Our Team & Your Publishing Experience
At Clark & Mackay, publishing a book is never the work of one person. Every project is guided through a collaborative, end-to-end process that brings together editorial insight, thoughtful design, strategic marketing, and precise production. Our team works closely across departments to ensure that each book is not only beautifully crafted, but also positioned clearly, produced professionally, and delivered with care.
For authors, this means clarity at every stage, confidence in the process, and the reassurance that their work is being handled by specialists who communicate, collaborate, and share responsibility for the final outcome. Our focus is always on the experience and the result: a book you are proud of, and a publishing journey that feels supported, transparent, and grounded in integrity.
our story
Publisher
Jason Leigh Smith
As the head of our publishing house, Jason Leigh Smith has helped more than 3000 aspiring authors navigate the complexities of bringing their books to market. Drawing on personal experience as an author, Jason understands the challenges writers face—whether it’s a lack of confidence, direction, or knowledge—and provides the strategic guidance they need to succeed.
For Jason, the magic lies not just in publishing books, but in witnessing the joy and transformation authors experience when they release their work into the world. Building a business that has earned awards for its team, authors, and books has been an incredible accomplishment, and Jason Leigh Smith takes pride in fostering a community of writers who share their visions with integrity and passion.
Editorial
The editorial team at Clark & Mackay works collaboratively to guide manuscripts from early development through to publication-ready form. Balancing structure, voice, clarity, and consistency, the team ensures that every book meets professional standards while remaining true to the author’s intent. By combining strategic oversight with close, detail-driven editing, the editorial process strengthens each manuscript and lays a solid foundation for design, production, and market success.
Jason
The lead editor at Clark & Mackay, bringing a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling to every manuscript he works on. With 6 years of experience in publishing and a dedication to refining narratives, Jason helps authors shape their stories into compelling, polished works. His expertise spans multiple genres, from contemporary memoir to fantasy, ensuring each book meets the highest literary standards. Committed to fostering strong author-editor relationships, Jason plays a vital role in maintaining Clark & Mackay’s reputation for quality and excellence in publishing.
Denise
Denise is the project editor at Clark & Mackay. With a meticulous eye for detail and a deep understanding of language, she refines manuscripts for clarity, consistency, and readability while preserving the author’s unique voice. As a leader in the editorial process, Denise oversees quality control, coordinates with the team to ensure smooth production timelines. Passionate about storytelling and precision, she plays a key role in shaping compelling and polished publication
Marisa
Our meticulous copy and line editor at Clark & Mackay. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for language, she ensures every manuscript is polished, precise, and engaging. Her expertise lies in refining sentence structure, grammar, and clarity while preserving the author’s unique voice. Whether working on fiction, nonfiction, or academic texts, Marisa’s dedication to linguistic precision and readability helps bring out the best in every book. Passionate about storytelling and the power of well-crafted prose, she plays a vital role in delivering high-quality publications.
Design
Our design team transforms manuscripts into visually compelling books that communicate tone, genre, and audience at a glance. Working closely with editorial and production, the team ensures that covers, interiors, and layouts are not only aesthetically striking but also readable, coherent, and commercially informed. The outcome is design that enhances the reading experience and positions each book confidently within the marketplace.
Kristine
With over ten years of experience in the publishing industry, Kristine is a seasoned book typesetter at Clark & Mackay, specialising in crafting elegant and readable layouts for both print and digital formats. Her keen eye for typography, spacing, and design ensures that every book she works on is both visually appealing and professionally polished. Kristine’s expertise spans multiple genres, from fiction and nonfiction to academic and illustrated works, making her an invaluable part of the publishing process. Passionate about the fine details that enhance a reader’s experience, she plays a vital role in bringing manuscripts to life with precision and artistry.
Janelle
Janelle is a highly creative designer at Clark & Mackay who, despite having only a few years in the publishing industry, consistently delivers work well beyond her experience level. With a deeply intuitive and exploratory creative process, she approaches each project with fresh perspective and fearless originality. Janelle has a strong instinct for visual storytelling and an exceptional ability to translate an author’s vision into distinctive, engaging design. Her work often pushes boundaries while remaining commercially savvy, balancing innovation with clarity and purpose. Rapidly emerging as a standout talent, Janelle brings originality, curiosity, and creative confidence to every project, making her an invaluable part of the Clark & Mackay team.
