Editor Knows Best
By CaTyra Polland
Editor Knows Best highlights editing and writing topics. The podcast is a one-stop shop for book writing and editing information. International authors, storytellers, publishers, poets, and more chat with the hostess CaTyra. CaTyra is the CEO of Love for Words which is an editing boutique for authors and writers. This is an audio pre-recorded podcast interview.
Editor Knows BestMay 31, 2021
Meet Author A.A. Lewis
A.A.Lewis was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. Her parents encouraged her creativity by allowing her to express herself through the Arts. A.A. Lewis attended the Ujima Dance Theatre. There she found her love of dance and theatre. From there A.A. Lewis went on to attend Buffalo Academy for the Visual Arts where she majored in Theatre.
The 716 Love & Consequences is the first novel by A.A. Lewis. A.A. Lewis has written many poems and short stories that have been featured in local outlets in Michigan and New York.
Tune to learn the following:
What is "Sophicarachette"?
What does A.A. recommend to other authors?
Will she turn her books into plays or TV shows?
Visit A. A. Lewis | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree to learn more about A.A.
FAQ: Do you only work with one publisher?
National Black Authors Day
To salute and celebrate Black authors. Acknowledge the work of Black authors. National Black Authors Day exists to spotlight Black authors by honoring their work and contributions to literature. Black authors are often overlooked so this day is to highlight their work. Black books and literature impact the world every day. Black authors share invaluable knowledge via writing.
www.love4words.com/national-black-authors-day/
Self Editing Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet Anthony Lewis, Operations Manager
Anthony D. Lewis is an entrepreneur, community activist, investor, and, more importantly, a dad, son, brother, and friend. Mr. Lewis provides operations management, coaching, and consulting services to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and non-profit organizations.
With 20 years in the security and management industry as personal security to entertainers, celebrities, The Buffalo Bills, government agencies, colleges, and the private sector.
Mr. Lewis provides a coaching program (B.A.C.) Business Accountability Coaching helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and organizations that are either in the startup process or need assistance with creating, aligning with, or making adjustments to their goals, mission, and vision.
Meet Jeff Getty, Wealth Management Director & Author
Family Wealth Consulting’s Managing Director Jeff Getty is launching his new book, “The Descent Is The Real Climb.” Jeff is a nationally recognized author and speaker with over 25 years of experience working with entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives to implement sophisticated asset protection, tax reduction, and estate planning strategies.
Jeff is active in civic and professional affairs. He is a volunteer attorney at the PA Innocence Project and is an Executive In Residence (EIR) at the Duquesne University School of Business. He has previously served as Treasurer of the Girls Scouts of Western Pennsylvania and as Treasurer and Elder at the Sewickley Presbyterian Church.
During this interview, Jeff shared:
1. What motivated him to write his book.
2. His experience becoming a published author.
3. The target market for his book,
Visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtgetty/ for more information.
Meet George Paasewe, The Code Switcher
George shares what motivated him to start Educare Publications, a publishing company for melanated people. He also shares why he gives presentations about code-switching. Throughout the interview you will hear how many similarities the hostess and guest have. If you support and value the Black experience, specifically the impact of code-switching, then this is an episode you don't want to miss!
Visit The Code Switcher - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Public Speaker (thecodeswitcherllc.com) to learn more about George.
Who is CaTyra? Part 2
Tune in to learn more about CaTyra. Her first intern, Amari Porter, interviews her to learn more about CaTyra, the woman outside of her business.
Why have you chosen non-fiction as your medium?
What inspired you to begin the podcast and what do you expect for listeners to gain from tuning in?
Love for Words is a powerful presence in the Black community for those that want to have their stories told in their own words. Being an editing servicer that specifically markets and works with the Black community has surely contributed to many Black voices being heard. What are your thoughts about your contribution to this movement and what are your future goals toward it? Any milestones that you want to reach beyond what you have already?
If you want to know more about CaTyra, this is an episode you don't want to miss. She gives you a glimpse of her personal side.
Meet Jeremy Smith, Executive Director of Freedom Scholar Learning Center
How does Jeremy get Freedom Scholar students to fall in love with reading?
What is the integrated reading curriculum model?
Why should we fall in love with the problem?
Jeremy Smith answers these questions in this episode.
