"When I was first introduced to Mona Fertig it was one of those lovely coincidences to discover that her father and I had both been good friends of the Canadian poet Roy Kiyooka. After that revelation I knew that I was in good hands with Mona as a publisher. We had become friends by proxy.
Her choice of cover for my poetry book is so attractive and evocative of life’s struggles with its gnarled old pine tree braced against the wind. To top it off, my name, Matsuki, in Japanese means “pine tree”. My last name, Masutani, means “on an incline”, so there we have it, kismit! I am so pleased that Mona is the publisher of my first book of poetry. She has been very receptive to my “new kid on the block” inquiries. Mona is that rare blend of left brain/right brain balanced person, of intellect and artistry. Thank you Mona for your practiced and sensitive ear and intellect."–Matsuki Masutani: I will be more myself in the next world
"Over a poetry career of several decades I have not met a more professional and dedicated publisher than Mother Tongue. Every stage of the process from editing through design was handled with care, and approached with the attitude of making the best book possible. It was a privilege to work with Mona Fertig and her crew. Ken Laidlaw, who illustrated the book and who has worked with publishers around the world, told me how glad he was to be working with someone who 'really understood design.' Mother Tongue is a publishing treasure."–Marilyn Bowering: What is Long Past Occurs in Full Light
"Most people haven’t heard of James Bozeman. He won a lottery worth 10 million and a year later won a second time, earning 3 million dollars. An unusual circumstance and a heavy dose of good fortune. Having had a second book out with Mother Tongue Publishing, I consider myself similarly fortunate.
Mona Fertig publishes books like most parents strive to raise their children. She does whatever she can to see her children get into the best schools and meet influential people. If you are a dutiful child you go along with it all, knowing you are in good hands. The best of hands." –Bill Stenson: Half Brothers and Other Stories, Ordinary Strangers
“ During more time than I care to admit in Canlit, I have been a writer, illustrator, editor, poet laureate, festival administrator and executive member and I have NEVER encountered, in companies large and small, a publisher/editor as professional as Mona Fertig. She knows her craft from the first to last page and her press is more than worthy of financial support.”–Linda Rogers: Crow Jazz
"Books aren’t just commodities; the profit motive is often in conflict with the aims of art. We live in capitalism, its power seems inescapable – but then, so did the divine right of kings. Any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings. Resistance and change often begin in art. Very often in our art, the art of word"—Ursula Le Guin
Never have I met a publisher so close to this ideology as Mona. She is a beautiful writer and publisher that aims to create real word art. It was a privilege and honour to work with Mona. Her kindness and dedication are one of a kind that every writer, new and established, deserves to experience in their career.”–Kerry Gilbert: Tight Wire, Little Red
"Mona Fertig once told me that her goal for Mother Tongue Publishing is to deal with her authors as she herself would want to be treated by a publisher. She accomplishes this goal, I believe, with every book she publishes, and certainly did with mine. I was amazed to find myself consulted on so many levels of the book creating process – manuscript, cover, design, reading venues, book launch, reviews. Mona pours her decades of knowledge as a writer, a book maker, and a publisher into the books she creates, infusing the process with the same intense passion with which she managed the Literary Storefront in Vancouver as a young poet. I remain deeply grateful for the generosity and support of Mona and Mother Tongue Publishing."–Shirley Graham: Shakespearean Blues, Blue Notes
"As well, as a publisher, she combines a very fine literary mind with amazing organizational skills. She pays attention to practical details and yet has the imagination to enter her writers’ works and let them blossom. I fully appreciate her work with me, her ability to provide a firm, but flexible structure to the process of bringing a book to the public. I’ve not had a more sympathetic and encouraging guide and feel most fortunate. I repeat myself when I say Mona is visionary and pragmatic." –Patrick Friesen: a short history of crazy bone, Songen
