About the Author

Photo by Kawena Lei

 

Bio (50 words): Shay Kauwe is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) author from Hawaiʻi. She grew up on the Homestead in Waimānalo but moved to Russia because she fell in love with a boy. They now live on Oʻahu with their poi dog, Iris.

Longer Bio (100 words): Shay Kauwe is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) author from Hawaiʻi. She grew up on the Homestead in Waimānalo but moved to Russia because she fell in love with a boy. They now live on Oʻahu. Shay holds an M.Ed in Education and was named an NCTE Early Educator of Color in 2021. In 2022, she was awarded an Empowering ʻŌiwi Leadership Award by the Hawaiian Council, for her work in storytelling and literacy. Her debut urban fantasy THE KILLING SPELL (Saga/Solaris Books) is the first traditionally published adult fantasy novel by a Hawaiian author.

Shay Kauwe - Name Pronunciation

Shay is represented by Jon Cobb at HG Literary.

For US Media and Publicity requests, please reach out to Christine Calella at Saga Press.

For UK Media and Publicity requests, please reach out to Jess Gofton at Rebellion Publishing.

Link to Press Kit

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I am primarily active on Instagram and TikTok. All active social media accounts are linked at the bottom of the page, but I can also be reached via email at shay.kauwe.hi@gmail.com.

    1. Get into the practice of writing regularly. The more you write, the better you’ll be. You can use this free Word Tracker Template to track your progress.

    2. Read widely and learn from what you read. (Even the stuff you don’t like!)

    3. Focus on improving from one piece to the next and not on creating a “perfect” book.

    4. Don’t self-deselect. Apply for every opportunity. You can do it.

    Please also check out my new resource page for more advice, Q&A, and information.

  • You need to query agents first and find one to represent you. Once you find an agent, they will help you sell your book to a publishing house.

    Querying is hard and long, so be mentally prepared for that. (It took me about a year!) You can use this free Query Tracker Template I’ve created to keep track of your efforts.

    Please also check out my new resource page for more advice, Q&A, and information.