We were lucky to catch up with Shae Coon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shae, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?
In 2023 I had my first book signing convention, and planned to go at it on my own because my husband had to stay home with the kids. A fellow author named GM Katz and I had started a friendship and she offered to fly over and be my assistant. I was astounded that she offered and humbled that she actually followed through. She was there from beginning to end and marketed my books so well that we sold out of every one of them within an hour of the signing opening.
Shae, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have been writing since I was twelve and finally published in 2019. After working tirelessly at marketing, attempting to make a decent cover, editing (or trying to afford one), I finally got my work to the masses. However, I felt called to help other authors that were having the same difficulties, but without the resources to get their work out there. So I asked a fellow author if I could “try” to make them a book cover, and she was kind enough to let me. She ended up loving it, and through her kind praise it gave me the boost to learn more about designing and I took classes and watched A LOT of how-to videos. Soon after I was designing book covers free of charge for over twenty different authors and have my work used in the Horse and Carriage Bar in Canada.
Still, I wanted to do more… So I decided to start a publishing co-op, Bare Bones Publications Co-Op, after having a horrible experience with my past publisher. I wanted BBP to be the go to place for struggling authors to have their manuscripts looked over, edited, get quality cover design, and all the support they needed to make their dream of publishing their work come true. All at no cost to them.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
As cliche as it may sound, I would say my willing to help others is what put me in front of people.
I would get bored and see an author post their book and I would think, “Wow, I have a really cool template that would look good with that cover.” So I would make a marketing promo with their book on it and send it to them. So many people were shocked that I wasn’t asking for anything in return. Honestly, I think some were even weary of my intentions, but when I didn’t bug them for “payment” they realized I really was just doing it to help. Soon I had others coming to me asking if I was willing to help, and they would pay me. I of course said yes, but asked that if they wish to contribute financially, to please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Traffick911 in my company name, Book Designs by Shae.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Jeez… so many.
I would have to say it’s when an author messages me with a happy cry emoji after I send them their completed book cover design. The main feedback I receive is how I was able to pull the image from their head and bring it to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shaecoon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shae.coonauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaecoonauthor/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shae-coon-4643b8159/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8ivpVW2yRWJ906HXJZuOQ