Partner SeriesFebruary 12, 2026

Rewriting the Rules of Publishing: How Jalisa Rose Ray Is Building an Author‑First Legacy with JRose Publishing

Local Stories

Exploring the Moral Gray Zones of Power, Loyalty, and Survival

What began as a young girl processing grief through poetry has grown into a mission-driven publishing company built on fairness, education, and empowerment. As a four-time published author and the founder of JRose Publishing, Jalisa Rose Ray is challenging traditional publishing models by centering transparency, affordability, and partnership. Through personal loss, professional setbacks, and resilience-fueled reinvention, she’s creating a safe, supportive home for authors who deserve more than contracts — they deserve clarity, ownership, and belief in the power of their stories.

Jalisa, you’re a four-time published author and the CEO of JRose Publishing. Can you start by sharing what inspired you to build your own publishing company and what gap you saw in the traditional publishing world?
What inspired me as an author was my passion for writing and listening to poetry. Then my father, Robert Smith Jr. passed around 2003 and at the age of eleven I wanted to write about how that made me feel. I was inspired in the year of 2016, to turn what was just notes on a white paper into a children’s book to help other children to cope with the grief of the loss of their loved ones and over-time I re-created the book into a Spanish version, created a grief journal and a word of affirmation coloring book to help children heal.

At first I used a publishing company for my first book, but after a while I wanted to create more books and I knew it was more expensive. I decided to educate myself on how to self-publish and the rest is history. As I navigated the publishing world, I realized how many talented writers felt overwhelmed, overlooked, or financially burdened by traditional publishing systems. I saw authors with powerful stories who didn’t have the resources, guidance, or fair opportunities to bring their books to life. In 2023, I decided to open my own company, JRose Publishing with a talented group of women who helps with illustrations, editing, proofreading, and much more throughout the publishing process.

I wanted to create something different……

JRose Publishing was built to empower authors, not exploit them. My vision was to create a transparent, supportive, and accessible publishing company where authors could feel confident, educated, and in control of their work. I wanted to provide real guidance, affordable solutions, and partnerships that honor both the author’s voice and their business goals.

At its core, JRose Publishing exists to remind authors that their stories matter—and they deserve a publishing experience that reflects that.

JRose Publishing is built around a transparent, author-centered partnership model that removes many of the financial barriers writers face. How does your approach differ from traditional or pay-to-publish models, and why was fairness such a core value for you?
As CEO of JRose Publishing, I make my approach rooted in partnership, not profit. At JRose Publishing, we focus on educating authors, providing clear and honest pricing, and offering guidance at every stage of the publishing journey—from concept to distribution and marketing. Instead of simply selling a service, we work alongside authors to help them understand the process, make informed decisions, and build sustainable author brands.

In traditional publishing, authors often lose creative control, face long approval timelines, and receive limited royalties, while in many pay-to-publish models, writers are charged high fees with little education, support, or long-term strategy. I saw firsthand how both systems could leave authors feeling undervalued, confused, and financially strained.

Fairness became a core value for me because of my own experiences as an author. I remember what it felt like to have a vision but limited resources and little clarity about the publishing process. I didn’t want other writers to feel pressured, misled, or priced out of their dreams. I wanted to create a system where authors felt respected, empowered, and supported—not exploited.

At its heart, JRose Publishing exists to level the playing field. We believe every author deserves access to quality publishing, honest guidance, and a business model that honors both their creativity and their investment. That commitment to fairness is what drives everything we do.

You’ve worked with respected authors who trusted you with their stories. What does it mean to you to create a publishing experience that balances high-quality production with affordability, and how do you ensure authors still feel fully supported and respected throughout the process?
When I launched JRose Publishing, my very first client was my aunt. I published a book for her business, and seeing her reaction when her book came to life was unforgettable. That moment confirmed for me that I was walking in my purpose. With every project that followed, I watched clients celebrate their books being published at an affordable cost, and their joy became my motivation.

Through interviews, advertising, and consistent outreach, I began building a strong clientele in the publishing industry. I was truly grateful for the referrals I received and for the excitement authors felt as they saw their stories transformed into published works. Witnessing their visions come to life has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

To me, affordability should never mean sacrificing excellence. At JRose Publishing, we believe authors deserve professional-level editing, design, and production without being priced out of their dreams. That is why we intentionally structure our services to remain accessible while maintaining high standards of quality. We emphasize efficiency, transparency, and collaboration so authors receive exceptional results without unnecessary costs.

