Today we’d like to introduce you to Vikki Jones.
Vikki, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was always fascinated with reading great books and magazine – from mystery novels to inspirational true-to-life business stories. Little did I know one day I would write a story that I believed was creative, motivational with a boost of self-help. Convinced a book publisher would accept and publish my manuscript, I drafted my book proposal and mailed it to several major book publishing company’s; those I thought a good fit for my style of writing.
I was rejected by everyone with the exception of a company that once published the Chicken Soup for The Soul series. They followed up and asked for more material and information, but the manuscript never went anywhere. I was quite perplexed, yet determined to understand why my work did not go any further. Eventually, I drew the conclusion that writers had to have a following or famous in order to get the deal on publishing a book.
The thought formed for me to do something about bridging the gap between the unknown writer and the very popular; ultimately add to the book publishing industry. I believed there were more great stories, literary works, and creative thoughts bursting for opportunity.
At that time the internet began to change publishing altogether, this includes books, newspapers, magazine, radio, etc. When I began my research and started practical measures to publish books, the internet was an integral part of my book publishing process. And as a result, caused me to grow quicker than normal. I was aware of some traditional methods, contracts, advances, etc., but that style would not service the unknown writer as needed. So I focused on my approach with digital mediums, great editors, designers, etc. in order to give writers and authors a fair chance for storytelling.
The very last learning curve for in terms of marketable books came after my trips to New York where I attended several business conferences. These trips allowed me to see A-list speakers that made their books available after speaking. Their books embedded in my mind to improve and work harder on the creative side to publish big market books even though I own a small book publishing company. When you look at major publisher’s books and look at one of the books we’ve published most of them look mainstream. It’s only when I deviate to accommodate the author’s vision that I tone the mainstream appeal down a bit. But quality has always been the number one goal.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No book publishing has not been a smooth ride. I think with anything new and unfamiliar you are going to run into bumps in the road and have to find your way to produce quality products that people actually want to use.
I was very proud of the first few books I published but was quickly able to see the difference in other books and the books I published. My creative skills and the creative skills of those I worked with at the time needed to develop.
The greatest struggle as a new business was attracting customers. In book publishing, there is the side that deals with royalties and generally publishers pay a check to the author based on sales. I started out this way but quickly found this was not the type of company I wanted to run. I wanted the author to have full access to their sales, minus my company and earn all of their royalties without taking a cut.
So I had to figure out how I could put the power in the author’s hand but support the book and provide various levels of marketing. I figured that out, which required relearning and a different approach that still ensured quality, competitive, marketable books. My approach towards book publishing included technology and digital platforms which is a contrast from traditional publishing. Had I not adopted this learning curve and implement it in my production model, I never would have made it.
Please tell us about VMH Publishing.
VMH Publishing is a book publishing company using innovative methods to publish books with an old school feel. The old school part of it is our connection with the writer as we develop the best product for readers. We are not a cookie cutter book publishing company, but instead, review each book and provide it a unique approach and development (if needed) for the author’s message. At times this may include additional content such as videography, social media branding, website designs for the author/book, etc. Oftentimes books open doors to bigger business, messages, and product, which is why additional modernized components are needed…
I am most proud of the recognition the company has received – 2017 & 2018 Best of Atlanta – Book Publisher & listed in the Business Hall of Fame. Second, to this, I am always proud to see the success of the authors I’ve worked with. When I see authors on television with their books, in the news, book tours, signings and the readers, including children reading – it lets me know I made the right choice years ago to ‘do something’ for writers to share their ideas and talent.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is where I would play as a little girl. We lived in a very small town, where there was a big lake across the street from our home. Although we weren’t the wealthiest people, we certainly were happy as a family.
My little brother and I would go out and catch fireflies as the sunset or fly kites in the area near the lake – a huge field. I miss those days. Later on, we moved to a better home located near a huge potato farm. My mother, two siblings and myself would all take bike rides down that road near the potato farm – simply enjoying each other. The moon would light up the dark area at night, and I’d sit and look at the big bright moon and listen to the quiet and stillness of the night.
Contact Info:
- Address: VMH Publishing
3355 Lenox Rd. NE Ste 750
Atlanta, GA 30326 - Website: www.vmhpublishing.com
- Phone: 833-842-6657
- Email: info@vmhpublishing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vmhpublishing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VMHPublishing/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vmhpublishing
Image Credit:
Photo Credits: Garry L. Jones & Vikki Jones (selfie)
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
