervante • June 2, 2015

If you're ready to learn which products are best for increasing  satisfaction, reducing returns and boosting profits, then you'll love our latest interview with fitness industry expert and author Jonathan Goodman. Jon's business has kept him at the top of best-selling lists and in the media spotlight for years - and allows him the financial freedom to take time away from the office and explore the world. Read on to learn how Jon increased profits by 20% by finding the right mix of products for his target audience. Creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center (thePTDC) and Viralnomics, Jonathan Goodman has sold tens of thousands of books, training programs, and courses to audiences around the world, as well as featured in Men's Health, Schwarzenegger.com, Muscle & Fitness, and Forbes amongst others. He writes about personal training and enjoys philosophizing and experimenting with new media. Originally from Toronto, Jon loves exercise, hates bad socks, considers himself a key lime pie connoisseur, and spends his winters exploring the world. Q:  What inspired you to add published products to your business model?     My goal was to establish longevity. I noticed that other people in my market who were initially successful would fade out after a few years; there was no longevity, even if they were very good. I also realized that those who put things out in tangible, physical products were more successful in the long run. Their teachings and products were consumed more, they were taken more seriously, and those products ensured that they enjoyed great word of mouth and a increasing audience as they were passed along. Even though publishing products is expensive superficially, I decided due to those observations, that I would have physical products for everything I do. I want to be relevant in 10 years, and having physical products that last is key for that.   My first product was 1K Extra. It’s a premium product for my industry with a higher cost. The first version was priced at 499 dollars and delivered in digital form. However, I was dismayed at the rate of refund requests; it was pretty high for my expectations. When I followed up and did some research into why people were requesting refunds, I found out that many of the people who purchased it, didn’t even look at it before returning.   Buyer’s remorse is a funny thing; it’s based more, I believe, on the perception of what people think others will think of them, versus the actual return on investment. Whereas with a physical product, I’ve found, if you design a beautiful product and it looks and feels good to the person who bought it, the refund rate goes way down. Ordering a physical product means there is a wait to receive it, anticipation builds increasing the expectation and enjoyment of receiving the package and ripping the box open. Now there is a much better chance that they will actually look at it and use it. I now offer both physical and digital versions as pricing strategies to allow me to position the products and pricing differently. For version 2 of 1KExtra we offered a physical product and a digital download and the return rate went way down.  I ended up making about 20% more in profits even with the fulfillment cost because of the decrease in refunds.   Q:  You published your first book, “Ignite the Fire,” with CreateSpace. Now most of your products are with Vervante. Why the switch?   I did my first book with CreateSpace before I knew info marketing was something I wanted to do. Now, with the variety of multimedia projects my business produces, I like how Vervante can handle all the different types of products in one space and offer the advantage of selling through my site while still having Vervante handle the ordering, fulfillment, and distribution details. Plus Vervante’s customer support is really great – if someone mistakenly makes a double order, they check that it’s correct before fulfilling and charging me for it. Vervante is great, because it allows you to start small with one product, and then work your way up as you add more and more. Q: Any wisdom to share that you wish you’d known back when you started?   Don’t be embarrassed to price your products for what they are worth, especially if you’re in a niche. What you do is worth a lot of money to some people. The first product or program you put out there should have the potential to fundamentally change your business. For most, that means an influx of money to allow you to finally do what you want to do, instead of have to do.   Don’t compare yourself with others in your industry or who are doing similar things. I’ve met a lot of people who look great or might be intimidating at first, but in reality no one is perfect.   Better design makes a huge difference – when you can make sure you invest in high-quality design. Design communicates the value of what they are getting inside. It can allow you to charge up to twice as much for a product. The perception of quality is often as important as the actual quality of the product itself.   It’s worth having a professional proofreader or editor for your products as well. I have an exceptional editor I’ve worked with on all my books and copy editors for grammar and punctuation. They can make a big difference in the quality and perception of expertise that your readers form when using your products. Don’t forget that you can create products from things you are already doing. I put on three conferences and one of my products, Ultimate Fat Loss Seminar, is a high-quality video and audio recording of those conferences that I turned into a product.    Q: How have Information Products affected your business?   Information products have allowed me to create more freedom and longevity in this market. The conventional model of generalities and marketing to the masses favors short-term success. Self-publishing and premium high quality information marketing, which is what I do with Vervante, allows me to focus in on the one thing I have specific expertise in. I don’t care about the mass market, I just know there are 100 or 500 or 1000 people out there that want what I can give them, so I can create it and sell it at a higher price. I think topics that are created to fulfill a specific need for a smaller population is where the future is. You can learn more about Jon and his products at these sites: 1K Extra: Jon’s premier multimedia course that teaches how to build an efficient and scalable online personal training business has become the go-to resource in his niche. Ultimate Fat Loss Seminar Home Study Kit: Recorded audio and video from a conference hosted by Jon. Hiring Trainers: A multimedia course co-produced with Jodi Rumack that teaches gym owners how to find, hire, and train their ideal personal trainer.

