Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to ANDREA VIVAS ROSS. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
ANDREA , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Since I was a little girl, I have always felt a special love for books. Even when I still didn’t know how to read. So growing up, I knew I wanted to do something related to books. At the time, in high school, I wasn’t sure about my future career. But later, I found my call when a teacher told me, “You have great grammar skills, and you also know how to analyze a reading meticulously. Have you ever thought about studying ‘Literature’ at university?”.
Nope, I never crossed my mind before because, until that moment, I didn’t know that ‘Literature’ was a professional career. But ding dong! And that was it! I knew my future would be full of books.
After graduating, I started working as a copywriter in an advertising agency; in fact, I worked in several. Until I finally took the leap I dreamed of, working in a publishing house and being a proofreader. That’s when I found my passion for books: working side by side with authors, especially new ones! Because there is something magical about first times: the first meeting, the first proof copy, the first book launch, the first book signing…
Honestly, the entire editorial process is just an incredible journey that I enjoy doing with each author from start to finish.
So my passion for books became the engine of my true mission: to help people achieve their dream of publishing their books. And that’s why I created PAQUIDERMO LIBROS. We offer publisher services for independent authors. In other words, for those who love books as much as I do.
ANDREA , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a book editor in Spanish and have my own editorial brand for independent authors. I also have a degree in literature, and I am a writer.
After working as a copywriter for several years, I just quit. Don’t get me wrong. I loved my job, team, lady boss, and brands. In fact, I was doing well, and I was learning a lot, but it was time to focus on my career as a book editor.
The next day I had an interview at the largest and most important book publisher in Venezuela, Libros El Nacional.
I worked there for more than three years until I moved to another city and decided to start my own business. The first author arrived unexpectedly, he wanted to publish his book independently, and I did all the editorial coordination for him, including publishing his book.
There I realized that I could execute the entire process, offering a quality service, but most importantly, I had managed to humanize that process. And that closeness with the authors is what makes Paquidermo Libros stand out from the rest, that unique accompaniment that I give my authors. So many times, I have been told that I am their therapist. LOL. For that reason, besides making their book/dream come true, the friendship that remains with them is what I value the most.
Part of my job is to understand their needs and what they want to achieve as authors. So I am happy to offer all the publisher services, from proofreading, graphic design, and publishing, without the bureaucracy and filters of the big companies.
My team is in countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, Chile, and the USA. We have published more than 30 books so far and have authors throughout Latin America, the United States, and Spain.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Almost seven years ago (2015), I founded Paquidermo Libros, and I really didn’t know what to expect. I never imagined that everything would take shape so quickly and that clients/authors would arrive so naturally, thanks to the recommendations of others.
Until today, everyone interested in our services does so because another author speaks well of us. As they say in advertising, “word of mouth.”
Everything I have built, I have done it instinctively. I treat others as I would like to be treated, and I give my best.
Also, I must say that mixing my knowledge of advertising with books has turned out very well for my authors.
There are no secret formulas because it’s true what they say out there: “when you love what you do, it shows,” and that reaffirms that books are my life, and I am beyond grateful every day for being able to do what I love and live from it.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As a creative person, I appreciate seeing other creative people explore their side as storytellers. Witness their vulnerability when they share their stories and most intimate words because writing is a beautiful and profound cathartic process.
Not to mention that, as editor, I have the honor of being their first reader. And that’s something I don’t take for granted.
But the most rewarding thing about my job is encouraging others to become authors. That is the dream of many people, but they don’t even dare to try it because they have the misconception that publishing their book is impossible or very difficult to achieve.
That’s where I come in, almost as a “therapist.” Most clients think nobody will read them because they are not renowned writers. #TheImposterSyndrome. And that is false. However, I always tell them: “You have to write for yourself, not others. At the end of the day, what makes you happy will find a happy reader too.”
And I know this very well because finally, after more than eleven years in the book industry, I dared to publish my first children’s book in Spanish: “El Libro Oficial de Los Paquicornios.” And the first child I made smile was me…my inner girl, the nine-year-old Andrea. And that is priceless, guaranteed!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @paquidermolibros / @paquicorniolibros
- Facebook: Paquidermo Libros / Paquicornio Libros
- Linkedin: Andrea Vivas Ross
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QF2H27F