Supporting and respecting authors throughout the publishing process is a top priority. We maintain clear communication, educate authors at every stage of their journey, and involve them in key creative decisions. Authors are never left in the dark—they are treated as partners, not just clients.

Beyond publishing, we also provide marketing tools and guidance to help authors successfully sell their books. As CEO, I actively participate in events, advertising, and marketing initiatives, using my own experience and strategies to help authors expand their reach across multiple platforms. By combining professional expertise with genuine care, we create an environment where authors feel confident, valued, and empowered.

Ultimately, my goal is for every author who works with JRose Publishing to walk away not only with a beautifully produced book, but with clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of their power as a storyteller.

Recently, you experienced the suspension of all your social media platforms — a major disruption, especially as someone working in marketing and publishing. What was that moment like for you personally and professionally?
When my social media platforms were suddenly suspended, it was one of the most challenging moments of my professional journey. Personally, it felt devastating. I had poured years of work, creativity, and community-building into those platforms, and losing access overnight felt like losing a part of my voice and identity as an author and entrepreneur.

Professionally, it was a major disruption. Social media is a powerful tool in marketing and publishing, and for my business, it was a key channel for reaching authors, readers, and clients. In that moment, I felt the weight of uncertainty, frustration, and even fear about how I would continue to grow my brand and serve my community.

But after the initial shock, I made a decision not to quit.

Instead of seeing the situation as an ending, I began to view it as a reset and a rebuilding opportunity. It forced me to rethink my strategies, strengthen my systems beyond social media, and reconnect with my purpose on a deeper level. I realized that while platforms can be taken away, purpose, vision, and impact cannot.

That experience not only challenged me, but it also strengthened me as a leader, marketer, and publisher. It reminded me that resilience is just as important as visibility—and that true influence is not defined by platforms, but by the lives you touch and the stories you help bring to life.

Rebuilding an online presence from scratch can feel overwhelming, but it can also be a powerful reset. How are you approaching this new chapter differently, and what lessons are you carrying forward as you relaunch your digital strategy?
Rebuilding my online presence from scratch has definitely been overwhelming, but I’ve chosen to see it as a reset rather than a setback. This time, I’m approaching my digital strategy with more intention and structure. Instead of trying to be everywhere at once, I’m focusing on rebranding my brand, building my clientele, marketing and advertising, creating content that truly reflects my purpose and value and having fun as I do it.

One major lesson I’m carrying forward is the importance of ownership and diversification. I’m no longer relying on just one platform; I’m building across multiple channels, strengthening my clientele, and creating systems that protect my brand from unexpected disruptions. I’ve also learned the value of consistency over perfection—showing up authentically and strategically matters more than waiting for everything to be flawless.

Most importantly, I’ve realized that setbacks can become setups. This relaunch isn’t just about getting back online; it’s about building a stronger, smarter, and more resilient digital presence than before.

As an author, publisher, and marketer, what advice would you give to creatives who feel discouraged after a setback that impacts their visibility or momentum?
As an author, publisher, and marketer, my advice to creatives who feel discouraged after a setback is simple: don’t let a temporary disruption convince you that your purpose has ended. Visibility can be rebuilt, momentum can be restored, and sometimes starting over is exactly what you need to build something stronger. God will turn your stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Stay encouraged and know your purpose.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is not to tie your entire brand to one platform or one strategy. Diversify your presence, build your email list, and create systems that give you ownership over your audience and your message. Setbacks can be painful, but they also reveal where your foundation needs to be strengthened.

Most importantly, remember that your story is bigger than the setback. Use the experience as fuel, not fear. Stay consistent, stay authentic, and keep creating—even when it feels slow. Every time you choose to show up again, you’re not just rebuilding your brand, you’re rewriting your narrative.

Looking ahead, what’s next for JRose Publishing and for you as an author? What are you most excited to build as you step into this renewed season?
As an author, I’m committed to creating more healing books for children, but I’m also deeply focused on growing my business at JRose Publishing. The truth is, you can’t have one without the other—my work as an author fuels my vision as a publisher, and JRose Publishing serves as a true one-stop shop for authors.

Looking ahead, the next chapter for JRose Publishing is centered on expansion, impact, and empowerment. My vision is to transform the company beyond traditional publishing into a full-service platform that equips authors with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to bring their stories to life.

What excites me most is building a lasting legacy—one where JRose Publishing becomes a trusted home for powerful voices and meaningful stories, and where my journey as an author continues to inspire others to pursue their purpose, no matter how many times they have to start over.

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