Vervante • April 29, 2015

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

Vervante • April 13, 2015

Are you missing out on special offers, important updates or even free products because people can’t find you? If you haven’t updated the contact information on your website, social media and even in your Vervante account in awhile, it might explain why you’re missing out on all that great stuff. We can help you update your Vervante Author Account, and learn how to customize packaging and communications you send through Vervante so that your customers can easily connect and keep in touch with your business.   Here are a few easy ways to help your business stand out, be found, and make sure that when people want to connect with you, they can!    Update Vervante author account contact information: We occasionally send physical offers, updates and sometimes even free products in the mail. We need your current address to make sure you don't miss out. Log into your Vervante account to access the Author Dashboard Select the “Profile” link in the horizontal menu bar across the top of the page Make sure all entries are up to date Be sure to select the “Save” button at the bottom of the page   Make sure emails are going where you want them: We offer the ability to enter different emails for general information, inventory, invoices, and shipping confirmation. Scroll to the bottom half of the Profile page in your Author Dashboard Enter appropriate email addresses for each category Be sure to click “Save”   Customize your packing slip:  We provide a standard packing slip complete with copy for communicating with your customers when they receive your products, however, you have full access to customize these packing slips to match your brand and message. From your Profile page, select the “Customize Packing Slip” link at the top of the page Logo: You can add your logo to the packing slip by uploading it here. See the note for instructions regarding size, type, etc.   Business address: Input your business mailing address here Customized message: We provide default content, but you are free to edit and add your own content here that will be included on each packing slip. This is also the place to include return policies or other special instructions. To see how it looks, just click on the Update link at the bottom of the page. Contact information: Enter the address you would like used for returns here Be sure to select the Update button at the bottom of the page when you are done. You can also print a sample to see what your packing slip will look like.   Branded packaging and labels for your products: If you love the idea of customizing the packaging and communications that accompany your products, you’ll love our options for creating branded labels, envelopes and other packaging that will help you really stand out. It’s easy and simple to send your products in fun and exciting packaging. Click here to access our free expert guide “How to Add Pizzazz to Your Products” to learn about: Printed newsletters with transparent or branded packaging Custom self-mailers for CDs and DVDs Custom labels for shipping boxes or envelopes (like the one shown here, at right) How to create and include promotional branded products in your packages And so much more...   We’re here to help you look like a million bucks when it comes to the products you create AND the packaging it’s delivered in. If you have any questions or would like assistance customizing your packages, updating your profile information or learning more about how we can help you make this your best year yet, email our specialists at [email protected].

