Parvus Press

Parvus Press is a boutique independent publisher dedicated exclusively to science fiction and fantasy. Founded in 2016 by Colin Coyle and Eric Ryles, the press has quickly built a reputation for championing bold speculative fiction while upholding a strong commitment to its authors. In less than a decade, Parvus has positioned itself as a respected name within the SFF community, known for its professionalism, quality production, and emphasis on sustainable author careers.

---

A Mission to Support Authors

From its inception, Parvus Press was designed to operate with a writer-first philosophy—a deliberate response to the often opaque and imbalanced practices of many small presses. Authors published by Parvus receive competitive royalties, transparent accounting, and fair contracts, with terms designed to prioritize long-term career growth rather than short-term profit for the publisher.

A standout feature of Parvus’s model is its willingness to offer advances, even as a small independent press. In an industry where many micro and small publishers avoid upfront payments to limit risk, Parvus’s approach signals confidence in its authors’ work and creates a more equitable partnership. While figures are not publicly disclosed, advances from small presses typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, and Parvus’s commitment to this practice has earned it trust within the speculative fiction community.

The press also provides hands-on editorial guidance, positioning itself as more than just a production house. Authors receive detailed developmental editing and structural feedback, ensuring manuscripts are polished and competitive in a market where SFF accounted for nearly 20% of adult fiction sales in 2022 (NPD BookScan). By combining fair financial practices with rigorous editorial support, Parvus has quickly gained a reputation as a publisher that treats writers as true creative and business partners.

Though still young compared to legacy presses, Parvus Press has already demonstrated financial stability and growing influence within the SFF field. Its commitment to transparency and author advocacy makes it a standout among independent publishers—and a compelling choice for writers seeking both integrity and innovation in their publishing journey.

---

Genres and Notable Titles

Parvus Press has established itself as a specialist in speculative fiction, curating a catalog that highlights the breadth and depth of science fiction and fantasy while giving equal weight to innovative voices and ambitious storytelling. The press is deliberate in the projects it acquires, focusing on books that push genre boundaries while remaining accessible to dedicated fans of SFF.

• Science Fiction — From sweeping space operas to grounded hard sci-fi, Parvus seeks stories that balance thrilling adventure with rigorous imagination.

  
  

• Fantasy — The press embraces epic sagas, intricate world-building, and darker explorations of myth and magic, appealing to fans of both traditional and experimental fantasy.

  
  

• Speculative Fiction — Parvus prioritizes works that blend science fiction, fantasy, and real-world themes, reflecting the genre’s growing trend toward hybridity and social commentary.

  
  

Notable Titles:

• Vick’s Vultures by Scott Warren — A high-octane space opera that drew acclaim for its breakneck pacing and inventive take on interstellar privateering, cementing Parvus’s early reputation for dynamic sci-fi.

  
  

• Flotsam by R.J. Theodore — A genre-bending novel that layers steampunk aesthetics with science fiction, praised for its world-building and character-driven adventure.

  
  

• The Shadow Crucible series by Christopher Husberg — An expansive fantasy saga blending political intrigue, dark magic, and complex moral themes, recognized for its depth and ambition.

  
  

Though founded only in 2016, Parvus Press has already earned award nominations and industry recognition for its catalog, signaling its arrival as a serious player in speculative publishing. Its focus on author advocacy and its willingness to take creative risks have helped it carve out a strong reputation in a competitive market. In a time when adult science fiction and fantasy accounted for nearly 20% of all U.S. fiction sales in 2022 (NPD BookScan), Parvus’s targeted approach positions it well to continue growing as a trusted name in genre publishing.

---

Publishing Model and Advances

Parvus Press sets itself apart from many small independent publishers by offering advances to most of its authors, a practice that signals both professionalism and confidence in its titles. Reported advances range up to $3,500, and royalty rates remain competitive with those of larger presses. While these figures may be modest compared to Big Five contracts, they are notable within the independent speculative fiction space, where many micro-presses offer royalty-only agreements.

The company operates on a focused acquisition model, publishing only a select number of titles each year. This strategy allows Parvus to dedicate meaningful editorial, marketing, and distribution resources to each release, ensuring that authors are not lost in an overcrowded list. In a genre market where thousands of new SFF titles appear annually (NPD BookScan tracked over 5,000 new speculative titles in 2022), Parvus’s curated approach increases the visibility and staying power of its books.

By blending fair advances, transparent contracts, and individualized support, Parvus Press has quickly established itself as one of the most author-friendly independent publishers in speculative fiction.

---

How to Submit to Parvus Press

Parvus Press opens for submissions on a rolling basis during designated windows, and they actively encourage submissions from unagented authors, making it a viable entry point into traditional publishing for debut SFF writers.

The press has a strong preference for completed manuscripts in science fiction and fantasy, with particular interest in:

• Space operas and character-driven hard sci-fi

  
  

• Epic and dark fantasy with immersive world-building

  
  

• Speculative fiction that incorporates socially relevant themes

Authors should monitor the Parvus Press website for updated submission guidelines, which typically include:

• A full query letter with synopsis

  
  

• The completed manuscript in standard manuscript format

  
  

• A brief author biography highlighting writing experience or platform

Because of its selective model, Parvus prioritizes originality, craft, and market fit. Submissions that demonstrate both strong storytelling and awareness of current SFF trends are the most likely to stand out.