Our story
Pro Book Virtue was founded in 2017 by a group of publishing industry veterans who shared a common frustration: too many talented Australian writers were struggling to navigate the complex, often opaque world of book publishing. Manuscripts with enormous potential were being abandoned because authors lacked access to affordable, high-quality editorial and design support.
We set out to change that. Starting from a small office in Boyleville, Victoria, we built a company that offers the same calibre of services you would find at a major publishing house — but tailored for independent authors, small presses and organisations that need flexible, project-based support. Over the years we have expanded our team, refined our processes and helped more than 340 books reach readers across Australia and around the world.
Today, Pro Book Virtue is recognised as one of Australia's most trusted independent book services providers. Our growth has been entirely organic, driven by word-of-mouth referrals and the enduring relationships we build with every author we serve. We remain committed to our founding principle: that every story deserves the chance to be told well.
Our mission and values
Our mission is simple: to empower authors with the professional tools, expertise and support they need to publish with confidence. We believe that great books change lives — and that every writer, regardless of their budget or experience level, deserves access to world-class publishing services. These core values guide everything we do:
Craftsmanship
We approach every manuscript with the care of an artisan. From the precision of our editing to the elegance of our design, we never cut corners. Quality is not negotiable — it is the foundation of our reputation and the reason our clients return.
Transparency
Publishing can be confusing, especially for first-time authors. We demystify the process with clear communication, honest pricing and realistic timelines. You will always know exactly where your project stands and what to expect next.
Collaboration
Your book is your vision. We see ourselves as partners in your creative journey, not gatekeepers. We listen carefully, offer expert guidance and respect your decisions. The best results come from a genuine partnership between author and team.
Integrity
We are honest about what we can deliver and upfront about what falls outside our expertise. If a project is not the right fit, we will say so — and recommend someone who can help. Trust is the currency of our industry, and we guard it carefully.
Meet the team
Behind every successful book is a dedicated team of professionals. Our specialists bring diverse backgrounds in traditional publishing, journalism, graphic design, digital marketing and education. Here are some of the key people you will work with:
Catherine Merriweather
Founder and editorial director
Catherine spent fifteen years as a senior editor at two of Australia's largest publishing houses before founding Pro Book Virtue. She specialises in literary fiction and memoir, and has edited multiple award-winning titles. Her editorial philosophy centres on amplifying the author's voice rather than imposing her own.
James Okoro
Head of design
James brings over a decade of experience in book cover design and interior typography. With a background in graphic design and fine art, he creates covers that are not only visually striking but strategically designed to perform in both physical retail and online thumbnail environments. He leads a small team of designers and illustrators.
Priya Shankar
Publishing and marketing manager
Priya manages the publishing pipeline and leads our marketing services. She has deep expertise in Amazon KDP optimisation, metadata strategy and social-media marketing for authors. Before joining Pro Book Virtue, she worked in digital marketing for a major Australian media company and brings a data-driven approach to book launches.
Robert Linden
Senior copy editor
Robert is a meticulous copy editor with more than twenty years of experience across fiction, non-fiction, academic and educational publishing. He holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Melbourne and is an accredited editor with the Institute of Professional Editors. His sharp eye and gentle touch make him a favourite among returning clients.
Our journey so far
From a small team of three to a full-service book publishing partner, here are some of the milestones that have shaped Pro Book Virtue:
2017 — Founded in Boyleville
Catherine Merriweather and two colleagues launch Pro Book Virtue from a shared office space in Boyleville, Victoria, offering freelance editing and proofreading services to independent authors across Australia.
2018 — Design studio opens
James Okoro joins the team and establishes the in-house design studio, adding book cover design and interior typesetting to the service offering. The team grows to six members.
2019 — First 100 books published
The company reaches the milestone of 100 books edited and published. Three titles edited by Pro Book Virtue are shortlisted for independent publishing awards.
2021 — Marketing services launch
Priya Shankar joins to lead the new marketing division. The company introduces end-to-end packages that include launch strategy, Amazon optimisation and social-media content creation.
2023 — 300 books and growing
Pro Book Virtue surpasses 300 published titles and expands its team to twelve specialists. The company begins serving international clients in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada.
2025 — Looking ahead
With a growing reputation and a loyal client base, Pro Book Virtue continues to invest in new technologies, training and talent to ensure every author receives the best possible service in an evolving publishing landscape.