An author, book cover designer, ghostwriter, and founder of her own publishing house, Prairie Muse Books, Mary Schwaner is a woman of many talents. But she exhibits the very opposite of the classic artistic ego; when Mary does her work well, she, as the artist, becomes completely invisible.

After forming the publishing company in 2010, Mary set out on a mission to help others share their stories with the world. In the time since, she has been more than successful. She has exercised her graphic art and publication skills by donating logo design, convention publication production, web design, videos, and other communication pieces free of charge for nonprofit organizations, including Nebraska and International Chapters of P.E.O., the Nebraska P.E.O. Home, Power Over Parkinsons, and more, as well as publication services to older adults at a discounted cost.

Extending her abilities beyond those of local publications, Mary inspires and mentors aspiring authors across the U.S. through leading workshops, classes, and conference talks, as well as serving on the nominating committee for Novelists Inc., a professional network of more than one thousand career novelists. Why? Placing a published book in the hands of its author is a joy Mary will always prize.