Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Grimes

Hi Tiffany, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

Books have always been a huge part of my life, especially as a child who grew up in foster care. I decided I wanted to be ‘An Author’ in sixth grade and pursued writing through undergrad and grad school, ultimately earning my MFA in creative writing.

While editing intrigued me as a career, I hesitated for years, concerned it might distract from my own writing. I worked multiple part-time jobs to focus on my stories until I found myself in a full-time office job, sneaking in writing during lunch breaks. Encouraged by friends, I explored traditional editing roles in publishing but found the pay unsustainable.

Instead, I initially pursued editing as a side hustle before committing full-time with no safety net. I juggled weekend nanny jobs and immersed myself in learning how to run a business. Now, five years later, I’ve built a thriving business with a dedicated team that I’m immensely proud of!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Navigating the launch of Burgeon Design and Editorial just before the pandemic hit posed significant challenges, making the journey far from smooth. The uncertainty and economic downturn created overwhelming moments, yet I found invaluable support from fellow editors and designers. Their guidance and camaraderie have been instrumental in overcoming the hurdles along the way.

We’ve been impressed with Burgeon Design and Editorial, 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?

I’m the creator of Burgeon Design and Editorial, a queer-founded boutique editing and design house committed to revolutionizing the publishing industry.

Publishing has a glaring diversity problem. With industry gatekeepers being overwhelmingly white, cis, straight, and non-disabled, too many unique and vital voices are left unheard. In a time where banned books are on the rise and only 11% of published books come from authors of color, I felt compelled to act. At Burgeon, we’re on a mission to amplify marginalized voices. We want to see more queer stories, protagonists of color, fat protagonists, stories with Jewish and Muslim characters, characters who come from broken families and low-income backgrounds, and stories with disabled main characters on the shelves.

We offer book editing, coaching, web design for the creative mavericks, the trailblazers, and the nonconformists of the literary world. What sets us apart is that our writers go places—they win awards, secure literary agents, sign book deals, and above all, write stories that are gripping and invaluable. We aim to break the mold, shattering the glass ceilings that have historically kept many writers from reaching their potential.

I’m most proud of the transformative journeys we facilitate for our clients. We’ve seen firsthand how words can change lives and even save them. Our goal is to create books that make both the writer and the reader feel seen and heard. This goes beyond mere business metrics. It’s about creating a ripple effect of change, one story at a time.

For those looking to join our community, we have a plethora of resources, including our free writing community, The Residency. If you’re a writer ready to take risks, push boundaries, and make waves, you’ve found your community at Burgeon Design and Editorial.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?

It takes a village to create a business, and I’ve had invaluable support over the past five years.

My Team: Aliya Bree Hall, Narjis Sheikh, and Samantha Claire have been instrumental in our day-to-day operations.

My Entrepreuner Friends: Hannah Van Vels Ausbury, Rachel May, Stephanie Moon, Julia Kenyon, and Tiffany Clarke Harrison have provided me with support and camaraderie.

My Mentors: Paige Brunton, Ellen Yin, and Tiffany Knapper have offered invaluable advice, wisdom, and encouragement, guiding me through various challenges and opportunities.

I’d also love to shout out the Editors Tea Club and the LGBTQ+ Editors Association for their community support and professional resources!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.burgeondesignandeditorial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burgeondesignandeditorial