Virtual Zen

Cool Shoes - Recycled crocs!

Whether you like them or not, chances are you have heard of crocs. You know, those garden-clog-style shoes you can get in any number of colors? I actually find them quite comfortable and my brother, who is an executive chef, wears them to work because they are easy on his feet and can be run through the dishwasher when they get dirty.

Recently, I saw a magazine article (sorry to say I can't remember where I saw it) about recycled crocs. The environmental twist to the rubber shoes caught my eye so I checked them out.  The program is called SolesUnited (developed by Crocs, Inc) and here is the deal.  SolesUnited crocs are made from 20% recycled material and when you purchase them, crocs will match your purchase and donate a pair of shoes to someone who needs them.

Only certain styles are included (in fact they may only come in one color and one style), but I think it's cool that they are "special edition" crocs with a recycled symbol molded into them along with the "SolesUnited" brand. I bought myself a pair, and a pair for my daughter. Now we both have comfy shoes to wear this summer, and two other people somewhere in the world, also have new shoes thanks to the matching program.

If you don't want to buy any crocs but have a couple laying around the house you no longer want, check out the SolesUnited site to learn about how you can donate them to be recycled.

Sometimes Admitting Mistakes Can Be Difficult But Necessary!

We all mistakes. Some we can quickly rectify. Some, no one ever has to know about. When you make a mistake on something that others have paid for, the mistake must be owned and corrected. If I made a mistake on work I did for a client that cost her money, I would stand by my work and offer to make up for it in some way.

Recently I made the mistake of approving the proof of the cover of my new book without noticing an error.  I didn't made the mistake; but since I signed-off on the proof, the ultimate responsibility lies with me.

Here is a test.  Take a look at the two book covers below for The Mommy Orphanage.  Spend a few seconds on the cover on the left, and then on the one to the right.  Can you spot it?

   

I couldn't see it at first. It was one of those optical illusions; since your mind knows what the word is, you don't notice at first that the spelling is wrong. Your mind completes the word for you.

Yes, I'm speaking of the title!

Needless to say the artwork at the printer has been corrected and books now ordered are correct, but a handful did get shipped out with the error.  I have been able to track down around half of these and send out replacements.  Like I said, I stand by my work and would not want anyone who paid for a copy of my book to get anything but the best quality book possible. If you know anyone who received a "bad" copy of the book, please have them contact me.

Admitting that we make mistakes can be painful, but good customer service should never be avoided, even if it means admitting to an embarrassing thing like a typo in the title of your book.

How Can a Virtual Assistant Help You With Your Book Creation?

Below is an informative video featuring Jan King of the eWomen Publishing Network. It explains the areas in which a Virtual Assistant (VA) can help authors write, publish, and market their books. Even if you are not looking to partner with a VA for your book project, this video is a great resource in learning the different steps and stages involved in the publishing process, whether you plan to publish through traditional publishing houses or if you plan to self-publish.

Take a look and good luck in your publishing journey!

Find more videos like this on eWomen Publishing Network