In Touch with Author and Publisher, Barbara Joe-Williams

When did you realize that writing was something you wanted to do?

I started writing my first novel in November 2003. I went to the bookstore specifically looking for a romance novel about a married couple going through trials and tribulations. After realizing that there wasn't very much available, I decided to create my own storyline. I'd been an avid reader of romance books for over twenty years, so I figured that I should be able to write one, too.


You have published several works; which one has been the most challenging for you to write, and why?

The first book was the most challenging one to write simply because it was something new to me. I wasn't exactly sure what I was doing, and I didn't have anyone else reading to give me feedback as the story was developed. Now I have an editor and a couple of readers to help me out as I write.


You started Amani Publishing - what was the initial reason behind starting the company?

I tried the traditional publishing route, but I quickly realized that could take a very long time. So I decided to publish the first book myself to start getting my name out there while I continued seeking an agent and/or a major publisher.


How successful have you been with Amani Publishing?

I believe it is a very successful business. I've just published my third novel titled "Falling for Lies," and I've published five other authors this year. Next year, February 1, I have an anthology coming out titled "How I Met My Sweetheart" with a total of eighteen authors from seven different states. So my name is being publicized and earning credibility.


Falling for Lies Description: Is Pastor Karema Wright falling for Deacon Pye or is she simply falling for his lies?

After ten years of praying for Mr. Right, Pastor Karema Wright believes that her prayers have finally been answered when she falls in love with Deacon Mitchell Pye, the most eligible bachelor in the church. He proposes marriage to her after dating for almost a year. Will she finally have it all: a new church, a new home, and a new husband?


Not only do you publish your own works, but you also publish other authors. Where do you find your authors?

All of them have found me. I concentrated on doing several local events this year to bring out aspiring authors and readers. Fortunately, all of these authors came out, met me, and things just developed from there.


Can authors submit their work to Amani Publishing for possible publication? If so, what are the guidelines, what are you looking for?

Yes, authors are welcome to submit their works to Amani Publishing for publishing consideration. They should submit an original typed document using Microsoft Word via email attachment. I'm looking for creative fiction and non-fiction work such as novellas, poetry, spiritual essays, etc.


What has been a positive in being an author and publisher?
The most positive thing about being an author and a publisher is that I have an opportunity to help myself as well as other aspiring writers. I started my professional career as a school teacher, and I will always consider myself a teacher. Being in a position to help others has always been very important to me.


What has been a negative aspect of being an author and publisher?

The only negative thing about being an independent publisher is that all of the responsibilities fall on me. Although I have other people that help me out along the way, the primary tasks involved in producing the final books are mine.


What are three important things that you have learned as an author and a publisher?

The three most important things that I've learned are:
1) Write whatever you feel passionate about;
2) Don't be afraid to ask others for help; and
3) Try to remain positive even in negative situations.


What is the one dream project you would love to work on - whether as author or as publisher?

The one dream project that I would love to work on as an author would be an anthology featuring some of my favorite authors such as Kimberla Lawson Roby, Terry McMillan, Brenda Jackson, Victoria Christopher Murray, and/or Reshonda Tate Billingsley.



If you'd like to learn more about Amani Publishing, check out the WEBSITE!

Barbara has a blog, and you can check it out HERE!