Refined design for authors who value craft.
Fiction Refinery Studio exists to help authors present their work with clarity, professionalism, and a cohesive visual identity. The studio specializes in book cover design, author branding, website development, and editorial support, with a focus on understated elegance and market-appropriate design. Each project is approached with care, precision, and a respect for both the story and the audience it seeks to reach.
Core philosophy
Great design does not compete with a story. It supports it.
Fiction Refinery Studio emphasizes thoughtful typography, clean composition, and purposeful aesthetic choices. The goal is not to follow trends, but to create refined, enduring designs that align with each author’s long-term publishing goals. Whether you are releasing a debut novel or expanding a multi-book series, the focus remains on clarity, cohesion, and craft.
About the founders
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” -Proverbs 16:3
Nicole Locker
Fiction Refinery Studio is owned and operated by Nicole Locker, a designer, editor, and author with professional experience in project leadership, technical communication, and literary design. Nicole, an alumni of Texas Tech University, holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology, grounding her work in a reader-centered, analytical understanding of how audiences engage with story, design, and messaging. Her background includes work in publishing, writing, nonprofit leadership, and digital design, along with years of experience building polished, functional websites and editorial assets for authors and organizations.
Nicole approaches design with a strategic mindset: every element must serve a purpose, reinforce the brand, and respect the integrity of the work.
Erin Baxter
Fiction Refinery Studio is co-owned and operated by Erin Baxter, an editor, writer, and communications strategist with extensive experience in publishing and media leadership. Erin has served as Editor-in-Chief of Heart of Texas magazine and TexasHillCountry.com, an editor for Lubbock Metro Leader, and a feature writer for West Texas TravelHost Magazine, where she oversaw content development, editorial standards, and narrative direction across print and digital platforms.
With a background in Technical and Scientific Communication from Texas Tech University, Erin brings clarity, structure, and editorial precision to Fiction Refinery Studio’s offerings, helping clients refine their voice, strengthen their messaging, and present polished, professional work that resonates with readers.
Approach to collaboration
Collaboration is grounded in professionalism, clear communication, and mutual respect for the creative process. Each project begins with a discovery phase to understand the author’s voice, goals, and readership, followed by structured design drafts, refinement, and final deliverables prepared for both print and digital distribution.
Timelines, expectations, and deliverables are clearly defined from the start to ensure a smooth, confident experience from concept to completion.
What you can expect
★ A polished, organized design process
★ Thoughtful attention to detail
★ Files prepared to industry standards
★ Professional formatting and visual coherence
★ A long-term partner in your publishing journey
Work With Us
If you’re preparing to launch a book or elevate your author brand, I would be glad to collaborate. You can begin by exploring services or requesting a consultation.