I’d like to take a moment and share the fantastic experience I have had with Filles Vertes Publishing (FVP) publishing my historical thriller, Apricots and Wolfsbane (
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36194389)
I was very fortune to have two publishing offers and one serious R&R from my first five queries. I ended up selecting Filles Vertes Publishing because I fell in love with Myra’s developmental edit ideas for my manuscript (I had won a free 50-page critique at their release party; Myra is the owner of FVP.) From those edits I knew we shared the same creative vision for my book and that was very important to me.
Because of that experience, I felt comfortable taking a risk with a new publisher and I am so glad that I did.
I knew I wanted to publish with a small press because I wanted to be involved in the book design and development. I appreciate the investment FVP made to give me fantastic, original cover art (which recently won a cover war). I even got to work with the artist! I was also able to provide input to the book design, fonts, and layout. The editing process was comprehensive and helped add layers to the story and improve the work. I worked with three different editors and also received six beta reviews from interns.
My contract is amazing. I had final approval over the text and I kept all rights FVP is not using. My royalties are quite favorable compared to my other small-author friends, and my sales are on par or exceeding theirs. FVP has worked to provide marketing avenues for my book and helped me enter several book contests/festivals. My book is available through Ingram which is critical for getting into bookstores.
All of that should be expected from a publisher, but the staff at FVP is personally invested in their books and go well beyond. When Ingram had issues getting books to a bookstore for one of my signings, Myra personally rushed shipped me a set of books for the event. One of the editors recently stayed up late with me constantly refreshing webpages as we waiting for a book award announcement. It is the little, personal, above-and-beyond love that makes FVP so unique from other small publishers.
Yes, FVP is new and there has been some learning along the way from myself and the team (I was the second book published). They are slowly building their presence and distribution connections which will increase book sales to come. The fact they just signed a memoir from 16 celebrity musicians is a testament to their upward trajectory. I can’t wait to see what FVP does in the future and feel honored to be a part of their story. If you’re unsure of submitting to FVP, I strongly encourage you to give them a try.
I would also be happy to answer any questions at @KMPohlkamp or
www.kmpohlkamp.com.