Ron
Ron is a talented book cover and book designer at Clark & Mackay, bringing over ten years of experience in the publishing industry. With a passion for visual storytelling, he creates striking book covers and expertly designed interiors that enhance the reading experience. His work spans multiple genres, from contemporary fiction to academic and nonfiction, ensuring each book’s design aligns with its unique tone and audience. Combining creativity with a deep understanding of market trends, Ron crafts compelling visuals that captivate readers and elevate authors’ works. His dedication to quality design makes him an integral part of the Clark & Mackay team.
Dhiraj
Dhiraj is a skilled book designer at Clark & Mackay, bringing five years of experience in the publishing and design industries. Starting his career as a freelance designer, he honed his expertise in typography, layout, and visual storytelling before transitioning into book publishing. His keen eye for aesthetics and deep understanding of market trends allow him to create compelling book covers and interior designs that enhance the reader’s experience. Passionate about crafting visually striking and engaging books, Dhiraj plays a key role in transforming manuscripts into beautifully designed publications.
Marketing
The marketing team at Clark & Mackay focuses on creating tailored strategies that support each book’s goals, audience, and publishing pathway. From platform optimisation and campaign planning to advertising and performance analysis, the team works to build visibility, engagement, and long-term discoverability. Marketing efforts are integrated into the broader publishing process, ensuring alignment between the book’s message, presentation, and audience reach.
Adrian
Our seasoned book marketing specialist with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of marketing strategy, from planning and execution to performance analysis. With years of experience in the publishing industry, Adrian oversees and coordinates multifaceted marketing campaigns that drive visibility, engagement, and sales.
BB
A dedicated book marketing specialist with a strong focus on Amazon FBA, Amazon listings, and advertising strategies. With a deep understanding of Amazon’s platform, BB helps optimise book listings, maximize visibility, and drive sales through targeted marketing efforts and paid advertising.
Publishing Support
Our publishing assistants play a critical role in keeping projects moving smoothly across departments. By coordinating timelines, tracking progress, and supporting editorial, design, and production workflows, they help ensure consistency, efficiency, and clear communication. Their work underpins the author experience, allowing each stage of the process to unfold in an organised and predictable way.
Ailah
As a vital member of our publishing team at Clark & Mackay, Ailah plays a key role in coordinating and executing project-based work across multiple stages of the publishing process. With a sharp focus on organization and efficient workflow, she ensures that tasks across editorial, design, and production are executed smoothly and on schedule. Ailah’s ability to manage timelines, track progress, and liaise with various departments makes her an invaluable asset in the successful delivery of each project. Her passion for the publishing world and dedication to making each book a success help streamline processes and support the team’s ongoing efforts to bring exceptional stories to life.
Josephine
Our very own publishing assistant at Clark & Mackay, bringing fresh enthusiasm and a deep passion for storytelling to the industry. Though new to publishing, she is eager to learn and contribute to the process of bringing books to life. With a keen eye for detail and strong organisational skills, she supports the editorial, design, and production teams, assisting with manuscript preparation, proofreading, and coordinating key publishing tasks. Josephine’s love for literature and commitment to quality make her a valuable part of the team as she grows in her career and helps authors share their stories with the world.
Administration
The administration team provides the operational backbone of Clark & Mackay. From accounts and royalties to scheduling and internal coordination, their work ensures that the business runs smoothly and transparently. This structure supports both authors and team members, reinforcing trust, accountability, and professionalism across the publishing journey.
Karlie
A highly organised and detail-oriented administrator, Karlie has a comprehensive skill set in office management and accounts royalty administration. With a strong background in overseeing office operations, Karlie ensures the smooth running of daily activities, handling everything from scheduling and correspondence to team coordination and administrative support. In addition to her administrative expertise, Karlie plays a crucial role in managing accounts and royalty distribution, ensuring accuracy and transparency in financial transactions. Her keen attention to detail and efficiency make her a key asset to the team, as she ensures that all financial records are maintained to the highest standards.
Production
The production and print team brings each book into physical form with precision and care. Managing prepress preparation, printing, finishing, binding, and dispatch, the team ensures that every title meets high technical and quality standards. Close collaboration with design and editorial guarantees that what reaches readers reflects the creative intent of the project, delivered reliably and to specification.
