Why Indie Press?
Let’s do a Reality Check!
The traditional publishing industry is broken and ripe for disruption. It is slow, antiquated, lacks representation, and heavily favors incumbents over newcomers. It just cannot accommodate the many excellent stories and unique voices that deserve to reach readers.
“Less than 0.1% of people ever set out write a book, and only 3% of people who set out to write a book actually finish it. And even if you happen to be a very few people who beat the odds and write a book, the chances of getting a book traditionally published is around 1- 2% and on average taken 2-3 years.”
– Data compiled from Publisher’s Weekly Reports & oliviablacke.com
It seems pretty bleak, right? But hold on, there is some good news! The game has just been changed.
By combining the power of AI tools and partnering with an experienced team of professionals with an “indie” (independent) mindset, you don’t have to rely on traditional gatekeepers any longer. Instead, you can take control of your storytelling journey, leverage social media to connect directly with targeted audiences who will love your stories, turning them into fans, and generating income from your work. We can show you how to unlock the potential of powerful stories and practical strategies to turn them into a powerful tool for building your author/creator brand and income.
“ZV Press doesn’t just help authors tell their stories— they touch hearts and help spark personal and social transformations.”
– Suresh U. Kumar, Author of The Girl in Scarlet Hijab
We empower authors, creators, and storytellers to discover their authentic voice and craft narratives that resonate today and endure for generations to come. Through creative storyboarding, guidance on optimal resource allocation, logistics support, and a deep commitment to authenticity, we help storytellers craft meaningful narratives that not only resonate with audiences today but also stand the test of time—leaving a lasting impact on future generations.
About Us
At ZV Press, we believe in the transformative power of a good story. We know from experience that the right story has the potential to change hearts, open minds, empower and transform people. A good story, told and sold to the right audiences, can bring people together and move cultures forward. Founded by a team of entrepreneurs, bestselling
authors, and publishing/media professionals, we help creators bring powerful, nuanced, and culturally attuned experiences and stories to life — in print, on screen, and across platforms.
As a new age media company, with roots in India and USA and a strong commitment to quality, we support creators such as authors, scriptwriters, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, digital CEOs, and thought leaders shape impactful narratives and stories that are bold, beautifully crafted, and culturally attuned.
Whether you’re writing your first novel, scripting a self-help book, creating copy for your business, or preparing a keynote talk — we help you find your true inner voice and tell with authenticity and emotional intensity. Then we help you launch it to the world.
We are Behind Many Journeys From Story Idea to Bestseller
The idea of ZV Press began not as a business, but as the deeply personal creative journeys of our team members and the resulting full spectrum of deep learning experiences that include the following:
– Evaluating story ideas for fiction and non-fiction
-Narrative development, Plotting, world-building, and deep character development
-Intense historical research and cultural sensitivity
-Multiple rounds of editing, revision, and manuscript refinement
-Querying agents and negotiating with publishers
-Cover design and branding
-A hybrid launch strategy combining traditional media, bookstore events and influencer-led social media
-The creation of an AI-powered book video trailer
-Interacting with targeted audiences such as literature festivals, colleges, schools, and book clubs
-Negotiating book to big screen deals
Services
What We Offer: Full-Spectrum Storytelling Support
Story Boarding & Narrative Development
Brainstorm and turn your raw story ideas concepts into structured, emotionally resonant story arcs — that covers all kinds of genres and are built to engage and endure.
Editorial & Revisions
Developmental and line editing to sharpen plot, clarity, structure, tone, pacing, character development and emotional impact.
Publishing Strategy
Support with query letters, agent submissions, and navigating traditional, self and hybrid publishing paths.
Cultural Sensitivity Review
Ensure your story resonates across communities with respect, nuance, and depth.
AI-Powered Book Video’s & Trailers
Engage readers with cinematic, AI-enhanced video trailers and stunning visuals that bring your story to life.
Hybrid Launch, Marketing, & Promotion Strategy
Smart rollouts that combine physical presence such as book club readings, literature festivals, collage events with social media outreach (reels, reviews, influencer campaigns). From conferences to book festivals, we
engage directly with readers, students, and aspiring creators to ignite a passion for authentic storytelling.
Specialized Courses, Consulting Services & Workshops
Discovering authentic story ideas, The craft of writing for impact-telling your story with power and emotion, Navigating the publishing journey, Book marketing and sales, Building a brand with words, Leaving a lasting
legacy
From Book to the Big Screen
Craft compelling story pitches and treatments for theatre, film and TV production houses — and take your story beyond the page.
Fees & Commissions
ZV Press offers expert guidance and end-to-end support for storytellers, authors, and digital
creators. Our pricing is designed to assist first time authors and provide flexibility based on the
scope and complexity of the project, timeline, and extent of support needed.
Strategy Consulting: Writing, Publishing & Marketing
- $150 for 1 hour (One session of 60 mins)- Recommended for short stories, articles or blog posts
- $250 for 2 hours (split into two 60-minute sessions)-Recommended for novellas and small books under 200 pages
- $350 for 3 hours (split into three 60-minute sessions)- Recommended for full length novels and books over 250 pages
Note: Includes personalized guidance on idea development, review of synopsis, discussing writing strategies, publishing options, and author branding.
Agent Services – Traditional Publishing
- Commission : $500 one-time fee + 15% of all advances and royalties received by the author from all sources.
Note: This service had limited availability. It includes review of synopsis & MS, discussing submission strategy, contract review, and publisher introduction.
