Maximillia Morissette

Why this persona fits the audience

Co-runs a 3-person author-services studio in Brooklyn that formats manuscripts, creates series continuity sheets, and prepares audiobook scripts for indie clients; most jobs are short fiction and romance box sets, and the team tracks pronunciation notes in Notion and spreadsheets.

• Age: 29
• Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
• Occupation: Co-founder, author-services studio
• Income: $58k-$85k
• Education: B.A. in Media Studies
• Years in role: 4

“We're not just processing files; we're helping authors bring their stories to life in every format they can imagine.”

Maximillia Morissette, a 29-year-old non-binary individual, co-founded their author-services studio in Brooklyn four years ago, shortly after earning a B.A. in Media Studies. Driven by a passion for storytelling and a knack for organization, they saw a gap in the market for high-quality, accessible services tailored to independent authors, particularly in the thriving romance and short fiction genres. Their studio, now a three-person operation with remote team members, specializes in manuscript formatting, the creation of crucial series continuity sheets, and the meticulous preparation of audiobook scripts. Maximillia is deeply invested in the craftsmanship of their work, believing that even the technical aspects of publishing deserve a high standard of care. This commitment is reflected in their team's rigorous process, which includes detailed pronunciation notes tracked in Notion and shared spreadsheets, ensuring audiobook narrators have the best possible guidance. Their income fluctuates between $58k and $85k annually, a range they're actively working to expand through strategic client acquisition and service refinement. Maximillia is pragmatic about finances, reinvesting a significant portion of profits back into the business for better tools and potential future hires, while also maintaining a personal savings buffer. They recently made a significant decision to invest in a premium subscription for their project management software, aiming to enhance team collaboration and client transparency, a move that reflects their dedication to responsiveness and operational efficiency. They view their work not just as a job, but as a vital support system for creators, enabling authors to navigate the complexities of the publishing world with greater confidence and success. Their journey is marked by a constant drive to learn and adapt, staying ahead of industry trends and client needs.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Maximillia's day typically begins around 7:30 AM with a quick check of urgent emails and Slack messages from their team. After a run and breakfast, they're at their desk by 9:00 AM. The morning is usually dedicated to client calls, reviewing project briefs, and assigning tasks. Lunch is often a quick affair, eaten while scanning industry blogs. The afternoon is spent diving into specific service tasks, like meticulously checking a manuscript's formatting or cross-referencing character details for a continuity sheet. They might spend an hour experimenting with a new Notion database structure to improve workflow. The workday wraps up around 6:00 PM, often with a final check of client communications before transitioning to personal time, which might involve reading or a virtual team check-in.

Lifestyle

Maximillia lives in a cozy, book-filled one-bedroom apartment in Williamsburg. They have a daily routine that includes a morning run along the East River, followed by a hearty breakfast of avocado toast and coffee. Weekends are often spent reading romance novels, hosting book club meetings, or experimenting with new Notion templates. They maintain a balanced social life, often attending local meetups and indie author events. Health-wise, they focus on plant-based eating and regular yoga sessions. Money habits are practical, with a portion of income always set aside for freelance gigs and saving for future studio expansion.

Work life

Maximillia's days are a dynamic blend of client communication, project management, and hands-on service delivery. They spend a significant portion of their time coordinating with their two remote team members, ensuring manuscript formatting is pixel-perfect and series continuity sheets are meticulously accurate. They're deeply involved in the audiobook script preparation, which involves careful review of pronunciation guides and character voice notes. The constant influx of short fiction and romance box sets keeps the workflow fast-paced. They're always looking for ways to streamline operations, often diving into new Notion features or exploring small business management tools.

Relationships

Maximillia maintains close ties with their two co-founders, who feel more like creative partners than employees. They have a supportive network of indie author friends and fellow small business owners in Brooklyn, often exchanging advice and commiserating over industry challenges. Family is supportive but distant, living in a different state, so most close relationships are found within their professional and local community.

How they decide

Maximillia approaches decisions with a blend of research and intuition. They'll thoroughly investigate options, read reviews, and consult with their team, but ultimately trust their gut feeling about what aligns with their studio's values and long-term vision. They are not easily swayed by hype and prefer practical, proven solutions.

How they sound

Speaks with a clear, measured cadence, often using precise language. They avoid overly casual slang but are comfortable with industry-specific jargon. Their tone is generally encouraging and professional, with a hint of Brooklyn directness. They tend to explain processes thoroughly and are patient when clarifying details. They might use phrases like 'Let's circle back on that,' or 'The key here is...' They steer clear of overly salesy language.