Vervante • March 31, 2015

We're excited for you to hear our latest author interview sharing a fresh perspective on how to navigate the creation, publication and marketing of a collaborative book. (What's a collaborative book? It's when multiple authors each contribute a chapter or section to a book that has a shared theme.) Successful product to profit specialist, Terra Farrar, sat down with us and spoke about her recent adventure with Vervante. Terra guides business owners through the maze of how to capture their intellectual property, turn it into a signature program or product and create a passive income stream. In this Q&A, Terra shares her story – and some great tips – on multi-income producing opportunities in her recently published book, “Skyrocket Your Product Launch Using 12 Proven Strategies from Experts Around the Globe.”   Q:  Tell us a little about what inspired your book. A: There is a growing number of entrepreneurs wanting to help people beyond their one-to-one services and create passive income streams in the process. The problem is, they don’t know how to turn their expertise into the kind of programs and products they can bank on. Fortunately, I know how to solve that problem. It’s my area of expertise. I have a strategy to capture their knowledge and convert it into their own signature program.   However, there are many integral components for a dream to experience lift off and soar to success. So I embarked on a journey to find experts who share similar values and are committed to the client’s success. They have become the Dream Team of Experts. By applying our combined expertise, clients are ready to sell the programs and products online, from the platform, to their tribe or community as well as to their existing clients.    As I tell my clients, their idea is a master key to doors of possibilities. A collaborative or anthology project such as this is a powerful business-building tool. For example, I’m using it as a syllabus for my own product creation training program. When in the role of an event sponsor, I use it inside a drawing package to capture leads. Each co-author uses it to fit their business model. In addition, as a published author, so many more doors open.   I remember the day the parcel from Vervante arrived containing my first copy of “Skyrocket Your Product Launch Using 12 Proven Strategies from Experts Around the Globe.” It took my breath away. I rushed to my computer and opened the initial email invitation I sent to the potential co-authors. Then I looked at the dates.  It had been only 67 days from email invite to holding the book in my hands! When things are meant to be it’s a matter of getting out of the way, buckling up, and saying “YES.”   Q:  Are there any tips you would share with new authors for their own books projects? A:  Before officially launching your book, first get it into the hands of people you know. For my initial print run, I incorporated a red sticker on the cover saying, “Advanced Reader Copy.” By adding that designation, it’s like saying “expect mistakes inside.” It also became a way for those receiving a copy to know they were part of something special. The readers were much more willing to give honest feedback and forgive our errors. This is also a good time to capture testimonials while implementing further edits and tweaks. For example, once I saw it in print, I decided the inside margins needed widening. I also re-arranged the chapters during this phase.    For the “advance reader copy,” I purposely left off the ISBN and bar code on the back cover. Copies were given away, not sold. Once the edits are in place, remove the red sticker from the front cover and add the ISBN and bar code to the back.   One last bit of advice: For a collaborative book project, hire a copy editor to read each of the submitted chapters rather than depend on the authors to give you a print-ready version. We found typos, and incorrect word usage, which would have had a dramatic influence on the reader’s experience.   Q:  Are there any surprises you’ve had as a result of publishing your book? A:  Yes and it’s an income-generating surprise bonus. As people hear my story of going from big idea to printed book in only 67 days, they are hiring me to guide them through the process. I have become the go-to person for those wanting a similar marketing tool for their business.    Q:  Why did you choose Vervante to help you self-publish this product? A:  A few years ago, I used Vervante for a fiction book I wrote. I was very pleased with their quality and service. I have since referred clients and colleagues who are equally happy. It was a no-brainer to come back to them. I love the no minimum order policy; the ease of tying sales from shopping cart to my print-on-demand Vervante account; and how hands-free they make it for the author.   Q: How was your experience using Vervante for your book-publishing project? A:  Vervante’s customer service has been awesome especially when it came to handling the updates I made to both cover and content. Since I have multiple authors, Vervante makes it seamless for them to set up their own accounts. After uploading revisions, I send an email to my customer service rep who in turn updates everything to each author’s account. This makes it easy for the co-authors and acts like an insurance policy for book consistency.   Q:  This book is a collaborative project with contributing authors. What advice would you share with other people who might be considering a similar project? A:  Choosing your co-authors is very important. My goal was to select people who share similar values. It’s been extremely rewarding to have amassed this group of experts with the readers’ success in mind.   In the back of the book is an “About the Dream Team” section. On the even number page is their photo and bio. The facing page features a special program or offer for those readers wanting to dive deeper into the subject matter. Since getting JV (joint venture) ready is part of what I teach my clients, each Dream Team member is a JV partner providing me with a passive income stream from their “what’s next” step for the reader. This is an example of the product to profit strategy I teach.    You can learn more about Terra at www.DreamLaunchAcademy.com. If you enjoyed this article, and would like to be featured in a future Vervante author interview, please email us at [email protected].

