Chief Editing officer

Kristy Gibbs is the founder of Dead Trees & Ink, where her lifelong love for storytelling meets a passion for helping indie authors succeed. Her experience includes editing and publishing a novel and several short stories, with a focus on pacing, character development, and crafting narratives that feel both engaging and authentic. Kristy specializes in Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, and Science Fiction, approaching every project with heart and a commitment to preserving each author’s unique voice.

What fuels the passion driving her? From writing and reading fanfiction as a child to exploring the different mediums of creative storytelling, Kristy has always been captivated by the depth of a good story and the power it holds. Working alongside her husband Erik inspired Kristy to support new authors, creating opportunities for them to thrive in a competitive space.

As a registered veterinary technician she spends her free time providing Equine Assisted Learning lessons, training her horses, and caring for her many pets with dreams of owning a sanctuary someday.

Managing Editor

Erik Tucsok brings a lifetime of storytelling passion to Dead Trees & Ink. From writing and editing multiple published stories to collaborating on screenplays with local directors and writers, Erik has always found joy in crafting narratives. Over the years he has honed his ability to build immersive worlds and compelling characters, expanding on an ever-growing story form, and now he applies these skills to developmental editing and dialogue refinement.

As an indie author himself, Erik understands the challenges of the publishing world and is committed to helping others navigate it. He focuses on preserving each author’s unique voice while strengthening their story’s overall mission. His expertise in developmental editing perfectly complements Kristy’s line editing finesse, creating a dynamic and collaborative partnership.

When he’s not editing, Erik enjoys reviewing movies, reading fellow author’s works, and spending time with family and friends. His favorite part of the job? Helping indie authors build stories to the best they can be all while making the creative process more accessible for everyone.