Curated Hybrid Publishing Contracts
- Fee: $750 per contract
- Terms: Payable upon signing of the publishing contract.
Note: Includes matchmaking, contract review, advice on publishing/book marketing and coordination with the publishing partner.
Editing, Design & Book Marketing Services
- Developmental, line, & copy editing
- Interior formatting and layout
- Cover design and cover copy
- Book marketing strategy, including social media marketing, and book launch event
- Advice of taking book to theatre, TV and films
Note: The fees of the services listed above will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on writing quality, complexity of topic, word count, delivery time, and support required.
Media
ZV Press announced the release of Suresh U Kumar’s debut novel, The Girl in Scarlet Hijab, a critically acclaimed historical novel set in India. First published in 2024 by Rupa Publications (India), the book became a multi-category Amazon India bestseller in January 2025. It was featured at the 2025 Kerala Literature Festival and shortlisted for the jury round at the Delhi Literature Festival the same year. Set against the backdrop of real events from pre- and post independence India, the novel tells a powerful story of courage, love and sacrifice that challenges the boundaries of caste, class and faith.
Author Bio: Suresh Kumar is a professor, serial entrepreneur, start-up mentor and non-profit leader with a passion for innovation and social impact. Born in Kochi, India, he began his journey as a student political leader before building a global career in the United States. He currently serves as Professor and Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He is also the founder of AI start-up, The New Frontier Firm and President of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), New Jersey Chapter. To learn more, visit www.authorsureshkumar.com
Meet our Team
Neetha Raman
Senior Consultant- Developmental Editing
Neetha fell in love with words and writing when still a schoolgirl, indulging in a steady literary diet that included Shakespeare, Christie, Conan Doyle, Erle Stanley, Gardner, and Wodehouse. A former senior manager with The Times of India, Neetha has been a column writer for The Hindu, Times of India, and various diasporic magazines, both in India and overseas. Her debut novel, Chrysalis, was published in 2022, after which she turned her attention to her favourite genre, crime. In 2022, she was awarded a generous grant by the Canada Council for the Arts to research and write her second crime manuscript, Death in Delhi. Neetha has completed the Editing Skills Program from George Brown College, Toronto and offers her expertise across all levels of editing—from developmental editing to proofreading. Neetha lives in Toronto with her husband and currently works in broadcast media.
Sri Alathur
Senior Advisor- Theatre & TV Translation
Sri is the Founder & Artistic Director of The Jolly Genie Theater Company & Advisor to ZV Press, a indie press firm. IN these roles he blends his love for the performing arts with a deep commitment to inclusion. An actor, director, set designer, and prop maker, Sri is known for his visually rich, accessible productions that spotlight the talents of neurodiverse and differently abled individuals. His director credits include acclaimed plays such as Refugees and Thy Lady Knight. A lifelong special effects enthusiast, Sri brings the magic of creativity and technology to every show. His motto: Accept, Include, Support, and Celebrate Neurodiversity in the Arts.
Chitra Suresh
Senior Consultant- Book Launch Events & Promotion
Chitra is a seasoned marketing and advertising professional with over 30 years of experience, known for her expertise in strategic planning, business development, and team leadership. Having played a pivotal role in launching several brands and concepts, she brings a deep understanding of market dynamics and consumer behavior. Chitra retired as General Manager from The Times of India, one of India’s most respected media houses, where she led high-impact initiatives and delivered consistent business growth. Now based in Chennai, India, Chitra continues to share her insights and experiences, drawing on a distinguished career that combines creativity, operational excellence, and strategic foresight.
Peggy Stockdale
Senior Consultant, Book Interior Design, Formatting/Typesetting & Cover Design
Peggy is a book designer with over 15 years’ experience in the publishing industry. She started at a tiny press, doing a little of everything and discovered her interest in design and typesetting. She spent over a decade at the University of Toronto Press in production, working with editors, designers, and printers from the book’s first budget to figrapic nal files. In 2023, she became a freelance book designer, bringing her knowledge, skills, and experience to all kinds of books and helping new and experienced authors see their books through to press. She believes every book should be treated with care and attention, with very high standards for design, typesetting, and image quality.
Meet Our Interns
Yuvraaj Kumar
A student of Monroe Township High School, NJ, Yuvraaj brings his unique blend of creativity with design for sketching, book cover design, graphic novels, and social media marketing advertisements. A former Boy Scout, he is the founder of Compassion Coins, a non-profit that raised awareness and funds for children of war and volunteers with TiE-NJ.
Samyuktha Nair
Samyuktha Nair is a student at Edison High School who is passionate about writing, neuroscience, and entrepreneurship. She is the founder of The Poetree Program, a nonprofit that fosters youth expression through a handcrafted poetry curriculum and community storytelling initiatives. Her literary work has been recognized for blending creative expression with social change. Samyuktha conducts research at the intersection of neuroscience, education, and nutrition through the New Jersey Institute of Nature and the American Dairy Association Northeast.
Clients & Partners
Contact US
ZV Press is your essential partner in storytelling. Whether you’re ready to write your first book, share a personal experience, or elevate your creative brand, we’re here to help you craft a powerful story that connects, moves, and lasts.
Everyone Has a Story: Yours Deserves to Be Told
Disclaimer: Our mission and business model which is focused on quality and not quantity, makes it necessary that we be highly selective about which authors/creators to work with. This means we put prospective clients through a screening process before we onboard them as a customer. Please apply only of you are serious about sharing your story with the world.
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