{"id":416,"date":"2025-10-12T13:02:19","date_gmt":"2025-10-12T18:02:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/?p=416"},"modified":"2025-10-13T09:36:49","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T14:36:49","slug":"interview-with-author-book-editor-annie-barkley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/?p=416","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Author &amp; Book Editor \u2013 Annie Barkley"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I had the privilege of interviewing author and book editor, Annie Barkley, who has written both fiction and nonfiction books and works as a Book Editor for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbourbooks.com\/\">Barbour Books<\/a> \u2013 she also happens to be my (favorite) cousin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Untitled-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-417\" srcset=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Untitled-768x1024.jpg 768w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Untitled-225x300.jpg 225w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Untitled-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Untitled.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Has Annie Always Wanted to be a Writer?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to her mom, the answer is yes! The story goes that when Annie was two years old, she asked her mom to write down a story for her. Sadly, the story has gone missing, but her love of words clearly started young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Annie always knew she would work with words and pursued a Communications degree in college. After starting her professional career as a newspaper reporter, she felt God leading her in a new path \u2013 toward Christian publishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Author or Book Editor \u2013 Which Came First?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asked what she does for a living, Annie leads with Book Editor, since it\u2019s her full-time occupation. In her role at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbourbooks.com\/\">Barbour Books<\/a>, she develops book ideas, recruits authors and manages manuscripts through the publishing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She also writes marketing copy \u2013 like book blurbs for Amazon listings and back-cover book descriptions. Every day she works with words and books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Does Editing Books for a Living Help Her Write Better Books (and vice versa)?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Definitely. After nearly 20 years at Barbour, Annie says she\u2019s \u201cconvinced more than ever of the importance of being a good communicator, especially through the written word.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How Important is Communication?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c\u2018Words have power\u2019\u201d is a clich\u00e9 for a reason,\u201d Annie says. Whether through email, conversation, or storytelling, clear and effective communication is an invaluable skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She even notes that Gen Alpha slang is its own form of effective communication \u2013 but understanding how to communicate across generations is just as important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The First Book She Wrote<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She contributed to a daily devotional for women. As a newspaper reporter, she also published many articles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How Long Does It Take to Publish a Book \u2013 from Initial Concept to Publication?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For her children\u2019s book, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3W2bq8X\">Diary of a Real Payne<\/a><\/em>, the idea came up in work meeting and was given the green light to be contracted. Annie asked if she could write it \u2013 and was given the opportunity. This type of writing gig is known as \u201cwork for hire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From concept to print, the time-frame looked like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>6 months to write<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4 months for editing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1-2 months at the printer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In total, the process took about a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"564\" src=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251010_155337675-1024x564.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-418\" srcset=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251010_155337675-1024x564.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251010_155337675-300x165.jpg 300w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251010_155337675-768x423.jpg 768w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251010_155337675-1536x846.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251010_155337675-2048x1128.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Annie\u2019s Fiction Writing Process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Writing fiction presented a new challenge. For <em>Diary of a Real Payne<\/em>, she had to create the entire universe, including homes, rooms and daily life details for kids to easily visualize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She also came up with the idea for how the book is structured with each chapter starting with a diary entry followed by a narrative \u2013 making it perfect as a \u201cread-a-chapter-a-night\u201d book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Annie found that she had to be super intentional not to write in her own house as she found it was too distracting. To set herself up for success, she would go to library every day after work, put on noise cancelling headphones, establish word goals for herself and write. 40,000 words later, she had the first draft done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After writing the first book, she knew she could write the second and third books in the series. Originally, she wasn\u2019t locked in as the author of all three books. But after writing the first book, she felt ownership over the characters that she had established and wanted to see it through to the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Writing Devotionals and Bible Studies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When writing devotionals, Annie starts by digging into Scripture. She reads through the Bible sections, highlights key verses, and takes notes before choosing themes, topics and titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her devotional books often follow three-month Bible reading plans (90\u201393 days) and provide daily encouragement for readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"496\" height=\"800\" src=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/9781643525563__73623.