Since his time as a youth running around Bay St., Jeremy always knew he wanted to be something bigger than himself – something with a real purpose. Early on that took him onto the football field, as quarterback for Bishop Kearney High School. Later it led him to pursue a teaching degree so that he could be better positioned to mentor and be part of his community’s support system. Independently researching the history of his culture and the discriminatory nature of public education in classrooms and in policies against students of color and impoverished children cemented his personal mission to become a different type of educator.
Determined to fight the cradle-to-prison pipeline, Jeremy worked at Freedom School as a Site Coordinator every summer while pursuing degrees in Business Management and Childhood Education at St. John Fisher College. Year after year under his coordination, Freedom School was a community exemplar of how to foster a love of reading, increase student reading scores, cooperative economics, social action, and civic engagement. When Freedom School ceased operation in 2020, Jeremy gathered a group of former Freedom School teachers, students, parents, researchers, and community members to form the Freedom Scholars Learning Center.
Visit Freedom Scholars Learning Center (freedomscholarslc.org) for more information.
Meet Ebony Nicole Smith, Author & Publishing Engineer
What is Googleable? Why did Ebony become a hybrid publisher? What is a hybrid publisher?
Ebony Nicole is the founder and CEO of Ebony Nicole Smith Consulting, LLC, a boutique writing, and publishing company based in Rochester, New York. She is a writing coach and publishing engineer to faith-based men and women who desire to release the book God gave them.
She is a 2015 ROC Awards nominee for Author of the Year, recipient of the 2019 and 2020 Kingdom Visionary Society Honors award, Mayoral Recognition for Small Business in Rochester NY 2020, and a recipient of the 2020 100 Successful Women in Business award.
She is a 10x author and helped over 40 aspiring and seasoned authors write and publish their books. Ebony Nicole has launched over 100 aspiring authors on their journeys to becoming published authors with her Bold Writer’s Strategy Writing Masterclass. An author by passion, transformational speaker by experience, and a woman of God by calling, Ebony Nicole wears many hats.
Meet Tanisa Reynolds.
How is entrepreneurship like a museum? Why did Tanisa choose self-publishing? How old was she when she started writing scripts? Find out by tuning in to this episode.
Tanisa is a fearlessly honest woman. With a degree in Graphic Design & Digital Media, she has explored 8 vastly different industries. She’s been a spoken word artist since high school and participated in New Jersey Orators competitions. Tanisa is also an entrepreneur in the streetwear fashion industry while working on two debut books simultaneously.
Meet Lu Highsmith, Publisher & Spoken Word Artist
What motivated Lu to share her work? What is the difference between spoken word and slam poetry? When did Lu declare herself a writer?
Rochester, NY native Lu Highsmith is a writer, publisher, promoter and spoken artist. Whatever form she chooses is always reflective of her passion for spirituality, sensuality, and social consciousness. Lu self-published two poetry books, Vicissitudes: The Ups and Downs of Life, in 2008, and Ascension into Love in 2010. Mood Makers Bookstore named her a featured poet in Poetry On the Wall in 2006, and her poem “From Whence We Came” was named Poem of Distinction. Her spoken word can be heard on Jimmie Highsmith Jr.’s 2009 CD, entitled “Jacquin” , his Grammy-nominated 2011 “Anthology of Sound” CD and Lu’s very-own spoken word CD, “Ascension”, released by Variance Records in late 2012.
For the past 10 years, she has been co-host of one of the longest consecutively-running Open Mic’s in Rochester, “Flowetic Rhythms,” at Gallery one. She founded Roc Bottom Slam Poetry Team and is the founder of the Roc Poetry Collective. Lu is currently a member of the dynamic writing consortium “We All Write". Highsmith received the 2018 Big Pencil Award from Writers & Books for inspiring the creation and appreciation of literature in the literary community.
Meet Connie Williams
Constance Williams is the mother of three adult daughters and one son-in-law. She is G-mom to five beloved grandchildren.
Connie is a retired Government employee.
Connie began her writing experience through her personal journal writing, which led to her completing her first fictional novel (Bantu Women). Her additional passions are helping others through hospitality and singing.
Meet Carolyn Sinclair McCalla.
Carolyn Sinclair McCalla is dedicated to equipping women and children to seek, live, and be transformed— spirit, soul, and body—by the truth of God’s Word. She cheerfully applies her God-given gifts of teaching, through writing and speaking, in order to serve the women and children entrusted to her. She is the Founder and President of EarthBasic, which serves the Be-Held Woman.
