Simon Publishing LLC
meet the team
Joanne Simon Tailele, Founder, Author
Award-winning author Joanne Simon Tailele established Simon Publishing LLC to help writers realize their dreams. She understood how writing is only half an author's journey. Early in her literary career, Joanne experienced the pain of having spent months (actually, more like years) crafting the perfect manuscript, only to be stopped in her tracks by the "what-to-do-next". Built on Joanne's first-hand knowledge, Simon Publishing LLC offers a professional publishing solution with a special personal touch to help you, the author, bring your treasured creation to life.
Joanne studied the craft of writing for 10+ years with the best in the industry; people like Stephen King, Jennie Nash, Lisa Cron, and Donald Mass. She served as past president of Marco Island Writers Inc (MIW) and was an active member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Florida Authors & Publishers Association (FAPA), Florida Writers Association (FWA) and Women's Fiction Writers Association (WFWA).
Sadly, Joanne passed away on July 5, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. Those of us who are lucky enough to have worked with Joanne will truly miss her leadership, knowledge and professional guidance. Her legacy lives on in the books she published as the owner of Simon Publishing LLC, as well as those Simon Publishing LLC will continue to bring to life.
Melissa Waters, Publisher, Editor
Melissa Waters succeeds Joanne Simon Tailele in managing all aspects of the publishing process, from manuscript review to editing to publication. Before she joined Simon Publishing LLC as Joanne's administrative assistant, she served as a human resources manager and staff development professional for the State of New York.
With Joanne's professional guidance, Melissa independently authored, illustrated and designed An Authentic Adventure with a Marco Island Burrowing Owl, a creative endeavor which transformed a true story into a print book, eBook and website. She works directly with authors to edit, publish and update their books, and she worked closely with Joanne to assist with the administrative functions of the business.
Melissa is excited to work with Simon Publishing LLC's awesome creative talent to continue to help writers achieve the dream of becoming published authors. While Joanne's role is a tough act to follow, together we'll keep her legacy alive.
Robin Johnson, Book Cover Designer
Robin Johnson’s business, Florida Girl Design Inc., has served clients with design and print services nationally since 2002. She has worked with authors and book industry clients as a book cover artist and graphic designer worldwide since 2010. Robin works with authors, publishers and industry professionals creating book cover designs and marketing materials. We are so pleased to have her as a free-lance contributor to our team. www.gobookcoverdesign.com
Joe Eckstein, Artist and Illustrator
Joe Eckstein is a children’s book author, illustrator, and cartoonist who loves to encourage and inspire people through art and stories. Originally from Ohio and drawing and writing stories since he can remember, he has a Bachelor’s degree in fine art from Bowling Green State University and has worked as an illustrator for leading children’s education publisher Carson-Dellosa. His work has been published in books, greeting cards, magazines, and newspapers.
Joe is the creator of the cartoon character Herby the Parrot, author and illustrator of Herby Gets a Life, and illustrator of numerous other books for children including Twee’ and the “Between You and Me” series, Two Homes for Daniel and the “Daniel the Dinosaur and Friends” series, Stanley’s Colors, and the recent republication of The Ghost of Black Hawk Island by renown author August Derleth. He currently has more exciting books in the works.
Joe lives on the beautiful southwest coast of Florida and is married to the love of his life, Kristen.
Jill Yris - Developmental Editor and Award-Winning Writer
Patience, a good eye, knowledge and experience all lead to great editing skills. What are the author’s intentions? Is the prose filled with color, texture and emotion? Jill Yris is an established, professional editor and writer whose portfolio includes national subjects such as actress Shirley Jones, Wall Street Journalist Foster Winans, renowned artist Taylor Oughton and Coach Johnny Majors. She treats her clients and subjects with respect and the attributes of honesty, integrity and loyalty are paramount in her professional and personal life. When editing your book, she’ll check for flow, facts, content and accuracy because every single one of your words matter.
Suanne Schafer, Proofreader & Copy Editor
Suanne Schafer has served as editor for a mainstream/romance publishing house and fiction editor for an online literary magazine. In the latter capacities, she has edited over 200 novels, 1000 short stories, and three anthologies. She has also taken classes through the University of California San Diego’s Copyediting Program. A writer herself, she understands the need to maintain an author’s voice while smoothing out the writing.
P.J. Morgan, Audio Narrator
A lifelong storyteller, book nerd, actor, and secret author, P. J. Morgan has finally reached the pinnacle of human form as a professional audiobook narrator! She is an empathic performer with a broad skillset who believes in the power of the written and spoken word to transform, educate, elevate, and escape. When not in the booth, she is outside playing with her equine friends, hiking with her demonspawn chihuahua, or crafting hit-or-miss vegan meals. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, P. J. is especially interested in stories featuring diverse characters, and has a soft spot for unusual protagonists and sympathetic villains.
P. J. narrates in her home studio using professional, industry-standard equipment:
- VocalBooth Gold series with added bass traps
- CAD Equitek E100S microphone
- Audient iD14 interface
- Studio One Artist using Punch and Roll
- Izotope RX Standard
Services
Congratulations. You did the hard work.
Now let us turn your dream into reality. Browse through our services for the right fit for you.
- Proof Reading
- Line Editing
- Developmental Editing
- Ghost Writing
- Formatting
- Cover Design
- Publication
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Although we cannot promise that you will make the New York Times Bestseller List, we do promise to help you produce the best quality book possible. And, although, we may have suggestions, ultimately, "you are the God of your story" - to quote Jennie Nash - and have the final say on the finished product.