“What an extraordinary publisher Mona Fertig is ! She was with me heart and soul during every step of the publishing process of my novel, The Dancehall Years. It was as if she entered the door of the place where the manuscript lived and, during the editing process, dwelt inside it with me and the characters. We had discussions about what they were doing as if they were family members. At the same time, she was handling the business and design proceedings with professionalism and skill. She checked everything with me: layout, type, images, size: the works. And then, without missing a beat, she put on her third hat as publicity manager and, as such, deftly arranged launches, readings and interviews. She had the consideration to arrange bookings that weren't too close together so that, as a senior writer, I've been able to pace myself. And her salespeople are doing a great job. The warehouse has moved 1000 copies of the novel since it was published in June, and we're going into a second printing! I'm writing this on Thanksgiving weekend, 2016. At the top of the list, I'm thankful for Mona. ”–Joan Haggerty: The Dancehall Years
"Working with Mona and her team at Mother Tongue Publishing on Lucky, my first novel, has been both thrilling and educational. The process was well organized, well supported and buoyed by Mona's good will and enthusiasm. She genuinely cares. It was an unforgettable experience for which I am most grateful. Thank you, Mona. You're the best!–Kathryn Para: Lucky
"Mona Fertig puts heart and soul into what she does. Her books are beautiful; like beloved children, they shine! At Mother Tongue, the publishing process is a genuinely collaborative effort. I know that my book, At the World’s Edge, benefitted greatly as a result. I don’t think anyone else could have could have turned my manuscript into a better book." –Claudia Cornwall: At the World's Edge Curt Lang's Vancouver 1937-1998, The Life and Art of Jack Hardman
"One of the first and most striking people I met in the outer Gulf Islands was a person who found water, a water finder, a well proofer, chasing the gift of life, against all the odds. A discerning eye, a decided strategy, a dedicated profession, no matter what the status quo. This then, became my experience working with Mona Fertig as the publisher, editor, designer, promotions guru, sales heart, and overall electrical powersurge at Mother Tongue Publishing. Mother Tongue discovers commitment, unearths brilliance, provokes the wellspring, and values a long memory, as well as the experimental edge, the new voice. This is a publisher who keeps to her choices, follows her intuition, has faith with the cutting edge, structures the impossible, and achieves small, but persistent works of miracle proportion. As an author planted in Mother Tongue's garden, or a stone in Mother Tongue's creekbed, one feels grateful, sincerely humbled to be in the company of visionaries, lost and found and nurtured. It is an unusual, and lifeforce publishing house that dedicates itself to the poetic obsessions, as well as to the visual arts, and their makers. Furthermore, Mother Tongue treats the author, and the artist, as the first concern, right after the work itself. And gets the contractual agreement, the royalty statement, the beautiful beautiful book done on time and in style. Life should be like this." –Cathy Ford: the art of breathing underwater, Flowers We Will Never Know the Names Of
"As soon as I signed the contract with Mother Tongue Publishing, I knew I was in good hands. Mona Fertig is one of the most professional and genuine people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Mona and MTP allowed me to share my creativity, while at the same time mentoring me step-by-step through the publishing process. Mona sets a high standard for beautiful books and goes above and beyond to make sure this standard is upheld, while still keeping the writer’s vision at the forefront; this is no easy task. In my opinion, Mother Tongue Publishing is essential to all BC writers and I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to give my first book such a grand home."–Chelene Knight: Braided Skin
"While trade publishers are increasingly turning down books that lack mass market appeal, movie options or foreign rights potential, Mona actively seeks out poets, first-time writers and unrecognized artists. I am proud to be one of Mona’s writers. She was a pleasure to work with, the entire process was seamless, and her books are exquisitely beautiful collector’s books that add to the richness of our history and culture.”–Eve Lazarus: The Life & Art of Frank Molnar
"I am an artist and a painter. I have worked with one publisher–Mona Fertig of Mother Tongue Publishing, and it was an honor for me. Mona Fertig enabled me to tell the story of my mentor, LeRoy Jensen, and to honor his life and work. That was the main purpose of our relationship. But for me, it was life-changing. I am sure I was a challenge for her. She patiently taught me many new skills to accomplish that goal. She helped me recognize and access abilities that I had neglected. She helped me organize my research and material about LeRoy, find language for pivotal experiences in his life, but also identify and express my own sensations in my development as a creative person. I am eternally grateful to her."–Wendy Newbold-Patterson: The Life and Art of LeRoy Jensen