Meet Jazmine Jules, Non-fiction Editor.
Jazmine Jules is an up-and-coming book editor and author based in Maryland. In 2020, she graduated from George Mason University with a BFA in creative writing and a minor in global affairs. Jazmine spent her sophomore year in South Korea, learning the language and culture. She continued her study abroad ventures in Galway, Ireland where she partook in a summer creative writing program. Since graduating, Jazmine learned valuable skills in reader engagement as a copywriter and honed her understanding of language as an English tutor.
At the end of 2021, she started her book editing business. She has worked with authors on non-fiction and fiction books. Jazmine has also had the privilege of working alongside KP publishing, an indie publishing house based in California. As her business continues to grow, she hopes to help more aspiring authors get their books published and build long-term relationships with her clients.
Meet Lionel Hilaire.
Lionel discusses his non-profit, why he wrote his book for men exclusively and shares why editing is so important.
Lionel Hilaire is a husband, and father of three girls and one son. Storyteller and the Treasurer of Divine Potential Services, Inc. which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to restore families and empower change since 2016.
His ultimate purpose in life is to inspire people to prosper and leave a legacy for their families.
Lionel believes whole hardheartedly that self-discovery and cultivating your calling is key to a fulfilled, effective and purposeful life.
Lionel enjoys basketball, bike riding, telling jokes, and cooking with his family.
Meet Angelo Edalo Marinelli.
Angelo Edalo shares his experience as a musician, how he wrote his book of poetry, and what motivated him to publish a book.
Edalo is a Buffalo, NY born and raised musician, composer, and producer. His savvy is evidenced by numerous accomplishments and impressive early-career partnerships that started in 2012 when he teamed up with Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls), Kenny Hawkins (Rick James, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige), and Jerry Livingston (Rick James) to write the track “Mariposa.” He was enlisted by the estate of Ray Charles to write and produce a tribute album with Charles’ grandson, Robert Robinson, known as RobTwyce. The project’s single, "You," was released by All Access Music Group in 2015.
In 2020, Edalo released his album Driftin’ and completed his first headlining tour. The year following he completed a 10-city tour across the East Coast of the U.S. He’s totaled over 340,000 streams and over a quarter-million listeners in 98 countries across the globe. His latest projects include collaborations with EDM treasure, Salvo and Super Bowl Champion, Demone Harris.
Meet Shurvone Wright.
Shurvone speaks about what motivated her to write her book, overcoming childhood trauma and low self-esteem. She reveals the moment she heard her book title!
Shurvone is a 5x published, best-selling author, motivational speaker, life coach, the founder and CEO of Confidence Without Regret-The Butterfly Experience, and CEO of La’ BossPreneur Marketing, LLC.
She has been a guest on several radio shows including 97.5 FM Full Circle with Ms. Wanda to promote and discuss her journey and books. She is a contributing content writer for OWN IT digital magazine and Sistah’s Place.
Shurvone’s greatest passion is to help other women discover who they are and how to achieve all their dreams and goals. She helps women business owners and entrepreneurs with social media and business strategies to get a clear vision on how to attract their ideal clients.
Who is CaTyra?
The Biggest Lesson I Have Learned As An Editor
Why do editors charge a late fee?
Editing 101 webinar for new editors and proofreaders
Find out how to get access to a mini masterclass and webinar that includes book editing basics. The webinar is based on the Editor Knows Best eBook available is available for free at www.love4words.com/shop.
Developmental Editors As Mentors
What is the dictate feature in Microsoft Word?
Learn how to use the dictate feature, it's pros, and cons.
Meet Patrice
Meet Dr. Tshibangu
Raphael T Tshibangu, M.D is a practicing Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Rochester, New York, and a Fellow of the American College of Ob-Gyn. He is the founding and managing partner of Southeast Obstetrics and Gynecology, P.C. where he has remained since 1991.
Co-founder and President of the RTST Foundation, he has maintained his passion for philanthropy and social entrepreneurship, in addition to his lifetime commitment to his profession. A Congolese by birth and an American by adoption, he is a loyal but enlightened and mindful citizen interested in pursuits that benefit either or both countries.
Husband, father, and grandfather, he is one of a very large extended family which is spread throughout the world but to which he remains connected and deeply committed.
