Meet A.E. Williams

We had the good fortune of connecting with A.E. Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi A.E., is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
When I meet people in passing, a lot of them can’t believe that Book Editors exist and that we’re all hiding in plain sight, so to speak. The community is quite large, but also small in a way. Everyone knows everyone, and we all discuss matters of book editorial and how to run a business. Most book editors are freelancers who run a company of one to work with publishing houses and/or independent authors.

A lot of people don’t realize how much goes into publishing a book and how many checks must occur on each book before it hits the shelves. Publishers, for example, hire copyeditors, proofreaders, indexers, and other professionals in the book editorial world to help their own in-house team (which is already several people) to be a part of that process and work with the team. Book editors are everywhere, and we do a lot of fulfilling work. I hope people understand that.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
A.E. Williams Editorial began as a one-man operation. I wanted to create a business that would allow me a way out from my day job (I was a fast-food restaurant manager for fifteen years). I was about finish my BFA in Creative Writing and wanted to make sure I’d use that degree to the best of my ability.

When I learned about book editorial from a professor I had, I went about creating my website, chatting with local editors, and then beginning my own business practices. I was A.E. Williams, Writer & Editor. The business evolved organically as I began taking on more clients and having a workload that was beyond what I could do in a reasonable workweek.

I hired an administrator to help with contracts and invoices, then a social media person, and now I run a team of three (two junior editors and an administrator).

What sets us apart is the team dynamic. There are very few “editorial firms” that work in teams to get the work done. Also, we’re pretty small and can really put in a personal touch with each project. We’re a team with heart.

Lastly, the company is owned by me, a Black, gay man. Most book editors tend to be white and female. Therefore, I stick out in the industry just by those identifiers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta is a great city for a visit!

I’d direct any friends visiting Atlanta for the first time to stop by the best attractions in Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, High Museum of Art, World of Coca-Cola . . .

For entertainment we’d go to Braves or Atlanta United Game, have a hot dog and see Atlanta’s best teams duke it out. And then for restaurants, I’d suggest something like Fogo de Chao, Nakato Japanese, Nine Mile Station or Ranger Station.

Atlanta has great lakes, trails, parks. There’s so much to do.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I really want to thank my boss, Doug Mickey for essentially pushing me out of the nest that was my full-time job of 15 years. With his encouragement, including a nice breakfast strategy session, I felt even more capable of moving forward in this career. His confidence in my ability, as he had seen my abilities over the years, fueled me to make the risky decision of getting out on my own.

My husband provided his encouragement as well, even though it was going to be risky and stressful for us in the first few years of marriage. His “tough love” has encouraged me to fight hard for a successful business.

Finally, my current successes in the industry are carved by fellow “veteran” editors who are generous with their time and advice, and who really care about others’ success in the industry.

Website: www.crazednovelist.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/crazednovelist

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-e-williams-editorial/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/crazednovelist

Facebook: www.facebook.com/crazednovelist

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/a-e-williams-editorial-atlanta 

Image Credits
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