GALION -- Missy Harris, a former history and genealogy curator at the Galion Public Library, co-owns the new independent book publishing company Harris Innovations.

Harris, 32, lives in Galion and wants to publish motivational books that make a difference in people's lives and books about the environment. Her husband, Jaysen Harris, 33, is co-owner and assists with Web site and book cover designs.

Her business venture began in 2007 when she met Canadian Tina-Sue Ducross, author of "No Shadows Left Behind." The book is about two women dealing with sexual abuse. DuCross and Harris became friends. Harris wanted to help with printing and publishing the book locally.

"Foster kids who deal with abuse can benefit from the book," she said. "We're hoping it helps with the healing process and increases sensitivity with non-victims."

Missy contacted Bookmasters, a printing company in Ashland, that offered a reasonable price quote and she opened a credit card to cover printing costs.

"Editing comes very easy, (but) layout is hard," she said.

Jaysen's computer and design expertise came in handy for the cover design of "No Shadows."

In June, Missy attended Ducross' book launch party in Canada and Bookmasters printed three thousand copies of "No Shadows." She said 100 books have been sold and the Galion library has a copy.

"Ralph Cobey: American Eagle" is the second book to be published by the new company, Harris Innovations. It is a biography about Ralph Cobey, a well-known Galion philanthropist and community leader.

Missy met Cobey's daughter Susanne Cobey, CEO of Eagle Crusher, at a company party while Jaysen was an employee. During a meeting last winter, Susanne asked Missy to write a biography of Cobey's life -- he turned 99 in August.

The book is almost complete. The process of writing and editing the book was challenging, as Missy wanted to paint a picture about Cobey's influence that would inspire the community.

"(That cover) is still in draft form. He loves innovation," Missy said. "He wants boys to join Boy Scouts from his biography."

In the midst of editing and publishing, Missy and Jaysen have an interest in "Earthship Biotecture," which are sustainable communities built from recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans and used tires. The Harrises plan on moving to Kentucky to build an Earthship home after the Cobey book is published.

"I want to build an Earthship in Galion, but the community may not be receptive to building sustainable communities," Missy said. "(Americans are) used to things being easy."

Since leaving their jobs to pursue publishing full-time, the Harrises work from their home. Their dining room is their workspace and is loaded with books, papers, and Jaysen's hardware tools. Their daughter Aubrey, 5, provides a constant source of positive energy and support, Missy said.

The Barnard College gradate has a bachelors degree in Sociology and is presenting a workshop on manuscript editing at the first Mid-Ohio Writers Association Conference in Mansfield this month.

The company Web site, harrisinnovationspublishing.com, is for book orders. Missy blogs about the editing process of "No Shadows" and "American Eagle." Blogs about sustainable living and Earthships will follow.

"I see us traveling to promote Earthship building around the world, and the publishing will supplement that," she said.