As the sole proprietor here at Gooney Otter Press, I’m Terry Bailey. My journey began in 2022 when I went from a retired educator to a published author, an experience that changed my path. Having taught and supervised education for years, storytelling and sharing knowledge have always been close to my heart. 

My first book, a memoir titled “FORGED BY COAL: A Family's Story,” came straight from the depths of West Virginia’s coal mining legacy. Soon after, I explored a new genre with “THE GOONEY OTTER,” which was aimed at children and delved into ecology through the adventures of Gooney, a river otter. Self-publishing wasn’t easy, but the dual journey of being an author and a publisher gave me insights I now share with fellow first-timers. 

My current venture has me collaborating with senior citizen poets to bring their collective voice to light in “STREAMS of CONSCIOUSNESS,” a beloved poetry anthology. Every step I’ve taken fuels my dedication to guide others in overcoming the hurdles of self-publishing, ensuring their stories reach eager readers.