Monday, January 12, 2015





Barbara Joe

Today I am featuring an Amazon's best selling author Barbara Joe Williams. I am honored and admire her work and her success. She stops by today to answer just a few questions that authors may want to know.

Barbara Joe Williams is an Amazon bestselling author, indie publisher, and a motivational speaker living in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a Navy veteran, a graduate of Tallahassee Community College, and Florida A & M University. She is the owner of Amani Publishing, LLC, and the co-founder of the Tallahassee Authors Network (TAN).

She has published a variety of books for other authors and the following titles for herself: A Cup of Barbara JoeHoliday Hotel: A sexy short storyForgive Us This Day (Anniversary Edition) featured in USA TodayFirst Class LoveYou Don't Even Know My Name (novella), A Writer's Guide to Publishing & Marketing (Volume 2), Double Proposal, Losing My Soul, A Man of My Own,The 21 Lives of Lisette Donavan (Anthology),  Moving the Furniture: 52 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Fresh, How I Met My Sweetheart (Anthology),  Courtney's Collage,Falling for Lies, Dancing with Temptation, and Forgive Us This Day.


Ask Barbara Joe


1. What is the best advice you can give author?

The best advice I can give an author is to remember that writing is a hobby, but publishing is a business. Once your book is published and available to the public, you're an entrepreneur. You will need to learn all you can about the publishing industry if you want to have a long-term career in this business. Do your research, know what you're getting into, and know what to expect or else you will be severely disappointed later on. Read several books on publishing including mine's titled, A Writer's Guide to Publishing & Marketing.

2. Does it take a long time to write a book?

No, it doesn't take a long time for me to write a book. It honestly depends on what I'm writing. Of course, it takes me months to write a novel, but I can write a short story or a novella in a couple of days. Nonfiction books are usually easier for me to write as well because I don't have to do as much research.

3. Will I need a large investment to write a book?

No, you won't need a large investment to write a book, but you will need a small investment to publish a book. The amount will depend on whether you're trying to release eBooks, paperbacks, or hardbacks. Of course, eBooks are the least expensive to produce and hardbacks are the most expensive. A lot of new authors are publishing eBooks only due to the low production costs. 

4. Can anyone learn to write a book?

Yes, I believe anyone who can learn to read a book can also learn to write a book. It just depends on how much time one is willing to spend on learning the process. Some people have natural writing abilities but even those individuals can be improved with education. It just depends on what you want to write.

5. After I write a book, is it the publishers responsibility to sell and market the book?

No, after you write the book, it's your responsibility to publish (if you choose) and market it yourself. Even if you sign with a traditional publisher, it will be up to you to market your product to the public. Unless you're a celebrity, most publishers are not going to do much marketing for your book. Once it's in the bookstores or available online, it's your job to make it move into the hands of readers. If you need help with that, check out my release on February 5th titled, A-Z Marketing Tips: A Motivational Guide to Selling Your Products. 




Her latest feature "A Cup of Barbara Joe" can be purchased here on Amazon or visit her official website @




Barbara Joe, Thanks for stopping by! 
I 100% agree with all your answers. 



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6 comments:

  1. The information is much needed! New and experienced authors can use this information! Often people that publish books feel that it is the responsibility of the publishing company to sell and market the finished product. There are people that can be paid to do this like distributors, sales people, and marketers, The cost can be overwhelming. I wrote a blog post some time ago, "Your Book is Your Business" People that are well know have it made. No wonder they sell millions! Thanks for commenting!

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  2. Hello Barbara

    Great interview. Really helpful information. Something I never really thought about it being a business. Never thought of it separately.. Thank you again. Love your books by the way.

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  3. Thank you all for reading and commenting.

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  4. Anyone who wants to write and publish a book should take your tips to heart, whether new or experienced. Great information, Barbara!

    Sheryl Lister

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  5. Thank you, Sheryl. My responses were short but to the point.

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