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-419\" style=\"width:680px;height:auto\" srcset=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/9781643525563__73623.jpg 496w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/9781643525563__73623-186x300.jpg 186w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 496px) 100vw, 496px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How Does She Handle Writer\u2019s Block?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her advice: \u201cButt in seat. Get the words out.\u201d She also suggested walking away, clearing your head and coming back refreshed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How Did She Get Her Books Published?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since Annie works for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbourbooks.com\/\">publisher<\/a>, many of her books are \u201cworks for hire\u201d \u2013 projects she\u2019s contracted to write.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Annie\u2019s Advice for Aspiring Authors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>For Kids:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Write for your school newspaper or yearbook and seek writing opportunities that allow for feedback. Journaling is great, but writing for an audience helps you grow. The more you learn how to communicate in different ways, the better writer you\u2019ll be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>For Adults:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Join local writers\u2019 guilds or attend writers\u2019 conferences. Write what you know and take advantage of today\u2019s self-publishing opportunities. She says, \u201cPeople who have a book inside of them have great opportunities available\u201d compared to previous times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Upcoming Books by Annie Barkley<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes \u2013 Annie has more books in the works!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbourbooks.com\/my-daily-prayer-plan-2026-edition\/?searchid=0&amp;search_query=My+Daily+Prayer+Plan%3A+2026\">My Daily Prayer Plan: 2026 Edition: An Interactive Prayer Tracker for Women<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbourbooks.com\/daily-wisdom-for-women-2026-devotional-collection\/\">Daily Wisdom for Women 2026 Devotional Collection<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Does Annie Hope Readers Take Away?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Annie hopes that the Holy Spirit works through the readers the way He worked through her writing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"678\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251009_222818461-678x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-421\" srcset=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251009_222818461-678x1024.jpg 678w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251009_222818461-199x300.jpg 199w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251009_222818461-768x1160.jpg 768w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251009_222818461-1017x1536.jpg 1017w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251009_222818461-1356x2048.jpg 1356w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PXL_20251009_222818461-scaled.jpg 1695w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 678px) 100vw, 678px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Writing Accomplishments She\u2019s Proud Of<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Annie came up with the concept for the 5-Minute Bible Study books, which now has many versions available for men, teen girls and women. Combined, these books have sold over 1 million copies and align perfectly with Barbour\u2019s mission:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTo Inspire the World with the Life-Changing Message of the Bible.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the 5-Minute Bible Study books she wrote was initially released in September 2020 and as Annie reflected, it was \u201cdead in the water.\u201d Book retailer Choice opted for a run of the book and between Barbour and the Choice edition, the book sold over 125,000 copies. She reflected that \u201cIt\u2019s a really cool experience to see one of my books reaching so many people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fun Facts About Annie:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Annie doesn\u2019t have a favorite author.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>She isn\u2019t sentimental about hard copy books.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Currently reading: <em><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4odu4Xu\">The Midnight Library<\/a><\/em> by Matt Haig.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to Buy Annie Barkley\u2019s Books<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbourbooks.com\/\">Barbour Books<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amazon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/choicebooks.com\/\">Choice<\/a> book racks (in retail stores and gift shops)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few of her titles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/42yJEVd\">Diary of a Real Payne: True Story<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4q3V6lS\">Diary of a Real Payne Book 2: Church Camp Chaos <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/42wn5k1\">Diary of a Real Payne Book 3: Oh Baby! <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/46Lqb6l\">God Bless Us Every One!: Devotional Inspiration from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3J0KXWm\">My Daily Prayer Plan: 2024 Edition<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/42wM2Ma\">My Daily Prayer Plan: 2025 Edition: An Interactive Prayer Tracker for Women<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4nJzGcj\">The 5-Minute Bible Study for Women: Mornings in God&#8217;s Word (2020) <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/46H7Ebe\">The 5-Minute Bible Study Journal for Women: Mornings in God&#8217;s Word (2023)<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Wvy7T6\">My Daily Prayer Plan: 2026 Edition: An Interactive Prayer Tracker for Women <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I&#8217;m proud of you Cuz! \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I had the privilege of interviewing author and book editor, Annie Barkley, who has written both fiction and nonfiction books and works as a Book Editor for Barbour Books \u2013 she also happens to be my (favorite) cousin. Has Annie Always Wanted to be a Writer? According to her mom, the answer is yes! The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[172],"tags":[279,278,183,280],"class_list":["post-416","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-author","tag-annie-barkley","tag-annie-tipton","tag-author","tag-barbour-books"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/416","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=416"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/416\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":427,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/416\/revisions\/427"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=416"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=416"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=416"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}