With a latent but voracious interest in golf, he also finds the time to exercise, practice yoga, enjoy a variety of good music, play a game of cards with friends and travel the world.
Meet Anna J. Roseboro
Anna J. Small Roseboro is a wife, mother, educator, and poet, is known for her work with groups like the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the Conference on English Leadership, and the California Association of Teachers of English. With 40 years of experience in public and private schools, she is a National Board-Certified Teacher vetted by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Ms. Roseboro has mentored the NCTE's Early Career Educators of Color cohorts and currently mentors online and coaches new writers.
She was honored with the California Association of Teachers of English 2009 Distinguished Service Award and the 2016 NCTE Distinguished Service Award.
Your quote doesn't match their budget
Top 6 Tips for Marketing Your Book
Love for Words Client Onboarding
Mistakes are Invevitable
We all make mistakes, editors included. Learn about my recent website mishap. Featuring: CaTyra Polland, creator of Editor Knows Best podcast and CEO/Founder of Love for Words
Author Affirmations
Are you in a writing slump? Experiencing writer's block? Feeling down about your writing? These author affirmations will get you back on track! Listen as frequently as necessary for inspiration and encouragement.
Meet Thomas S. Russo Jr
Mr. Russo currently serves as Town Manager in Newton, NJ, with over eleven years of dedicated service to the County Seat of Sussex County, NJ. Mr. Russo has over 20 years of experience in municipal and county government, as well as the nonprofit sector. His experience includes budgeting, purchasing, human resources, public relations, project oversight, contract negotiations, government relations, economic revitalization & redevelopment, and community relations. Mr. Russo is a competent and confident servant leader; a proven visionary and strategic thinker with highly effective communications and organizational skills.
He currently attends Grace Fellowship Chapel with his family in Bedminster, NJ and serves as a volunteer with Pause Mens Ministries in Basking Ridge, NJ, an organization committed to the recovery and restoration of men through biblical teachings and principles. He currently resides in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, NJ with his wife Patricia, the Director of The Children’s Corner Preschool at Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church. They have two college-age daughters, Ashley (The Pennsylvania State University) and Krista (Florida State University).
Meet Stephanie
Stephanie A. Wynn, Author, Crohn’s Survivor, and Philanthropist is a native Floridian, Stephanie has owned several successful businesses in the past, establishing her first business at the age of 23. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Stephanie has worked for one of the largest financial institutions, JP Morgan Chase, and former broker-dealer INVEST Financial, working side by side with successful financial advisors and business savvy investors.
Stephanie has a strong desire to help others, which inspired her to write her groundbreaking book Readi-Set Go! A Simple Guide To Establishing A Successful Small Business. She is eager to share all she has learned over the years about business ownership and hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams as well. Stephanie believes giving back to the less fortunate is a key component of success. Stephanie understands the challenges of starting a business and finds joy in assisting those who don’t know where to begin or are afraid to take that important first step.
Meet Dimitria
Dimitria L. Cook grew up on the turbulent South Side of Chicago. She is an international bestselling author, empowerment writing coach, executive coach, and international speaker. As the host of The Writer’s Lounge with Dimitria, she inspires and empowers writers-one guest, one conversation, and one genre at a time. In addition, Dimitria has a monthly column, Black Like Me, in the international Modern Warrior Magazine.
She believes everyone, especially every woman, has a story to tell. She empowers individuals to align with their inner souls and create and share their stories so they may leave a legacy for their loved ones. Her passion for writing began as a child as an avid reader of children’s books. Dimitria still owns her favorite childhood book, “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson. Harold’s imagination and determination reflect Dimitria’s resiliency as a fiction writer, non-fiction writer, poet, and playwright.
Dimitria has a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting, Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, and Bachelor of Science in Journalism.
Meet Andrae
Andrae is an editor, book coach, and Amazon Bestselling author. Having worked as an editor and writing mentor since 2014, Andrae is passionate about helping authors to own their voices. He is on a mission to help inspired, influential individuals turn their passion and their message into books that transform lives, build movements, and create waves of positive change in the world.
Meet Jevon Bolden
Editing is an Investment, Not an Expense
Meet Donna Taylor
Meet Jacinda Estelle.
