Author · Veteran · Publisher
Meet Barbara J. Ratliff
A life shaped by service—to her country, her community, and the written word.
Biography
Authentic stories have the power to change lives.
Barbara J. Ratliff is an author, publisher, speaker, and veteran. As the founder of Jackrabbit Punkin Publishing LLC, Barbara has built a publishing company that stands for something.
Military service
Barbara served in the United States military, where she developed the discipline, resilience, and sense of mission that define both her writing and her publishing work. Her service is the foundation of Battles Beyond the Waves, her debut memoir, which offers an intimate look at the realities of military life and the challenges veterans face long after their service ends.
Publishing journey
After her military career, Barbara felt called to give voice to stories that too often go unheard. She founded Jackrabbit Punkin Publishing LLC to create a home for books that matter—works rooted in truth, driven by purpose, and written for readers seeking more than entertainment. Under her leadership, the company has built a growing catalog spanning memoir, history, children's literature, and community storytelling.
Why Jackrabbit Punkin?
The heart of the company began with family.
The name Jackrabbit Punkin Publishing comes from family nicknames that symbolize the heart of the company. Built on faith, family, resilience, and storytelling, the company reflects the belief that every story matters and every voice deserves to be heard. What began as a personal expression of love and legacy has grown into a publishing house with a mission—to bring authentic, meaningful stories to communities that need them most.
Publish books that educate, encourage, and endure.
Barbara believes that every story deserves to be told—and every reader deserves a book that speaks to their experience. Through the Read It Forward Program, she ensures that no community is left behind.