Blog

Vervante • October 18, 2017

If you are thinking of selling books or other printed products this holiday season, then the time to get started is now! Yes, now. You need as much time as possible to promote your products for the holiday sales season, so it’s never too early to start taking action. We’ve put together a list of common products perfect for holiday sales, along with tips and a timeline for getting ready in time. Books: More than 40% of all books sold during the year are purchased between November and January. Hard cover and paperback books, adult coloring books (a huge trend for holiday gifting!) and even children’s books are all great for sales and gifts this time of year. Note cards, postcards: Cards for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, New Year, as well as cards that show customer appreciation, feature gorgeous photography, inspire, motivate, or “just because” are favorites for gifts and popular sales items. You can create your own custom cards, or use our ready-made ones by adding your logo or message. 2018 Calendars: Another favorite that can be used to create new revenue, or given as client and customer appreciation gifts and lead generation freebies. 2018 Planners: Planners are a product that people just can’t seem to get enough of. You can create your own, or save some time by starting with our ready-to-go beautiful new 2018 planner, then add your logo, message, or other adjustments and selling it to your audience. Holiday Sales Timeline If you have a manuscript ready to go, are updating something you’ve done in the past, or inspired to create something new, here’s a timeline to help you get going: Sept / Oct: Send new manuscripts out for editing. Hire graphic designers for cover art, coloring books pages and interior formatting. Get quotes and information from Vervante for printing, shipping timelines, etc. October: Upload print-ready files to your Vervante account. Order sample copies for quality and proofreading checks. Send preview issues out for reviews, feedback and testimonials. Plan marketing strategies. Have Vervante list your books and products for sale on Amazon. Set up shopping carts. November: Put marketing plans into action. Schedule an official book / product launch. Announce special promotions, early bird sales and specials. Reach out to book stores to schedule book signings. Promote, promote, promote! December:Check with Vervante on holiday shipping deadlines. Attend book signings. Continue promotions, especially for New Year / 2018 products. Announce surprise last-minute deals. January: Continue to promote New Year products. Journal about your holiday sales experience, making notes about what worked (and what didn’t) to refer to for next years’ holiday season. Questions? Let us help you make the most of your holiday sales by dropping us a line at [email protected] or scheduling a phone call at https://vervante.youcanbook.me/.

Vervante • August 23, 2017

Have you been thinking about creating a journal for clients or customers, but looking for something a little more durable, substantial, and downright impressive? Well, we’ve got you covered! Our new journal is durable, beautiful, functional, and just the thing to catch someone’s attention. These journals can be printed any size. The wire-o binding allows them to open and lay flat, making it easy to read and write on. The hard cover can be custom designed or you can use our art and just add your logo. It comes in glossy, matte, or a unique soft-touch finish that makes the book feel velvety and luxurious. This type of finish has the added benefit of protecting the book from scuff marks and fingerprints to keep it looking good for a long time. (See, we told you this would impress!) Need ideas? Blank journals are a wonderful thing, but how about creating: Financial planning workbooks Full-color cookbooks Health and fitness planners Exercise and nutrition logs Creative writing exercises for adults and kids And more…. We’re pretty excited about this new product. So much, in fact, that we’re offering them at sample prices of $6.95 plus postage so you can check them out in person. Click HERE for more information or to order.

Vervante • July 26, 2017

Here at Vervante HQ, we get a lot of calls from frustrated authors who have been quoted umpteen thousands of dollars for publishing their book – WITHOUT any sort of marketing or promotion support to go along with it. You’ve written your book, you're ready to invest in it, but the next step is unclear… “How do I get my book noticed?” Traditional publishing companies don’t want you to know this. But guess what? You have a secret something that’s practically tailor-made for getting your book (or new product) noticed when it launches. It’s quite simply… your list. We’re going to be honest here, there is no magic solution for instant adoration and sales when your book launches. But we do know this – if you’ve already built an audience filled with happy customers, fans, and people who are firmly in your tribe, then you’re already ahead of the game. These are the people who will not only buy your books, but also spread the word and boost your sales even more. If you’ve written books or launched information products, then you should have a database of your customers. If you have a blog, publish a newsletter, or built a tribe on social media, then you should have a database of potential customers. Put them both together and you’ve got a surprisingly simple way to build anticipation, announce launches, offer incentives, and grow, grow, grow…. Having a subscriber list is the key. And this is what makes us stand out. Vervante offers what no other publisher does - the ability to grow by connecting with your customers. Subscriber email lists are your #1 asset for business growth, so why send your customers to another site to buy? What does that mean? Well, if you sell through CreateSpace, you’re selling directly from Amazon. And that means the people who purchase your book are essentially Amazon’s customers and you don’t have access to customer contact information. We love Amazon, who doesn’t? But what we offer is the ability to sell your book in multiple ways, including via Amazon, with ALL customer contact information gathered for your business database. Here’s how it works: SELL FROM YOUR WEBSITE – You can sell your book via a website page you create, using your own shopping cart that’s set up to send sales details our way, and we will print and ship all orders for you. AMAZON SALES – We can also list your book on Amazon. When we list it for you, Amazon will send all order information to us, including customer information, and we will pass that info on to you. (Score!) This is how using Vervante as your back-end publishing and distribution partner allows you to have the best of both worlds – your own solution where you sell the book from a site you control, collect customer contact information critical for building your business, and we handle printing and shipping. PLUS we list your book for sale on Amazon as an additional purchasing option. It’s a win-win solution: You have access to critical customer data AND your book will be available on Amazon. If you’d like to learn more about the differences between our services such as CreateSpace, and how we can help you build your customer database and then use that database to propel future sales for books, products and services, check out this article on our blog: “The Difference between Vervante and CreateSpace” and download a special guide by clicking HERE. Your fans are waiting to see what you do next... do you have the ability to let them know? If you have questions about how we can help you gather your customers contact information while making the print, publication and sales of your books and products easier (and less expensive) than you ever thought they could be, drop us a line at [email protected]. Or better yet, schedule a call with one of our publishing professionals at https://vervante.youcanbook.me/.