Jacinda Estelle is a lover of writing and reading and mother of two children. She seeks challenges in her professional and personal life. She was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Right after high-school she joined the Navy for travel opportunities and enjoyed learning from so many different cultures. After the Navy, she remained productive and graduated with her bachelors, worked in healthcare field as a Surgical Technician and started her CPR training business. With her love for entrepreneurship, she invested in herself by paying for her coaching certification program with Berry Fowler and connecting with other people who were successful and encouraging.
She wrote her first book "Psalm 91 in COVID 19" during 2020 and once her book was published people began reaching out to her to help them with their manuscripts. She realized what her niche was at that moment and it was to be an author coach. She enjoys writing, reading and helping others with their book projects and making their dreams become a reality as an author. Most importantly, she enjoys spending time with her children.
Meet Martinique Brown
Martinique is a serial entrepreneur and the owner of Everything Authors and Today I Want to Be. She is the host and web show producer of Authors to Know & Their Books to Read as well as Authors Helping Authors. She developed these shows to help authors promote their books in a unique way that allows viewers to interact with them and experience the essence of the writer. Her in-depth interviewing skills leave viewers with a richer knowledge about the author and their books.
Meet Erica James
A freelance writer turned author, editor and writing coach, Erica James transforms manuscripts and creative ideas into a finished product. For more than six years, Erica has connected with hundreds of aspiring writers, artists and entrepreneurs across the world, using the power of words to bring their visions to life.
Erica is a graduate of Louisiana State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in May 2012 and a master's degree in Liberal Arts with a Concentration in African and African American Studies in May 2014. Though she attempted to take the "practical" career route, she decided to pursue her love for writing full-time in 2015, which birthed MasterPieces Writing and Editing LLC three years later. Erica is also an accountability coach and newbie YouTuber (MasterPieces Writing and Editing LLC; Confessions of a Good Girl). She currently lives in Louisiana where she was born and raised.
Meet Roushaun Johnson
During her Reign as Mrs. California, she created her second non-profit Organization, Halo Boutique. It is a free community clothing closet that provides clothes and shoes to families in need. Within the first four months, Halo Boutique served over 200 families. Roushaun’s humanitarian spirit has clearly impacted many lives.
Visit www.roushaunjohnson.com for more information.
Meet Taniesha Ramsey-Lane
Meet Jacqueline Kaba-Harrison
Jacqueline Kaba-Harrison is a licensed clinical social worker in the State of Michigan since 2003 and a practicing Social Worker since 1994. Over the years, she has learned her role is to serve as a catalyst for change. She is a confidence and success Coach, talk show & symposium host, author, and Clinician.
She created Realizing Your Potential, LLC to empower and inspire African American women everywhere. Her focus is empowering African American women to know better and be better for themselves, their families and their communities. Her work is about getting African American women to RECOGNIZE and harness their POWER to empower themselves and others to manifest abundance in their lives. More specifically, she helps coaches and consultants create effective strategies to eliminate negative self-talk and self-sabotaging behaviors that prevent them from taking their business to the next level. She helps them create the confidence, stamina, motivational techniques and accountability needed to consistently and boldly show up in their business and attract their ideal client.
Meet Ben Jacobs
A 2002 graduate of the University of Rochester, Jacobs has spent 20 years in various writing and editing roles in the journalism industry.
With Jacobs spearheading collaborative team efforts, the RBJ and The Daily Record have launched new initiatives, from events and custom products to a new webinar series and Rochester Biz Conversations, often partnering with community leaders.
He is an avid runner and rock-climbing enthusiast who cherishes family time with his wife, Trinity, and their four children. As a city resident, he is bullish on Rochester’s future.
What Not to Expect From an Editor
Meet Ibn Akbar
Meet Melony Hill
Melony Hill has made it her mission to curate safe spaces to have hard conversations, especially in urban and other under-served communities. In 2017, she founded Stronger Than My Struggles, a mission-based organization with a focus on mental health and wellness. In May 2019 Melony launched the Crazy Like a Fox Tour, the first ever Black mental health awareness tour. Hard work pays off, while on her groundbreaking tour, Melony was honored to win Literary Trailblazer of the Year at the 2019 Indie Author Legacy Awards. Learn more about her at www.strongerthanmystruggles.com and www.melonyhill.com Twitter @stmsbmore Facebook @stronger than my struggles Instagram @strongerthanmystruggles Email melony@strongerthanmystruggles.com