About Us
Our Story
Lucid Books began in 2006 when CEO and founder Casey Cease learned of the struggles his mentor had recently gone through when trying to publish his book. His experience was one many authors have felt—he was alone, trying to understand the complicated world of publishing on his own. In self-publishing, most authors had no clue how to navigate the complicated details, and there was no regulation of quality.
Traditional publishers routinely rejected powerful book pitches if authors didn't have large enough platforms or because authors wouldn't hand over creative control. This sparked an idea. Casey believed in the power of words and ideas. But he also knew that the marketplace, along with the needs of authors, was constantly changing. Publishers needed to be in the business of supporting authors and creating solutions for authors, instead of clinging to traditional models quickly becoming outdated. Casey wanted to create a publishing company that would adapt to authors’ changing needs and provide creative, unique solutions for individual writers. And so, Lucid Books began. In order to fully partner with authors, Lucid brought in skilled editors, created extensive marketing solutions, and developed comprehensive production services. Fourteen years later, Lucid Books continues to adapt every year to the changes of the publishing industry and create strategic solutions to the challenges authors face.
Meet the Lucid Team
Casey Cease
Megan Poling
Megan graduated magna cum laude from Georgia Tech in 2003 and enjoys using her mixed talents of operations, engineering, marketing, and design to truly lead the team in such an ever-evolving and challenging industry. She is a proud wife and mother of two amazing children (three if you count their pup_ and enjoys being involved in their school and sports. She is an avid "Survivor" fan and continues to try each eason to earn her spot on the show. When she can steal a moment to herself, she is usually covered in sawdust during a new piece on her lathe.
John Cochran
John Cochran is a very success-driven individual with proven results. He has more than twenty years in Sales and Business Development and has enjoyed working closely with the authors throughout the entire book buildout process. John assists with the production schedules and timelines that are key to each project's success while maintaining a constant connection to each phase of the process allowing the entire team to wprk stronger and more efficiently.
John graduated from West Virginia University in 1998 with a BA in Communication Studies and he married his lovely wife, Marcella, in 2005. They have been blessed with their beautiful daughter, Kennlieigh. In addition to spending as much time as possible with his family, John enjoys coaching girls soccer, the cinema, and all things WVU.
Makenzie Taylor
MaKenzie Taylor's love for reading has always been a driving factor in her education taking her down the path of a dual degree in both English and Spanish. She is currently on track to complete her master's degree at Fairmont State University and truly enjoys using her acquired skills and knowledge to help authors thorughout the writing, editing, and publishing process
When not deep in the manuscript world, MaKenzie loves to seek out unique cofee shops (coffee is her #1 drink of choice - and we believe might be a part of her magic energy!) She also loves spending time with her two dogs and cat and surrounds herself with children as much as possible in community activites and events.
Alisa Demarco
Alisa DeMarco brings a wealth of experience to help with marketing processes within the company as the Marketing Coordinator. A designer and entrepreneur by trade, she believes success comes from building creative solutions. Her previous experiences in branding, production, print, sourcing, and retail sales management lend a unique insight to help polish and support both the Lucid brand and its authors.
Graduating cum laude from DePauw University in 2002 with a degree in Studio Art, her passion for art and design paved the way for her professional endeavors. Alisa is a wife and mother of four energetic children, and she loves spending time with her family. In rare moments of free time, she can be found flexing her creative juices via photography.
Javan Hamilton
Javan Hamilton serves the Lucid Books team with his great talents as a Graphics and Media Associate. A native of New Orleans, he brings years of experience in graphic design, media production, and journalism from his work at WVLA/WGMB-TV in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and from a litany of projects both there and in Houston. He launched new outreach strategies to attract more viewers to the programs while using his creative eye to help small business owners broaden their presence, and he enjoys bringing this expertise in to help authors.
In his free time, Javan enjoys cooking, bowling, budget fashion, and the game show Press Your Luck.
Allison Dietzmann
Allison Dietzmann, Royalties Specialist, manages the life cycle of the royalty data at Lucid Books. She not only owrks with authors to understand data and portal needs but also maintains the system and statement reports pertaining to all things royalties.
Allison graduated from the University of Houston in 2009 with a BS in Hospitality. She, her husband, and their cat Rambeaux have been travelling the country in their Winnebago motorhome since August of 2019. When she is not exploring new places or seeing family and friends, she enjoys watching live music, finding new places to play pinball, and drinking a good latte.
Kind Words from Our Authors
Hear from those who have already published with us
