Here at Vearsa, we admire the pioneers of global exploration: from the European navigators of the fifteenth century, to the polar explorers of the early twentieth century, right up to modern globe-trotters and astronauts. All used their knowledge and resources to map the world and beat a path where few had been before.

The publishing world needs explorers. The rise of eBooks has radically transformed the landscape of literature - introducing new markets, new retail channels, new buying and reading patterns. The frontiers of publishing are shifting constantly. Though new and exciting, the changing landscape can be unnerving for some – especially for the most traditional publishers. The links between publisher and reader are more streamlined, but are often complex and unknown.

Vearsa constantly strive to be pioneers and patrons of exploration in this changing landscape - mapping the publishing world and clarifying retail channels for publishers to access new markets. What do we require in order to lead voyages of discovery?

For a voyage of discovery to succeed, there needs to be a strong bank of previously-gained knowledge and expertise. In the fifteenth century, navigator Amerigo Vespucci carried out expeditions, mapped the new world and supported other voyages through the letters he left behind. Nowadays, space agency NASA gathers expert information on the solar system from previous spaceflights and satellites.  Vearsa shares expertise on the new publishing world – on eBook marketing, conversion and distribution. Through ongoing consultations, we support publishers on their very own journeys of exploration.

Further to that expertise, clear plans and ongoing analysis are essential.  When Polar explorer Ernest Shackleton prepared for a Trans-Antarctic Expedition, he put in place a detailed programme, which he made public in The Times newspaper in 1914. Similarly, NASA makes detailed plans for space trips far in advance, and constantly monitors spaceflight progress from base. Here at ePub Direct, we have sophisticated data analytics to allow for continuous planning and monitoring of retail progress. Our analytics ensure that publishers know exactly what is happening in relation to their eBook titles.  They can then make plans accordingly, with our support:  setting price points, availability and metadata for optimum sales results.

We also need second-to-none technical equipment. In the fifteenth century, shipbuilders developed new construction techniques to equip caravel ships for longer journeys.  At ePub Direct, we rely on our talented IT team to produce our equipment.  The team continuously develop technology for easy navigation of new market territories. We provide our client publishers with an efficient distribution platform for effortless uploading of eBook titles.

There’s a brave new world out there. But we’re leading the way for publishers to explore and thrive.

-- Aoife Dowling, Intern at Vearsa. Aoife's favourite book is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. She just finished reading Possession by A.S. Byatt, which took her longer than she cares to admit.