Vervante • March 16, 2015

As a business professional, writing and publishing a book is a powerful way to elevate your business head and shoulders above the competition. The same goes for people who are inspired to share their talents and message with those who could benefit from it. Books are still one of the best ways to reach audiences around the world both in person and online. Books add an extraordinary dimension to your business model, and will open the door to speaking, publicity, consulting, new income streams and more. When it comes to self-publishing your book there are a lot of creative options available. So many, in fact, that a book project can feel overwhelming almost before it begins. We’ve helped thousands of authors create the right types of books that best support their goals over the years. During that time we discovered that there are 3 elements that you must establish right from the start to ensure a successful experience for you AND for your readers: Content, Format and Your Team. Get clear on these three points, and you’ve built a solid foundation for a successful, efficient and effective book publishing experience.   Content: Choose carefully both the topic of your book and who will write it. Topic: Be clear about your goal for this book. Is it to educate, entertain, create a new revenue stream for your business, or support a coaching program? Decide what content would best serve the needs of your readers as you dig down deeper to define your topic and what the content will be. Understanding these elements will help you to create a book that resonates with your readers and is best able to support your goals. Author: Will you be the sole author of your book? Or do you envision a collaboration of several authors? If you need a little inspiration to get your writing up to speed, check out this article: “Overcoming writing obstacles: 6 strategies for staying on task.” Collaborative books with multiple authors working together are also valuable for bringing great minds together. Be sure to read our article “Making collaborative books better” by clicking HERE.  Format: Your choices about what your book will look like when it’s published will affect both the cost of printing it as well as its effectiveness connecting with readers. The type of book you are writing will also govern your decision for the design and format. Cookbooks will be formatted much differently than technical manuals. And business coaching or health and fitness guides can have unique qualities that definitely differentiate them from novels or self-help books. There are many formatting and design options you can choose from to ensure your book stands out in a crowd. Our free self-publishing guide (see below) shares everything you need to know about binding, color, fonts, paper, size and more to help you create a book that best fits your needs.   Your Team: It takes a village – even when it comes to writing a book – and the right team is critical right from the very beginning. Editors/Proofers: After you complete your manuscript, it is a good step to have it professionally edited for spelling, grammar, punctuation and style. Do not compromise when it comes to the quality of your product. If your budget allows for it, hire a professional. Publisher: Choosing a publisher for your book is a big decision. Things like quality, customer service, the ability to customize, and fee structures that make sense are essential elements for a productive and profitable publishing experience. Click HERE to see how Vervante is a leader in the industry when it comes to quality, experience, service and competitive pricing.

Vervante • January 27, 2015

Are you ready to publish a book that supports your business? Or maybe you want to create an info product, some cool card decks, calendars, journals and other complementary products that proudly  feature your brand and support your goals. Wouldn't it be nice if you could do all that in one place, saving countless hours, dollars and headaches? Well, we're here to confirm that the rumor is true - you can!  We're excited to share with you today the 2015 Vervante Product Catalog, filled with creative products and distribution options for sharing your unique brilliance with the world. In it you'll find favorites like books, info products, notecards, CDs and DVDs alongside new ideas for promotional products and distribution. Why should you use Vervante? We know that it can be confusing when it comes to choosing the publishing specialist that will be best for you. We like to think that in addition to exceptional industry expertise and state-of- the-art resources, we create clarity in an industry that can feel pretty chaotic. Since 2001 we have been successfully supporting entrepreneurs, authors, coaches and corporations with all-in-one solutions for branded products, book publishing, printing, packaging and global distribution services. {{Click here to learn more about "Why Vervante?"}} Bottom line? With us, you get our dedicated team that provides personalized insight, support, and step-by-step guidance throughout your project, working together with you to bring your vision to life.