Meet Heather Buchanan of Aquarius Press

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Buchanan

Hi Heather, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got started around 1994. I was a college student and my work drew the attention of one of my professors, who took me to meet the head of my university’s press. He published my first anthology, which won an award in the MetroTimes newspaper. I then joined a grassroots writer’s organization, where the Executive Director took me under his wing. I worked on Special Projects then became Vice-President and shortly thereafter Executive Director. I was really enjoying all aspects of publishing, especially discovering new talent.

My work led to starting my own press 25 years ago. I started with just Michigan and then I founded our Willow Books division with Dr. Randall Horton in 2007 to specifically help writers of color. We are now the top publisher in the country specializing in writers of color. Our parent company, Aquarius Press, is a national leader in publishing overall.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, mainly due to my work championing underrepresented writers. But I will never stop, as there’s still a great need to overcome the barriers these writers face in the marketplace.

We’ve been impressed with Aquarius Press, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Aquarius Press was founded in 1999. We primarily work with underrepresented writers from across the country. We specialize in work by writers of color. We are set apart from other presses due to our commitment to our writers and the high-quality books we produce. Our press conducts readings and programs with highest level institutions in the country such as the Smithsonian and Lincoln Center.

Brand-wise we are most proud of all of the books we publish. Before the publishing processes we are known for, we offer state of the art manuscript development and editing services.

Our press is also known for the highest-caliber performances across the country.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson is to not give up. We have encountered numerous challenges over the years but never gave up because we understood the importance of what we do.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.AquariusPress.net / www.WillowLit.net