Doug
Prepress Operator, Production Designer & Digital Press Operator
A highly skilled prepress operator, production designer, and digital press operator with extensive experience in the print and design industry. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the entire production workflow, D plays a pivotal role in preparing files for print, ensuring that every design is optimised for the highest quality output. His expertise in prepress operations includes file preparation, colour management, and troubleshooting, ensuring a seamless transition from design to print. Known for his technical expertise, creativity, and efficiency, D ensures that every project is delivered to the highest standards, from concept to final print. His dedication to quality and his ability to manage complex tasks in a fast-paced environment make him an invaluable asset to the team.
Gary
Print Machinist and Print Finishing
Our skilled and experienced print machinist with a passion for precision and high-quality production. With years of hands-on experience in the printing industry, Gary has developed a deep understanding of print machinery, ensuring efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. His expertise spans a wide range of printing techniques and equipment, allowing him to deliver consistent and outstanding results across various print projects.
Sandra
Bindery, Finishing and Despatch
An incredibly versatile and skilled professional with extensive experience in print finishing, bindery operations, and dispatch coordination. With a meticulous eye for detail, she oversees the final stages of the printing process, ensuring that each project is carefully finished to meet the highest quality standards. Her expertise in bindery operations includes cutting, folding, stitching, and assembling print materials, ensuring that every piece is perfectly crafted and ready for distribution. As a dispatch coordinator, Sandra plays a vital role in the timely and efficient delivery of print products. She manages logistics, coordinates shipments, and ensures that all orders are processed accurately and dispatched on schedule. Her ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining a high level of organization makes her an invaluable asset to the team.
Lucky
Guillotine & Warehouse Newhand
A motivated and fast-learning team member who’s just beginning their journey in the print and warehouse industry. Lucky is being trained in the operation of the guillotine and is quickly gaining hands-on experience in the precision required for cutting and finishing printed materials. With a keen eye for detail and a positive attitude, they’re building the foundational skills needed to ensure quality and accuracy in every job. Lucky is also learning the ropes of warehouse management, including inventory handling and safe, efficient storage practices. We’re excited to have them on the team and support their growth in this dynamic environment.
Our Founding Family
FOUNDER / FIRST GENERATION
JOHN MACKAY
Born in 1880, John Mackay opened the firm of Clark & Mackay in 1928 with his partner Mr Bert Clark. They had both worked at the firm of Jackson & O’Sullivan before starting the business together. Prior to this, John had been a foreman for Keid & Co Printers of Adelaide Street, and had even set examination papers for apprentices attending training colleges.
2ND GENERATION
IAN MACKAY
Ian Mackay, son of John Mackay, was born in 1920. After leaving high school in 1936, he entered the business undergoing his apprenticeship as a letterpress machinist. He left later that year to serve in the army during the Second World War. After being wounded, Ian spent time in hospital and later returned to help his father in the business. By this time, Mr Clark had passed away and Mr John Mackay was in sole charge until 1957 when he, too, died.
Some years later, Ian looked towards the future for his sons and had a new printing factory built in West End. All existing machinery was moved there, and soon after, the entire factory was air conditioned. Ian was later responsible for this factory tripling in size. Ian has since passed away, however, Clark & Mackay continue to hold onto a few of his loyal clients.
3RD GENERATION
NEIL MACKAY
Neil Mackay was born in 1948. Growing up in Brisbane, he attended Brisbane Grammar School for his secondary education before taking up an apprenticeship as a printing machinist specialising in letterpress and lithography (following his father’s footsteps).
3RD GENERATION
ROSS MACKAY
Born in 1952, Mr Ross Mackay attended Brisbane Grammar School. After completing Grade 12, Ross entered the firm as an apprentice compositor in the art department and attended classes in marketing, bookkeeping, and later sales. Ross was also president of the Printing Employers Group in Queensland.
He has since retired from Clark & Mackay and is now a preacher within the Uniting Church.
4TH GENERATION
PAUL MACKAY
Paul Mackay, son of Neil Mackay, joined Clark & Mackay in 1997 while undergoing his apprenticeship as a printing machinist. He, too, followed in his father’s footsteps and was the fourth generation of Mackay to join the business. He completed a four year apprenticeship and worked for two years as a printing machinist before being promoted into a sales position in 2002.
Paul always had a talent for sports, especially baseball, where he played in Queensland championships and successfully took out the state championship trophy as well as representing Australia in the Expos team over in the USA.