Our Team

Jane Karker, president

Jane Karker, president and founder, comes to publishing after over 20 years in the printing and publishing industry. In 2005, when digital, short-run printing and binding technology took a huge leap in quality and affordability she founded Custom Museum Publishing Inc. which has grown to be New England’s premier producer of art catalogs and coffee-table quality historical books. In keeping with the tremendous change in the publishing business, and to meet the marketing and distribution needs of independent authors, she looks forward to leading the way into a totally different approach. Jane is a long time resident of Maine and lives with her family in South Thomaston. She spends summer weekends at her north woods camp on Pearl Pond in Maine’s unorganized territory and loves to kayak.

Nikki Giglia, managing editor

Nikki graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington with a B.A. in English and a minor in Philosophy. Her extensive work with the campus newspaper and interning at a cooperative poetry press cemented her passion for seeing the written word progress through the stages of editing, layout, and finally, print. Born and raised in Maine, Nikki loves enjoying the beauty of the Maine coast with her dog, cat, and two mini horses.

Dan Karker, distribution & editing supervisor

Dan is responsible for coordinating all shipments to authors, customers, and bookstores, including managing the book warehouse. Dan will continue to work as a copyeditor and proofreader for MAP, which he did prior to becoming the shipping manager.
Dan graduated from Hampshire College in 2011, where he studied economic development and regional integration. He recently relocated from western Massachusetts back to his home state of Maine. He interned for United States Senator Angus S. King, Jr. in 2014. Dan is an avid musician, as well, and has played guitar, drums, or bass in several rock bands over the years.

Michelle Hodgdon, graphic designer

Michelle has had a love for art, photography, and reading her entire life. Moving from Connecticut to Maine in 2010 to pursue this passion, she obtained an Associates degree in Graphic Communications: Graphic Design, as well as a Bachelor’s of Applied Science: Business Management. Before working at MAP, Michelle found herself working in the printing industry, which has engrained a complete understanding of proper design process. Now, she loves being able to live her dream every day, creating beautiful works of art through book design. She lives in Union overlooking Seven Tree Pond with her husband, Philip, and their two dogs: Phoebe and Gretzky, as well as their cat: Piper.

Nadia Kasparek, book rep & events coordinator

Nadia first moved to Maine in 2011 to attend College of the Atlantic, where she graduated with a degree in Human Ecology. As the Book Rep and Events Coordinator Nadia loves connecting MAP authors, and their books, with the Maine literary community. Nadia is happiest when hiking by the coast with her dog or reading a mystery in a cozy spot.

Lee Karker, business manager

Lee is a retired non-profit administrator and Episcopal priest.  He is blessed to live with his wife Jane in a house in South Thomaston overlooking the St. George River. He enjoys working with the talented, mostly much younger, staff of Maine Authors Publishing. He loves to ride his bicycle on the St. George peninsula and spending time with his family, which includes a grandson and grand-dog.

Genie Dailey, editorial consultant

Genie heads our proofreading and editorial department. She is the owner of her own editorial services company and works as an editorial consultant year ’round for Maine Authors Publishing. With over 40 years of experience in the publishing and printing arenas, and a writer herself, Genie acts as a consultant to our authors for manuscript preparation, editing, proofreading and copyright issues. She is the author of one of our best sellers, Mind Your P’s and Q’s, a very handy guide for writers. She lives in Jefferson with her husband, Jim, and enjoys photography, traveling and the outdoors.

Molly Larson, library relations

Molly has nearly 30 years of experience working in public library service. She is a former library director, a past president of the Maine Library Association, and former member of the Governor appointed Maine Library Commission. She spent many years at Bangor Public Library working in local history, reference, and technology training where she traveled state-wide creating classes for colleagues and the public. Molly has a passion for promoting authors and shares in their enthusiasm in getting to see their books in print, and into the hands of readers.