THE first manuscript Shelley Russell Nolan finished writing was about a girl who fought brain-eating aliens.

The Rockhampton author has come a long way since she penned that story at 16, but remains fascinated by urban fantasy and won't rule out returning to the aliens one day.

Shelley is celebrating the upcoming publication of the second novel in her debut series and the re-publication of her first book, Lost Reaper.

Although it's been a time of mixed emotions for Shelley, who secured the second publication deal after finding out the publisher of her first novel was closing.

"It went from a really bad day to find out I no longer had a publisher, to a really good one to find out I had a new publisher and a two-book deal,” she said.

Her new publisher, Atlas Productions, will re-release the first book on September 1, with the second, Winged Reaper, to follow on October 1.

Although she can't wait to open a box of her newly-printed books, Shelley is also hard at work gathering ideas for the third book in the series.

While she hasn't started writing it yet, Shelley hopes it will be published early next year.

But the series, featuring a battle with the grim reaper, isn't Shelley's only project.

She is also editing the first book of a young adult series and pitching another standalone fantasy novel to publishers.

Finding something to write about isn't a problem for Shelley, who said the real challenge was being able to actually write.

Although she faced some challenges in getting her book published initially, Shelley said it was important to keep pitching and meeting people in the industry.

She said it was vital to get your work read by the right people.

"You never give up hope your book babies will get published,” Shelley said.