Quaint Quill: An Interview
Let's look inside who's behind the creative Quaint Quill Serenity McPeek
When I came across Quaint Quill, I was skeptical because she was looking to officially license authors. Although as a writer new to the indie world, I hadn’t heard of this, so when Serenity reached out to me with interest, I grew excited. One of the things I love is collaborating with other artists and makers. Serenity is both a talented illustrator and a new book editor.
I can tell you that her art skills and editing are fantastic. If you’re an indie author looking for help on your next book, Quaint Quill might be the place for you.
You can follow Quaint Quill on Socials and Website
Quaint Quill Interview
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Serenity McPeek. I am the manager of Quaint Quill and a stay-at-home wife.
What made you get into creating graphics?
I actually never intended to offer design services with my business, but I had another business owner reach out to me and inquire about a custom graphic. I told her I’d never done it before, but I’d be happy to give it a shot! She ended up loving it and I decided it would be a fun way to continue to support other small businesses, or anyone, really.
What is the origin story for the name of your business?
Originally, I wanted our business to be named The Star Dusted Quill, I wanted a magic-esque element combined with a classic icon of authors. My husband and I workshopped the name a bit more, played around with a few logo ideas, and eventually landed on Quaint Quill for simpler branding and we felt that name represented what we wanted to do better.
What are some of the challenges of being a business owner?
There are definitely many jobs that a small business owner does all by themselves. For me, the hardest hurdle to overcome is social media. I can get really sucked into the aesthetic of our page, spending hours creating graphics. But then also interactions on the apps we use. I usually end up doomscrolling and distracting myself from work I need to get done—but I absolutely love the community we have so it’s always a positive to interact with so many people over the internet.
Check out more about L.Beckett here.
What do you love about your job?
What don’t I love about my job? I get to read books for work, who wouldn’t love that?! I feel so blessed by every author who has trusted me with their work in any form—whether it be samples, editing, licensing, or guidance. I’m grateful that I’m able to encourage authors to get their stories out into the world and be someone that authors can trust and look to when they need help.
Check out more about Jennifer Kain here.
If there were more hours in the day what is something you would want to do for the business?
If I had more hours in a day, I’d spend time one-on-one with authors discussing their books more. I love listening to authors talk about their works and get the “inside scoop” on what they’re thinking. I love telling them my favorite parts of the story or my favorite characters too.
Check out more about Penelope Grace here.
What have you learned since transitioning into editing/formatting books?
Patience is a must. There is still so much out there that I don’t know, but I’m always willing to learn to help someone. I ask my authors to be patient with me if I try something new and we’ll learn it together!
Check out more about Havelah Mclat here.
What kinds of things do you like to draw?
I love drawing nature, though I enjoy drawing most subject matter. The sketchbook on my desk is filled with everything from eyes to cups to flowers to a mouse holding a blackberry.
Check out more about Alexandria Frederick here.
Why only bookmarks and stickers? Do you hope to expand into other merch?
Bookmarks and stickers are what I was familiar with, I had owned my own Etsy store years ago selling those products. So naturally, it was easy enough to start up with the same products I was confident in. I never want to sell anybody a product that I wouldn’t buy, so quality is a priority for me. I do hope to expand into other merch options in the future. I’ve already experimented with a couple of new products behind the scenes and am ironing out the learning curve of the new tools those products require.
Check out more about Sabrina Vereb here.
If you were to write a novel what genre would it be in?
Definitely a fiction fantasy adventure. I’d want something that is reminiscent of my childhood—think Narnia, Pixie Hollow Fairies, Magic Treehouse. I love magical elements and unique world building tied together with an adventure theme.
What are you currently reading right now?
I am currently re-reading Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, I’m about halfway through Crown of Midnight. I just started Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, which I am so excited to dive into because it’s such a beloved classic.
What’s the book you're most looking forward to reading on your TBR?
That’s always such a tough question with how long of a TBR I have . . . If I had to pick though, my most anticipated read right now would be The Song of Salt and Shadow by Seren Rose.
Fun Question
If you were stranded on an abandoned island, what are five items you would want with you? (no rules)
A friendly pet spider that can spin an infinite amount of string, a bottomless jar of clean water, Warriors and Mages trilogy by V. K. Dixon (a trilogy counts as one item), one of Gimli’s axes from LOTR, and a tent from Harry Potter charmed with an expansion spell.