How Karlene Murray is transforming Caribbean publishing one author at a time

For much of her childhood, Karlene Murray was defined by what others thought she could not do.

Diagnosed with sickle cell disease at two, the Kingston-born entrepreneur grew up navigating severe pain crises, frequent absences from school, and a lifetime of caution. Family members, teachers and healthcare professionals urged her to scale back her ambitions. Though well-intentioned, such advice gradually shaped her sense of what was possible.

Today, Murray is proving that limitations need not define one’s future. As founder and chief executive officer of Murray Publishing and Professional Services Limited (MPPS), she has built a business helping aspiring authors turn ideas, experiences and expertise into published works for a global audience.

Born and raised on Chisholm Avenue in Kingston, Murray describes her upbringing as humble but grounded in values that still guide her. She is the youngest of two children born to her late mother, Avery Henry, and the younger sister of executive chef Karl Thomas. Faith is central to her life. In 2015, she dedicated her life to Christ, a decision she says continues to shape both her business and her service to others.

For years, however, she believed her condition would limit her prospects.

“I reached a point where I was tired of playing small and living within limitations defined for me by others. I realised that while wisdom and caution have their place, they should not prevent me from fully living the life God has given me,” Murray said.

That shift proved decisive. Instead of dwelling on constraints, she began to explore what she could do. The process was gradual and often uncomfortable, but it pushed her towards opportunities she had once dismissed — and ultimately towards entrepreneurship.

Her entry into publishing came unexpectedly in 2022 when a friend introduced her to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Initially curious, she began creating journals, notebooks and planners. A side interest soon grew into something larger.

In a period of personal and professional transition, she sought direction. As her skills developed, so did her sense that they could serve others.

“I realised the skills I was developing were not just for my benefit. There were people with stories to tell, knowledge to share, and messages that could impact lives, but they did not know how to navigate the publishing process,” Murray said.

That realisation led to the creation of MPPS.

BRIDGING THE GAP

A defining moment followed when her first client reached out through a Facebook group. The client had a vision for journals focused on healing and personal growth but lacked the technical know-how to publish them. Helping bring that project to life confirmed a clear demand: many people had content, but not the confidence, knowledge or resources to publish it.

From then on, Murray set out to bridge that gap — helping authors move from idea to finished book. The journey was not straightforward. Like many entrepreneurs, she faced financial constraints, self-doubt and isolation. Imposter syndrome loomed, particularly in an industry unfamiliar to many around her.

“There were times when resources were limited and I questioned whether I was on the right path. Many of the people around me did not fully understand the vision or the publishing industry itself,” Murray said.

Those challenges, however, strengthened her resolve. They underscored the value of persistence, continuous learning and faith.

Today, MPPS offers services across the publishing chain, from copyediting and proofreading to formatting, cover design and publishing support. It also provides metadata optimisation, pricing guidance, website development, marketing strategy, coaching and individual consultations.

For Murray, publishing is only the start.

“A book cannot sell if people do not know it exists. Publishing is only the beginning,” she said.

She works with clients to align their books with broader goals — whether building a personal brand, establishing credibility, creating business opportunities or leaving a legacy.

This approach is particularly valuable for Caribbean authors who face structural barriers in traditional publishing. With major publishing houses concentrated in North America and Europe, Caribbean voices often struggle for attention. Limited access to agents, networks and resources compounds the challenge.

EXTENDING REACH

Self-publishing, Murray argues, offers a way forward. It gives authors control over content, timelines, branding and royalties, while allowing them to reach readers directly. It also enables them to demonstrate demand independently of traditional gatekeepers.

Through MPPS, she connects Caribbean writers to platforms such as Amazon KDP, Lulu, Draft2Digital, IngramSpark and Findaway Voices, extending their reach beyond the region.

Among her clients, one success story stands out. In 2023, MPPS began working with Peta-Gaye Graham, founder of The Healed Version of Me (THVM), a movement centred on healing and personal development. Together, they developed a book released in 2025.

It has since sold more than 400 copies and secured placement in major bookstores across Jamaica. More importantly, it has helped establish Graham as a recognised voice on emotional intelligence, healing and personal transformation.

For Murray, such outcomes illustrate the wider potential of publishing when paired with strategy and support.

Recognising that authors often need help beyond publication, she also launched The Self-Publish Connection Book Community. What began as a book club offering reviews and discussions has evolved into a broader network providing marketing support, promotional opportunities, media connections and community engagement.

Her mission remains rooted in empowerment. She wants aspiring writers — especially in the Caribbean — to recognise the value of their stories.

“Our experiences are often bigger than ourselves. Someone, somewhere, needs the insight, perspective, or encouragement that only you can provide,” she said.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com