The onça, the jaguar. An animal simultaneously powerful, beautiful, striking and rare. To be in the presence of an onça is a gift, an experience to treasure. This is the standard of excellence Onça Publishing strives for.
Hello! I am Libris Simas Ferraz, but you may also know me as Shed or João. I’m a designer and editor with over ten years of experience in the book publishing industry. My pronouns are he/him. I have earned a Master of Publishing and a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Some of my returning clients include Harbour Publishing, Douglas & McIntyre and Caitlin Press.
I was born in Brazil and have been living in British Columbia since 2008. I have worked in-house at several BC publishing houses, including Tradewind Books, Harbour Publishing and Douglas & McIntyre, doing everything from cover design and page layout to copyediting and substantive editing, production management and ebook conversion.
I'm always happy to hear from new prospective clients, so please have a look at my portfolio and get in touch.
As Onça Publishing, I have also published one title independently. My special edition of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde represents many of my interests. Stevenson's classic gothic novella was an early work of science fiction in which Dr. Jekyll attempts to split his personality in two. My edition was carefully designed to reflect the relationship between Jekyll and his alter ego, Hyde, and was produced with high-quality materials.
Professional Experience
2015– Onça Publishing (freelancer). Regularly provides design, editorial and ebook services to publishers, including Harbour Publishing, Nightwood Editions, Douglas & McIntyre, Ronsdale Press and Caitlin Press.
2014–15 Harbour Publishing / Douglas & McIntyre, Designer & Ebook Coordinator, Production Assistant. Designed book covers, page layouts and marketing materials; oversaw conversion and optimization of ebooks; assisted in photo research; ensured books progressed through editorial stages smoothly and on schedule.
2012–13 Tradewind Books, Editorial Assistant. Collaborated with editors and publisher in editing upcoming titles; designed and updated promotional materials including magazine ads, catalogues, and flyers; and maintained and updated the company website.
Education
2015 Master of Publishing, Simon Fraser University. With an emphasis in design and multi-platform publishing efficiency.
2012 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, University of British Columbia. With an emphasis in book production and design, drawing and writing.
Awards
2013 Susan Juby Award, Simon Fraser University, Master of Publishing. Given to students who have demonstrated the qualities of a top editor during the Editorial Theory & Practice course.