Vervante • June 12, 2017

Have you ever wanted to include something a little extra in the books or journals you create? What you might be looking for is a “pocket.” Pockets are an easy and low-cost way to add value and functionality to products. For books, journals or similar products, pockets can hold a little something extra, like a CD, DVD, cards, stickers, notes, or anything that needs to stay with the product. And here at Vervante, we offer a variety of sizes and options so you can get exactly what you need: Adhesive corner pockets are available in 4x4 and 6x6 Binder pockets are available in 8.5x11 and 5.5x8.5 Adhesive corner pockets can be added to the inside front or back cover of perfect-bound books and spiral-bound books, notebooks, journals or workbooks. Binder pockets are typically added to a 3-ring binder but can also be spiral bound into a journal or workbook. Here are some ways we’ve seen our customers put pockets to good use: Empty adhesive pockets used with perfect-bound hard cover and paperback books for readers to keep print-outs, notes, worksheets, or additional materials Adhesive pockets inside fitness journals filled with fun stickers to highlight milestones and rewards successes Binder pockets in 3-ring binders for CDs or DVDs to accompany the printed materials Binder pockets in a spiral-bound cookbook holding recipe cards, shopping lists, etc. If you love this idea – and would like to add pockets to existing products or future ones, let us know. Send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to send you a free quote and all the details for using fun and functional pockets.

Vervante • May 11, 2017

Copyrights are a wonderful thing. You write a book, or you create a product like a CD, DVD, journal or planner, and you’ve put a lot of time, energy and your own personal knowledge and experience into it. It makes sense that you would want to protect that book or product – and copyright is the way to do it! Official copyright registration with the U.S. Copyright Office creates a public record of your authorship and officially recognizes you as the copyright holder in a court of law. Set it up right and you’ll have the full weight of the government on your side. Set it up wrong, or don’t set it up at all, and protecting your work if it is stolen becomes much, much more complicated. You may think that something like this will never happen to you, but in the U.S. there is over $16 billion in loss of revenue to copyright owners each year, showing that 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 information product. Now imagine seeing that very same book or 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. We know, because we’ve been through this ourselves. That’s why you need to make sure your copyright is set up the right way. Here’s how to copyright your materials – and one big mistake to avoid Here at Vervante, we offer copyright registration services – or you can choose to set it up yourself. Here’s how, and the answers to some common questions: Vervante copyright services: Log in to your Author Account on the Vervante website and navigate to the "Copyright Registration" page under the Services menu. Fill out the information and submit your request. One of our publishing experts will complete the application on your behalf and submit a copy of your book to the Copyright Registration Office, ensuring that your copyright is correctly set up. Setting up your own copyright: The U.S. Copyright Office website, www.copyright.gov., has an easy online application process. Complete the form provided on the website, pay the application fee, and follow their directions for sending a copy of your book to the copyright office. You can place the order for the book in your Vervante account for this. What does copyright protect? Copyright protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed. Do I have to register with the U.S. Copyright Office to be protected? No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. Can I just put the copyright symbol in my work and I’m protected? No. And this is what we really wanted to warn you to watch out for. Merely typing in a © in the title page or anywhere in your product does not give you the full protection of filing with the U.S. Copyright Office. To copyright your materials, you MUST file with the copyright office. How soon can I publish my book after applying for a copyright? As soon as you want. Once you have submitted the application and a copy of your book, you do not need to wait for the copyright certificate to proceed with promoting and publishing your book. You are free to log into your Vervante author account to have your book printed and your orders shipped. How long does a copyright last? As a general rule copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. We hope this helped – and we’re here to answer any copyright questions you might have. Just drop us a line at [email protected] or schedule a phone call by clicking here. Bottom line? Your book is the result of your hard labor and intellectual brilliance. Taking the step to protect your work, once you’ve written and published, is quick, easy and the best way to give you peace of mind.

