Meet the Book Shepherd

Jackie McFadden is the proud founder and owner of Book Shepherd Jackie. Her idea for the company was born out of a desire to be a steely advocate for aspiring authors and to use her writing, editing, and publishing expertise to help them avoid the pitfalls and predatory tactics found within parts of the industry. She empathizes with writers’ feelings of frustration and overwhelm that arise and re-emerge throughout the entire process of making and selling a book. She finds it personally rewarding to help aspiring authors have the best chance at achieving their book dreams.

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Her fascination with writing and literary artists began at a young age. Growing up, she would watch her father, a U.S. Postal Service Clerk, grab a pen in his time off to compose poetry, short stories, and manuscripts for novels. His passion for the creative arts did not escape her notice. As she began to write more, she gained competency and confidence. In high school, she was already publishing articles in the city’s newspaper, the Austin American-Statesman. Then came college, where she studied to become equally adept in graphic design and writing, adapting to a changing media landscape where independent local newspapers and magazines were disappearing. With these new skills, after college, she pivoted and pursued an editor and graphic designer career at various non-profits, including the United Way and the American Diabetes Association. Later, while working at a state agency, she oversaw the production of publications with a print run of 300,000. During this time, she was recognized for her communication skills and won professional awards for her writing, graphic design, and publication production.

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In 2014, she went out independently and established TreeCat Press, an independent book publishing company. During the years she operated TreeCat Press, she learned what it takes to successfully produce, market, distribute, sell books, and operate a business.

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Through this cumulation of decades of experience in the field as a reporter, writer, editor, graphics designer, and book publisher, Jackie feels particularly adept at expertly guiding aspiring and new authors. Jackie invites you to schedule your complimentary 30-minute coaching session today to explore your book project. So, why not take the plunge with Book Shepherd Jackie, who will prove to be your steely advocate, making your book dreams come true. As she would say, “There is one way to find out!”​​