In 1985, Joanne Shwed designed and published her husband’s book, Collected Poetry of Thomas A. Ekkens—Early Works, and started her own company, Backspace Ink.

Prior to that, she edited and typeset several early versions of Richard Bolles’ best-selling book, What Color Is Your Parachute? 

These two experiences started an ongoing appreciation of and interest in book production.

Joanne created, produced, and published Backpocket Crosswords: Handmade Puzzles, a collection of 24 handmade crossword puzzles (not computer generated) with common words and user-friendly clues. A percentage of the net profits is donated yearly to the National Center for Family Literacy. She is currently working on the next edition!

Joanne also hosts crossword puzzle demonstrations in the San Francisco Bay Area. She brings a large, blank crossword puzzle and, with the help of the audience, fills it in. It’s a lot of fun and intellectually stimulating for adults of all ages, especially seniors.

Joanne has edited, designed, and produced 75+ books for publishing companies and independently published authors. She is especially proud of her 50+ client testimonials.

By working directly with publishers, authors, printers, graphic artists, and other print and Internet professionals, Joanne has acquired the expertise to manage a book project from start to finish.

Backspace Ink offers an array of services to help authors produce a beautiful book of which they can be proud.

On a personal note, Joanne has shared in her blog several (very) short stories and other writing for your reading enjoyment.