Vervante • December 14, 2016

A New Year means new exciting plans for your business. And likely a wish list of great products you’d like to create to go with them, right? We’ve got the products, oh yeah, but we’ve also got a few neat tricks to share for cutting costs, streamlining your new offerings, and giving you some much-deserved breathing room. Let’s talk about Bulk Orders, Warehouse Storage, and full-service Fulfillment services.  Bulk Orders: The more you order, the greater the discount, so be sure to consider bulk orders when planning for product launches, large events, or even long-term promotions. Even if you’re not sending them out right away, our warehousing services (see below) set you up for a win-win situation. Lower printing costs, storage, and quick, professional fulfillment when you need it. Remember, bulk orders aren’t just for books – we can also print large orders of CDs, DVDs, journals, bookmarks, cards, etc. Check out this article for details about bulk ordering. Warehouse Storage: We offer storage and inventory management in our modern, secure warehouse, keeping them safe and sound until you’re ready to send them out into the world. Plus, if you’ve got extras that you’d like packaged with your products, you can send those to us, too. Our clients send us everything from nutritional supplements (we’re FDA-approved!) to t-shirts, bike pedals, juicers and blenders, you name it. Once they are ready to go, our professional fulfillment services take over. Full-service Fulfillment: No matter where you or your customers are, if we have your products printed and in stock in our warehouse, we can assemble and ship your books or products within 24-48 hours all year long. Save time, money, stress! If you are interested in our bulk printing, warehousing or fulfillment services, contact [email protected] to get a quick, free quote or to start your project right away.

Vervante • December 6, 2016

As you plan for a New Year and new products, we are amazed again at the ongoing popularity of adult coloring books as marketing and revenue resources. We’ve talked about how to create coloring books, and why they are good for supporting your business. But how do you know that they are good for your business? The answer can be found by taking a look at your clients and customers. Who is your target audience? And what do they need solved? If the benefits of coloring books are a good fit for the products, programs and services you provide, then you should take a closer look. According to Medical Daily, adult coloring books have multiple health benefits, including: Helping dementia and Alzheimer’s patients engage with the outside world Lowering blood pressure Training your brain to focus better Dealing with PTSD and stress Or how about using them as meditation? Yes, that’s right. According to a CNN article, researchers at Johns Hopkins University and even editors of Yoga Journal suggesting coloring can be used as an alternative to meditation. Other benefits include creativity, expression, brainstorming, relaxation, health, education and more. If you’re ready to create coloring books for your business, here’s one more tip. Make them even more special by adding pens, pencils and other extras such as stickers, tote bags, cards, calendars or bookmarks. Another great idea we've seen is to create audio CDs packaged with coloring books that feature music or meditations you can listen to while coloring. Click here to check out more about creating coloring books. And if you have any questions about creating coloring books, CDs, or other products with Vervante, please email us at [email protected]. We can provide you with free quotes and help you create this fun and lucrative product for your business.

Vervante • November 29, 2016

Here at Vervante, we’re fortunate to have clients from all over the world. We love how unique each one is – and the amazing variety they bring to the products we help them create. When products cross borders, however, often the “standards” are very different. Let’s look at one of the most common conversion scenarios – the standard letter size. Here in the U.S. and Canada, standard letter size is 8.5 x 11 inches. International users have a standard called A4, which is slightly thinner and longer, at 21 x 29.7cm (8.25 x 11.67 inches).   The image shows very simply the difference. Most of the time, if you are sharing digital products such as ebooks, pdfs, or download of any kind, this isn’t an issue. But for products that are printed it can cause problems. If you have customers in other countries, or you are based internationally, they will love you for thinking of them when you create your next products. We can print in A4 size for any of our products that need it, including hard cover and paperback books, spiral training manuals, binders and tabs, journals, note cards, stationery, and more. It’s easy to make the change. Questions? Need help? Email us at [email protected] and we’ll help you get it done.

Vervante • November 22, 2016

  To my dear friends and customers, When I started Vervante 15 years ago I took a huge leap of faith and followed my intuition that there was a genuine need for print-on-demand solutions and I was going to fill that need. Now here we are 15 years later and I want to thank you for being part of that journey. I am personally very grateful for your business and your trust in our company. Every day my team and I strive to continuously grow and improve so that we can provide you with an awesome experience. Vervante started with a leap of faith and a mad dash during a short window of opportunity after I’d been working in the industry for 22 years (17 years as an exec at Xerox, followed by 5 years at Fatbrain.com, a Silicon Valley startup). Fifteen years later, we have amazing and awesome customers, like you, who have helped inspire and guide us into the business we are today. As the Thanksgiving season approaches, I feel inspired to share with you my sincere gratitude for your support, your business, and your loyalty. If there is anything we can do for you, new services or products that you would like us to offer, please let me know. It is our pleasure to work with you and your team and we hope to do so for many more years.  Happy Thanksgiving. Here’s to another 15 years! Cindy Tyler, CEO, Vervante

