About Us

Meet Our Team of Publishing Pros

Publish Her’s team of publishing pros is focused first and foremost on the author and helping you understand the publishing process. Our editors have worked in legal, academic, book and magazine publishing and are passionate about helping authors bring their best work to the world. Our creative team includes photographers, illustrators and designers who are masters at making beautiful books, workbooks and magazines that bring your vision to life. Our marketing experts build a solid foundation for getting your book noticed and in the hands of the right audience.

Publish Her is led by founder and publisher Chris Olsen. She is a nationally recognized book designer and the author of “Whyography: Building a Brand Fueled by Purpose,” an essential business book for social entrepreneurs that was featured in Enterprising Women Magazine. Inspired by her dad’s 40-year career in the print industry, Chris studied print publication design and creative writing and worked in mainstream media for 15 years before launching her business. Since 2018, she has helped thousands of women tell their stories and publish their books.

Chris Olsen, Founder and Publisher

Chris is a book designer, publisher, educator and the author of “Whyography: Building a Brand Fueled by Purpose.” The founder of Publish Her and Publish Her Story, Chris has helped thousands of women tell their stories and publish their books.

Anna Befort, Senior Editor

As a writer, editor and yoga teacher, Anna believes strongly in the power of words to connect us. She is passionate about using that power to uplift women’s voices and create spaces where women can connect to their own innate wisdom, creativity and wholeness. Her work in publishing has spanned two decades and included managing editor roles at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and MNSights Magazine.

Shareen Gawla, Editor and Proofreader

A voracious reader, Shareen’s first job was at the public library in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With over 20 years experience proofing and reorganizing words, she enjoys using her skills to support authors’ creative ventures. She lives in Ellenwood, Georgia, with her husband, Keith, their sons, Dante and Dominic, and two rescue dogs.

Joy Riggs, Editor

Joy is the author of “Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters: The Story of a Minnesota Music Man,” a book of memoir and biography about music’s power to connect people across generations. She’s worked as a newspaper reporter, a magazine columnist, and a freelance writer and editor (she also has experience as a bagel secret shopper—shhh!). Joy thinks people are endlessly fascinating, and she enjoys helping other women tell their stories.

Shelby Harbour, Editor

Shelby Harbour is an editor, former teacher, and founder of Jump Off The Page Editing, where she champions authors and their work. Shelby believes in the power of stories to inspire and create change, and she loves playing a role in making these stories available to readers. When she’s not editing, you’ll find her savoring a bowl of queso or binge-watching K-dramas.

Kprecia Ambers, Designer and Illustrator

Freelance digital illustrator and owner of Kp Inspires, Kprecia uses the power of illustration to connect with viewers, celebrate life experiences and encourage self-love. Kprecia enjoys working with purpose-driven individuals to make a positive impact in the world. Her passions are recreating and capturing emotion inspired by photography and celebrating Black culture, stories and history.

Kayla Franz, Designer and Illustrator

Kayla is a graphic designer, illustrator and the founder of Kayla Jo Design. Kayla has witnessed the ways creativity flourishes in spaces where it is supported and encouraged, and she hopes to motivate young artists to pursue creative careers. She believes that art is important, art is everywhere, and there is power in the arts.

Jennifer Gibson, Event Coordinator

A lifelong book lover and voracious reader, Jennifer is thrilled to bring her creative eye and organizational skills to coordinating events for Publish Her. She is the owner of JenBloom Studio, a boutique design studio specializing in romantic, detail-rich work for weddings, events and small businesses. Jennifer lives in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, with her husband, Ben, and their young daughter, Teagan.