Lettering Works consulted with Kirk over the past six months in preparation for the launch of his first book. Our work together spanned from technical advising to creative brand strategy. Lettering Works helped guide Kirk through the process of acquiring a domain and creating his own website to starting an Instagram account to uploading cover art on Amazon’s KDP platform. In addition to consulting, Lettering Works provided design support including the creation of a custom logo, lettering for the book cover, business cards, a press kit, and custom bookmarks.

Get to know J Kirk Perry, new fantasy author of Melik Nightcat and the Elven Prince: The Key of Brundag via our interview below and be sure to pre-order a copy of his first book to show support for his emerging career as an author.

Tell me a little about yourself.

Retiring State Police intelligence analyst. Married to a brilliant artistic wife and loving daughter. Started reading comics when I was 6 and never stopped. I have thousands of comics bagged and boxed in my basement from my years of reading. Reading has always been my favorite pastime.

What is your background (education, previous jobs and/or experiences) and how do you think they have impacted your new identity as an author??

I have an associates in Criminal Justice, bachelors in Administration of Justice, and Juris Doctorate. This is the reason I want consistency, believability, and realism in my writing as well as what I read. Growing up along the Mississippi river inspired my love of nature, spurred my imagination for adventure, and gave me an understanding of how wildlife lived. Six years in the army gave me a sense of discipline and an understanding of teamwork and brotherhood. Thirty years in the State Police reinforced this understanding as well as showed me the darker side of humanity.

What led you to write Melik Nightcat and the Elven Prince?

My love of time spent playing Dungeons and Dragons in college with my buddies.  It is a big thank you for good times, especially to my favorite dungeon master, Dave Robison.

What is your favorite part of being a fantasy author?

There is now a book in existence that is my perfect read. Many is the time I have read something where I would not be satisfied with the magic system, or culture, or I would have changed something in the story. Fantasy is an excellent medium. It is full of the potential for wonder, surprise, and beautiful images. It can also involve dark scary things and suspenseful conflict. Every culture in the world has their own version of it, as it is such a part of who we are.

What are some of your short/long term goals?

My short time goal is to see my book made available to as many people as possible. Long term I would like to write not only more about Melik, but also a good detective horror in which real world police come face to face with the impossible.

What inspired the Melik Nightcat character?

While playing D&D in college my buddies always played characters who solved everything with violence. As a joke to annoy them I played someone who avoided violence, letting others do it instead. So Melik was born, and the campaign was the best we ever played. I remember it fondly.

How would you describe the process of working with Lettering Works to establish your brand as a new author and prepare for your first book launch?

Lettering Works took me through the process step by step. We started with identifying what needed to be done and setting reasonable goals. Each time we met, we went over those things each of us was responsible for and then set new goals for the next meeting. Chelsie has a great instinct for setting those goals. Not once did I feel daunted by them and her pacing allowed me to easily accomplish them each month. She of course met her goals every time.  Chelsie said I was her first author, but you would never have known it by how professionally she guided me. The best thing I can say about working with Lettering Works is I now have a book for sale through Amazon.

Why do you think artists should invest in working with a professional marketer, designer, or business coach?

You have questions, they have the answers. Motivation. Being unsure of a process is scary and we all need encouragement. Two heads are better than one. Ideas are better vetted with a partner.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Chelsie is charming, friendly, personable and makes you feel good about yourself. It is the perfect thing for helping someone navigate their way through an unknown process for the first time. Her communication skills are exceptional. With Chelsie in your corner, you can’t fail.

Find J KIRK PERRY at:
JKIRKPERRY.Com & on Instagram @JKIRKPERRY

While Kirk is the first author Lettering Works has consulted with, we’ve worked with many artists on developing their visual branding, creative marketing strategies, and businesses as a whole. To learn more about our available branding and consulting packages, send us a message via our contact form.