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 • 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 • March 1, 2016

Everyone knows that when it comes to bulk orders, even though you get a great discount on printing costs, there’s always that one challenge: what to do with all the boxes? Stacks of books in your garage, cluttered office space, and no easy way to ship them when orders roll in. At Vervante, we make bulk orders easier—and smarter. When you print your books or products in bulk with us, you’ll enjoy lower printing costs, professional warehousing in our secure, climate-controlled facility, and full access to our exceptional fulfillment services. We’ll store your products safely and ship them directly to your customers whenever you’re ready. Why bulk orders make sense Bulk printing is perfect if you: Are planning a big product or book launch Need inventory for workshops or programs throughout the year Travel often and want to offer products at live events Expect increased demand from partnerships, promotions, or media features What qualifies as a bulk order? Bulk orders start at just 25 units—making it easy and affordable to stock up on your products. Whether you’re printing spiral books, hardcover planners, journals, cards, calendars, or perfect-bound books, ordering 25 or more qualifies you for bulk pricing. The larger your order, the greater the discount, giving you the best value while keeping your products ready to ship when you need them. How it works Once your products are printed, we’ll store them in our warehouse for a small monthly fee based on the size of the item. When orders come in, our team ships them within 24–48 hours—saving you time, effort, and the headache of handling it all yourself. You can also order additional products in bulk—like bookmarks, postcards, or journals—to add value to your sales, create bundles, or generate new leads. Ready to get started? Email us at [email protected] for a quote or to begin your bulk printing and warehousing project today. Your products will be ready to ship when opportunity knocks—and you’ll never have to clear space in your garage again.

Vervante • February 9, 2016

"I want to write a book!" Did you know that this is one of the most popular resolutions for 2016? There are a lot of great articles popping up out there with advice for putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboards) and finally getting your book written. The most valuable advice, though, is advice that comes directly from those who have successfully accomplished what you're aiming for. Today we bring you just that - an in-depth interview with author Craig Gilliam who gathered up years of scattered notes on napkins, note pads, and such to finally publish his first book, Where Wild Things Grow. We hope his thoughts inspire your own goals for writing and publishing a book in 2016. We've been publishing books for decades and are here to help you make your dreams of becoming an author come true. Go for it - we know you can do it! We'll be here rooting for you every step of the way.   Author Interview: Craig Gilliam Dr. W. Craig Gilliam has a deep love of poetry and the poetic life. He has written poetry since the early 90's. Through his debut book of poetry entitled, Where Wild Things Grow, he is making 40 of his poems available to the public. Professionally, he is a consultant, facilitator and educator in leadership development and coaching, conflict transformation (specializing in large group conflict transformation) and facilitating courageous conversations. Dr. Gilliam makes his home in Shreveport, Louisiana.   Q: Tell us a little about your book and why you chose to create it. What was your inspiration?   Where Wild Things Grow is a debut collection of poetry. The poetry grows out of my work and life experiences. It is composed of 40 poems and an introduction. For those who are more visual, I also included some color photographs. Several were taken by my sons and one a friend and professional photographer. In fact, the cover is an art piece by an artist in San Francisco.  The cover, in and of itself, is poetic.   Several nudgings were behind writing Where Wild Things Grow. The obvious reason is that clients appreciate having something in hand by the facilitator, educator, consultant or leader with whom they are working.  It is a way to serve or be helpful to the client.   While the first reason is true, it does not include the deeper, more intuitive reasons for writing. The deeper invitations are hinted at in the introduction of Where Wild Things Grow.   As I committed to sharing my own poetic voice, the journey led to another revelation.  Since the early 90’s, I have been writing poetry. My poetry was on napkins, in crevasses, in books, on shelves, in the cupboard, on notepads, but I had no common collection. I realized that if I were to die tomorrow, my sons would never know this poetic part of me. Humbled by this daunting thought, I began collecting, selecting and harvesting these scraps of misbegotten poems that were hiding in strange places.   After collecting as many poems as I could locate, our group had another session with poet David Whyte on Whidbey Island outside of Seattle, Washington. After one of our sessions, one of the facilitators asked me, “Why don’t you publish your poetry?” I hemmed and hawed and said that I would think about it. She emphatically stated, “You are a poet! . . . Don’t think about it too much, just do it.”   Out of these experiences, this book emerged. Its title was selected because my experience confirms that on the edge, in the dissonance, in the discordant elements, in that space and non-space, our most creative possibilities reside. . . . .  (Where Wild Things Grow, p. 13)   One additional reason for writing the book is that it was the next step I knew I needed to take. Sometimes, one has to follow the intuition and nudgings.   Why poetry?   The best response to this question is directly from Where Wild Things Grow. It says:   "I see poetry as an incarnation. It gives our creative spirits form and body.  It gives outer expression to the deep source or wellspring within us. At its best, poetry invites us to a deep place of under-neathness, a sacred non-space from which creativity flows. Human kind has had a thousand names for this inner place. I refer to it as soul, a ghost-like, far horizon from which our deepest Self makes appearances, shows its face(s) and calls us deeper into the world."   "Professionally, part of my work includes working with corporations/organizations, communities, non-profits and congregations of various faith traditions that are caught in anxiety and conflict.  Poetry is an important ingredient of conflict transformation work for it helps open and sustain space for individuals and groups to have courageous conversations. Poetry helps lower anxiety and reactivity in individuals and groups and is an important practice in helping to create a safe, strong container that can hold the heat necessary for transformation, which often includes courageous conversations. Poetry also helps keep us grounded and invites a different mindset from just the strategic mind. As important as the strategic mind is in our personal and professional lives, without the creative, poetic mind, we miss out on some of the greatest and most profound creative resources."  (Where Wild Things Grow, pp. 15-16) Q: How has your book affected your professional life?   Professionally, I am a consultant, facilitator and educator in leadership development, conflict transformation and facilitating courageous conversations. The book has invited clients to a different kind of conversation and in many instances invited them and myself to a different perspective about one another, about self, issues, challenges and opportunities. It has changed the conversation for some, and invited the strategic and the creative mind to the table. In the complex world in which we live, the creative imagination and the arts are as important as is the strategic mind.   In addition, it has helped introduce an important question into the work place—How does our art and artistry inform our work?  Clients have expressed appreciation for the work—my willingness to put this side of myself “out there.” This has been my way of modeling such a way in the world and for clients.   Q:  Anything you would have done differently?   I would be careful to take time and space and not rush the publication. Working at your own rhythm and not allowing circumstances to make you feel anxious or rushed is a word of wisdom I learned. Quality is the focus. The published item presents an important image of you and your company. The quality of the publication is an extension of your image. Take the time for quality layout, design and editing. Let it ripen. Both the content of the resource and the process of writing are to be nurtured and given attention.   Also, make certain to have a good editor and have your manuscript in as close to final form as possible before sending it to Vervante. Editorial services can be costly, but they are worth the value if you get a good one. The more work you have done, the less Vervante has to do in the critical points of interpretation.   Q:  Any wisdom you would share with other authors and entrepreneurs who are thinking about adding books or other products to their business?             Depending on the business, adding quality books and multimedia products is an important, worthwhile process and endeavor.  How to market and raise awareness is a concern for most organizations, companies and individuals and to do so in a way that is congruent with you and your organization’s values. Printed material assists in that process.   In addition, after doing a presentation or work with a group, the written material helps reinforce what is taught, thus, they can take it with them to ponder.   Published materials serve as a quality calling card and give people a glimpse into who you are and how you work. It offers a window into what makes you unique in your given field.   Q:  Can you give us a peek into the design and production process?   When talking to Cindy Tyler (Vervante’s CEO) in the beginning, she said, “Let’s make the book playful, so instead of people reading it then sitting it on the bookshelf, people might put it on their coffee tables, on their desks and on end tables. It will be out to be seen.” She suggested they make it a different size than a normal book as another way to make it playful. What she described, they did--size, layout and design. I was also fascinated by the way they used the white space in the book, which is always the challenge and indicator of an artist. I am very pleased.   The Vervante Team was excellent. They were personable and professional. When I had questions, they were prompt to respond. They offered guidance from their wisdom and expertise, while honoring my wishes, requests, hopes and concerns. I am very satisfied and appreciate the Vervante Team. I do plan on using them in the future as well! They are good people who provide highly professional services. I recommend them without hesitation.   A closing quote from Where Wild Things Grow: Living is our call.                         To this grand adventure                                     our mere being says that we are invited . . .                                                 to a place of unknown hopes,                                                             unrealized possibilities.  (p. 70) Fun Facts about Dr. Gilliam   1. Favorite books or authors? Some of my favorite writers include: David Whyte Rainer M. Rilke, William Stafford, Mary Oliver, Lucille Clifton, Seamus Heaney, Rumi, John Paul Lederach, Paulo Coelho, Pueblo Neruda, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, T. S. Eliot, Wallace Stevens, William Blake, William Wordsworth, Howard Thurman to name some . . .   2. What are you reading right now? Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age by Sherry Turkle   3. Personal motto/ words you live by? Life always finds a way.   4. Hobbies, ways you relax, fun things you like to do away from work? Weight lifting/exercise, karate, reading and writing poetry, good food and music, quiet spaces and having a nice glass of wine with my beautiful wife and two grown sons, family and friends.   5. One thing about you that would surprise people: I have a 4th degree black belt in traditional Japanese karate (Shotokan) and write poetry.   6. What makes you happy?   a) Being with my wife, my two grown sons, family and friends; b) A good glass of wine while basking in the pondering presence of a powerful poem under a full, round moon. c) When I see individuals, communities, congregations and organizations with whom I work get “it,” find their rhythm and become artists in their field, yielding positive outcomes and creating space for new horizons to emerge; d) When people can disagree and still honor the humanity of another; when they can stand at a different place while staying in conversation/relationship, when people can have what David Whyte calls, the courageous conversation, while honoring the dignity of the other(s) listening for the third way, for a way beyond the impasse.   You can learn more about Dr. Gilliam and his book at Amazon or Vervante Press. If you would like to make a connection and learn more about Gilliam, his poetry and work with organizations, please contact him at [email protected].

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 • September 16, 2015

An exercise physiologist and Women’s Body Enhancement Specialist, Joey Atlas shares his unique methods and approach through best-selling books, products and programs that have been translated into five different languages and are available around the world. He has been featured in high profile publications including Shape.com, Harper’s BAZAAR, Costco Magazine, The Times Union and OnFitness Magazine. Joey is the author of the best-selling fitness book “Fatness to Fitness” and “Naked Beauty - The SYMULAST Method” program for women who are challenged by "cellulite," particularly on the lower-body trouble-zones and problem areas. Q:  Share with us a little about how you transitioned from personal trainer to international influencer.  I have two degrees in exercise physiology and early on started out my career as a personal trainer in New York. I loved what I did, was very busy and soon had a team of trainers working for me. I really wanted to live in Florida, so eventually I sold my business, moved to Florida, and opened a training studio where I was able to share the unique methods and approach to fitness that I’d developed. Soon I got so busy that I was too busy, if that makes sense. I had trainers working for me, clients lining up, but I was always too busy and couldn’t seem to ever get caught up. Clients were lining up but I had hit the ceiling. People were on waiting lists and I couldn’t help them. I was burnt out in so many different ways. I didn’t want to stop doing what I loved, but knew there had to be a better way. That was when I started thinking about info products. I wanted to keep doing what I loved, but find a way to help more people instead of the 1-on-1 model I was currently using in my studio. That was a big paradigm shift that allowed me to follow my passion, and help people achieve better bodies, optimal fitness, and a better life. But I also knew I was venturing into an area I didn’t know much about. In 2005 I started research. I would work all day and hit the internet in my off hours. I saw people selling programs online and that grabbed my attention. The real catalyst was when I noticed Ryan Lee, a friend I attended school with when we were getting our Master’s degrees, and what he was accomplishing online. He was already leveraging the internet to help people with their health and fitness and had established a business online. I realized that what he was doing was similar to my goals, but for a different audience. I thought, “Alright, I can do this too, and in my own way.” My target market is mostly middle-aged women struggling with life’s changes, had kids and dealing with sagging and muscle-tone issues, feeling run down but wanting to get control and confidence back in their life.  Q:  How did you make the transition in your business model? It was definitely a slow transition. I knew it would take some time and effort. I had clients who were willing to work around my schedule and pay to keep me as long as possible. That helped, but the transition was still hard. I would work and train all day and then research, learn and plan during off hours. I started by putting my workouts on video. I found Vervante who produced my DVDs for me. I taught myself to build websites, pulling all-nighters and learning internet marketing. Once I started generating sales from around the world, I realized the huge potential for helping people in a much larger, more profound way. My eyes were really opened. Using info products gave me the opportunity and ability to share my expertise and expand my reach on a global scale. I started moving more and more of my business model to online versus in person. Q:  How did moving your business online versus in person impact your business and life? Once I was able to make the full shift to online only, it changed my life in the most profound ways. Back when I was trading hours for dollars, I had a hard time with life. Everything was a juggling act. When my kids were sick I had to cancel client appointments. So many things were a challenge, there was so much stress. Now, by capitalizing on the info product industry, I am literally able to help someone on the other side of the world while attending my kids’ events back home. I’ve created the opportunity in my life to be able to set my own schedule and be where I want to be when I want to be. The personal satisfaction of helping so many people around world achieve their fitness goals is inspiring and a powerful validation that this was the right choice. I’m able to serve the world instead of just my local community. Now more people can have access to my programs and methods. To be able to do this via the internet has been life-changing. It’s given me a level of freedom that is incredible, and I am truly grateful for the experience. Also, as a single father of three, (ages 11, 17 and 19), I know that this choice of business and lifestyle has impacted my kids in the best way possible. Everything I do can tremendously impact the lives of the people around you, especially your kids. I’m providing a constant example of living to your ultimate potential and creating a positive, healthy life. My kids have all picked up habits of healthy food, fitness and motivation that will stick with them throughout their lives.  Q:  What’s the secret for creating books and info products that get attention and sales? It’s critical to know your target audience intimately. If you don’t understand your target market, you can’t speak their language. They need to believe you know their problems and how to fix those problems. You have to be able to enter the conversations in their heads to create a connection. And the more they hear and read from you, the more they connect with you and trust you. I know that’s not easy for everyone to do, but it can be learned. Effective communication is essential for marketing and selling. If this doesn’t come naturally to you, there is plenty of free info out there to help you learn about marketing, communication and sales copy. The secret is research and practice; we only get better by actively doing. Q: Give us a quick peek inside how your info products work. DVDs are the staple of my business. I also have several spiral-bound manuals that are companions to the DVDs. And my book, “Fatness to Fitness,” is a traditional perfect-bound print paperback that I sell on Amazon and use as a bonus gift we include with orders. Having a book is a key ingredient for my business – it’s sales, lead generation, marketing, trust-building and loyalty-building. When I include it with orders for free, it’s an unexpected bonus that helps them feel value, and a great companion to what they bought.  Q:  What’s your favorite way to boost creativity and inspiration? I’ll go do something active, of course, like standup paddle boarding in the ocean or riding bikes with my kids. When I’m out and ideas strike, I use a voice recording app on my phone to save them. Also, when I’m out shopping or running errands and around town I make it a point to listen to conversations that happen normally and randomly around me. Whether I’m in Whole Foods or a fitness area or the coffee shop, I’ll pick up on topics that apply to my business and get ideas. For example, I’ll hear someone talk about a technique that is wrong and I think, “Wow, people still need to learn about this!” Then I’ll go home and write an article or outline an idea for a new DVD or guide. I get endless inspiration this way. Q:  Any advice or things you would have done differently? Don’t copy what you see other people doing. Learn from them, model them, but make sure the raw material comes from deep inside you so that it’s genuinely unique and connects with the right people. Don’t pay attention to people around you who put you down. Let them say what they want, but don’t let them make decisions for you. Find a good publisher to work with. Vervante has been fantastic from Day One. They’ve been so helpful and I trust them deeply. Do your research: For the first year or two, I read all incoming email replies and support emails and comments to my articles and blog posts. I wanted to hear from people, enjoyed connecting and I wanted to know how I was affecting them. I was able to get deeper insight into their challenges, want they want, how I was helping them. This was instrumental in the development of future ideas and products for my business.  Five Fun Facts about Joey Favorite author: Napoleon Hill.  I also admire Tony Little and consider him a source of inspiration. Words you live by:  So many, but here’s one: You’ve been given the ultimate gift of life. It’s up to you to make the absolute most of it! One thing about you that would surprise people:  I’m an amazing cook. I love to create food that is both healthy and delicious – and it’s not all kale! What makes you happy? It’s the simplest things, really. Like hearing my kids laugh. Your favorite meal:  Authentic brick oven pizza. Yes, I eat carbs! Visit Joey's helpful blog and learn more about Joey Atlas and his programs at www.JoeyAtlas.com.

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 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 • July 21, 2015

Marjorie Geiser is President of MEG Enterprises, Inc., which provides wellness and service professionals with tools, techniques and determination to build the businesses of their dreams. She started with a small, sports nutrition and personal training business in 1996, and today runs a 6-figure virtual business from her home office, working 3 days a week. Margie has an MBA in Entrepreneurship, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, a Board Certified Coach, and is the author of “Just Jump: The No-Fear Business Start-up Guide for Health and Fitness Professionals.” Q: Tell us a little about your book and information product. And the inspiration behind them. My book, “Just Jump: The No-Fear Business Start-up Guide for Health and Wellness Professionals” takes the reader through a journey of self-discovery. Most health and wellness professionals are experts in their area of specialty, but know nothing about business. Through a series of introspective exercises, I feel this is “the” missing link. Many people tell me they have read tons of business books, but because they are written in business terms, they glaze over while reading them. “Just Jump” is different: It’s my coaching process on paper, and I believe that the questions the reader must answer help him/her address areas essential to address long before they start the planning. I wrote “Just Jump” because I realized that many people just starting a business couldn’t afford to work with me privately. The book was written to help a greater number of people realize their dream of starting a business that would bring them fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment in their lives. “Make Great Money Without Selling Your Soul” was the culmination of a mastermind program I offered for several years. “Make Great Money” is the next step after “Just Jump,” because it gets deeper into helping the reader and listener, again through series of exercises, develop their niche, their brand, move away from dollars for hours, and develop a marketing approach that helps them feel good after a ‘sales’ conversation with a potential client, AND increase how many clients they get. It also addresses an issue often ignored in business building products; Money mindset and what role it plays in success… or not. “Make Great Money” is a series of 7 CDs and a workbook including all the exercises. Customers are also invited to join a private support community, where they are encouraged to share their work, in order to receive feedback from me and their peers. I developed “Make Great Money” again to help a greater number of people realize their dreams, taking the next step after “Just Jump” and gain a deeper understanding of what marketing is and how they can embrace it. Q: How have these products affected your business? Having books and products helps me better serve my audience, because I can better determine exactly what it is that they most need, based on our initial conversation. As a consequence, someone who cannot afford my private coaching, or isn’t ready for it, can still get help by buying my book or any of my products. But having products also helps the bottom line of the company, because they are always available, providing a source of passive income. Because I often offer sales, my followers eagerly keep an eye on what I share, which results in a better open rate in my communications. But I do have to say, creating products is FUN, too! Q:  Anything you would have done differently? If I were starting out today, I would produce more products much sooner. It’s so easy, with so many different options. If you want to offer electronic products, you can literally have them up and for sale within a matter of days, if not hours. Companies such as Vervante make the production of physical products a breeze, and with print on demand, even offering something like “Make Great Money” an affordable proposition. Q: Besides your books, you also do a lot of writing for your blog and business as well. Do you ever deal with writer’s block? I remember discussing how to handle writer’s block with my coach once. Since then, whenever a concept/thought comes to me, I make sure to make a note of it. It might sometimes be just a title idea. But because I write 3 blogs a week, and am currently working on multiple small ebooks, I HAD to come up with a solution to this challenge. Q:  Any wisdom you would share with entrepreneurs who are thinking about adding books or multimedia products to their business? As Nike says: “Just do it!” You can always edit/tweak/update products. But by getting your ideas out there, you have the opportunity to make a greater impact on the world. Holding back on an idea just makes no sense, today, because so much of it is really ‘risk-free.’ Using print-on-demand products practically makes creating products and books risk-free. In fact, as one example, just a few months ago, we updated the cover of my book “Just Jump,” and, including the cost of the designer, it was less than $100. No more do authors/publishers have to order thousands of books from the printer. I used Vervante to create the physical version of my product “Make Great Money Without Selling Your Soul,” and it was a fabulous experience! The staff was very patient and supportive through the entire process of setting up the product. I had a lot of questions about creating a product that had multiple CDs and a workbook. Customers who have purchased the product have been pleased with the quality and timely receipt of the product. Because all of my clients are health professionals, many who provide integrative and functional nutrition services, I was excited when I heard Vervante was offering storing and shipping of supplement products. I trust them completely and the next time a client asks my opinion about how best to sell products, I can confidently steer them to Vervante. Q: You’ve enjoyed great sales with “Just Jump.” What’s your technique for igniting sales and increasing interest?  I am a member of the International Coach Federation, the National Speakers Association and the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics., so I am often on the stage, presenting live, or even featured on radio shows or webinars online to a wide variety of audiences. During presentations, my book is always mentioned in the introduction and I make it a point to reference my book at appropriate time throughout. Nothing too salesy, just occasional short stories or anecdotes that complement what I’m speaking about, while subtly mentioning that they are from the book in case anyone in the audience might want to follow up. I also make sure to negotiate the ability to sell my books while at events, most of the time event organizers are OK with it. Sometimes events are exactly about the subject your book is about. If not, they are usually complementary to your topic and it’s good to give your audience the choice to follow up with you about your book if it appeals to them. I also offer a companion ebook with my book sales to sweeten the deal. It gives me an opportunity to offer more value to my audience. It is a great way to fit in all the stuff that didn’t fit into the physical book and a way to print out pages and have a place to take notes for those who don’t like to mark up their books. Q:  With more and more products and services being offered by self-publishing companies, how do you see your offerings evolving in the future (and your clients?) With a primary audience composed of dieticians and people who work in integrated health industry, a lot of them offer or are expanding into offering nutritional supplements and similar products. A common question with new clients these days is “how do I do this?” It’s complicated when you have to use multiple vendors. Finding someone like Vervante that offers printing, distribution, bundling of products, warehousing and strategic partnerships is priceless. This makes it easier, more efficient for people to have a main vendor they can trust for quality and professionalism. 5 Fun Facts about Margie 1. Favorite books / authors There are SO MANY favorite books, and in both fiction and non-fiction! My favorite business books lately have been Guy Kawasaki's "APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur," Jay Baer's "Youtility," and Carmine Gallo's "Talk Like TED." Also, my favorite novels are historical novels. I LOVE the Hangman's Daughter historical novel books. 2. Personal words you live by With vision and planning, ANYTHING is possible! 3. Fun times and relaxation favorites LOTS of hiking. We've hiked the Grand Canyon several times. We live in a national forest and are just minutes from tons of trails. We moved to a new home last year and I am having a great time playing in our garden.  4. One thing about you that would surprise people I'm a home body. Other than hiking, I prefer to stay home. Probably why I'm so suited to working out of my home office. I could go all day without talking, too. 5. What makes you happy? Grin; I'm a pretty happy person. I LOVE witnessing the success of those I work with. Makes my work have meaning. Of course, our 18-month-old grandson is pretty cool, too! You can learn more about Marjorie and her business at www.meg-enterprises.com.