We caught up with the brilliant and insightful CaTyra Polland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

CaTyra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

I recently worked with Caleb Jakes, a first-time author who is also a student at the University of Rochester. As I planned the 2nd Annual National Black Authors Day, I created a list of authors who should have a table at the event. Caleb immediately came to mind. Being a Black male author is no easy feat and I wanted to provide a platform for him to showcase his book. I could hear the excitement through the phone when I extended the invitation. But there’s more! I received media coverage about the Literacy Extravaganza, reporters asked if I could recommend an author they could speak with about National Black Authors Day. Who do you think I recommended? Of course, Jacob! I escorted him to a quiet space so he could shine during his first, but certainly not last media interview. I could’ve easily done the interview. I could have talked about why I started National Black Authors Day, my passion for literacy, and the challenges that Black authors face in the publishing industry. Instead, spotlighted an author of the next generation so he could share his story. So he can inspire his generation and the next generation of Black writers and authors. This is one way I’m leaving my legacy, uplifting, encouraging, and mentoring others. Passing the baton, because this is a marathon, not a race.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Me

I’m a Rochester native who loves traveling, creating content (blogs and events), going to concerts, learning, and spending time with my loved ones and friends. My motto is embrace it or change it. If I don’t like something I change it, if I’m not willing to change then I suck it up. I live in my head, trying to grasp all of the ideas floating around! I love making dreams a reality. I get most excited about planning innovative events that aren’t run-of-the-mill. I’m passionate about literacy, specifically Black literacy and literature. Most describe me as an enigma or an onion, lol! I’m most proud of my ability to remain calm and least proud of my difficulty sharing my feelings and emotions. I’m always up for a challenge but aware of my limitations. I love life and live it to the fullest!

About My Business

In 2017, my friend who is a publisher was looking for an editor. I submitted a sample edit and the rest is history. My love for writing and desire to encourage literacy inspired my business. I love helping authors polish their manuscripts and tell their stories. It feels good to empower Black authors to share their experiences and knowledge. I learn so much from my clients. As an editor, I get an up-close and personal perspective of the author. The author trusts me to enhance their manuscript. I am honored to help Black women along their author journey. I don’t take my role lightly. I am here to make sure authors are confident about their books. I am committed to developing manuscripts that educate, empower, and enlighten.

Becoming an editor was an easy transition. My love for reading, writing, and literacy coincides perfectly with being an editor. I have always loved reading and writing. I started writing poetry in middle school. Every year I participated in the Pizza Hut Book It Program. I would check out books from the library, read them, return them, and repeat. To this day, I check out books from the library. I launched Love for Words in 2017. I have edited over six dozen books thus far. I also serve businesses by preparing web copy, brochure copy, and video scripts. I also proofread and edit reports, presentations, handbooks, and policies.

• Confusion regarding the publishing process
• Hesitancy to navigating the editing process
• Unfamiliarity with connecting with a target market
• Lack of confidence in writing or editing skills
• Limited access to literary professionals such as publishers, audiobook narrators

•  Navigation of the publishing world
•  Identify language that resonates with the target market
•  Clarity of messages throughout the text by asking questions for the author to reflect on
•  Encouragement for clients during the process including highlighting the author’s strengths
•  Guidance for new authors like publishing and formatting referrals
•  Feedback on manuscripts, reports, policies, manuals, etc.
•  Accuracy of text including fact-checking
•  Increase readability to ensure the book, report or presentation resonates with the target market

Unique Selling Points

Focus on a Specific Niche:

Genre Expertise: I specialize in memoir, autobiography, biography, poetry, and self-help.

Value-Added Services:

Content Development: I offer services beyond basic editing, such as brainstorming story ideas, developing outlines, book summaries, forewards,crafting compelling title, subtitles, chapter titles and sub titles.

Specialization and Techniques:
Sensitivity Reading: I specialize in addressing potentially offensive content or cultural biases for the Black American audience.

Specific Editing Techniques: I specialize in developmental and line editing.

Personal Brand and Approach:

Collaborative Style: I work closely with authors, providing constructive feedback in a supportive manner. I pose questions, make suggestions or recommendations and highlight the writer’s strengths throughout the text.
Passionate About Maintaining the Author’s Voice: I am most passionate about sharing authentic and unapologetic stories. I’m here to enhance the writer’s document, not to rewrite it.

Results and Testimonials:

Track Record: I have worked with over five dozen authors across the globe, my recent client, Anta lives in Senegal. I’ve also contracted with several organizations including the Rochester Area Community Foundation, Police Accountability Board, Causewave, and The Article Group.

Testimonials:

Caleb Jakes: Embarking on the journey of publishing my first book at age 19 I was presented with formidable challenges, ones that were met with unparalleled support and expertise by CaTyra Poland. From the outset, CaTyra demonstrated an extraordinary ability to grasp the concept of my work, embracing the essence of my message with a deep understanding and sensitivity that is rare in the industry. Her company, Love for Words, stands as a beacon for authors, embodying a commitment to nurturing and refining the unique voices within the literary landscape.

CaTyra’s professionalism and meticulous attention to detail were evident throughout our collaboration. Her guidance was both empowering and educational, providing me with the tools and confidence to refine my narrative and strengthen my voice. Her approach to editing is comprehensive, blending technical skill with a profound appreciation for the narrative’s heart and the author’s intent. This balance of professionalism and passion is what makes CaTyra an exceptional editor.

Her adaptability and versatility in working with authors of all ages and backgrounds underscore her commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the literary world. CaTyra’s work transcends mere editing; it is a partnership that fosters growth, encourages exploration, and leads to the realization of one’s literary ambitions. Her support was instrumental in transforming my manuscript into a published work that I am profoundly proud of.

Working with CaTyra Poland has been a rewarding experience. Her dedication, empathy, and expertise have not only elevated my manuscript but have also contributed significantly to my development as a writer. For authors seeking an editor who respects their vision while meticulously guiding them toward excellence, CaTyra is the epitome of editorial brilliance.

In gratitude, I extend my deepest appreciation to CaTyra for her pivotal role in my journey. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on my work and my career as an author. CaTyra Poland is, without a doubt, a guiding light for emerging writers, shaping the future of literature one word at a time.

My Proudest Business Achievement

My biggest business accomplishment to date is onboarding my first intern. Like myself, she is a Black female so this opportunity is near and dear to my heart. I am honored to encourage and mentor the next generation of Black editors. I will not be editing forever so I must uplift and influence others to carry on my legacy and also develop their own.

I want aspiring and new Black editors to have it easier than I did. I didn’t have an editing mentor or complete an internship. I want to offer this opportunity to the next generation. Although I want their journeys to be easier than mine I still want them to face challenges. The challenges will make them better and stronger. Being a freelance editor and running an editing business is not for the faint of heart.

The fact that my first intern initiated contact and asked to be my intern is humbling, to say the least. Here is a snippet from her email:

“My name is Amari Porter and I’ve been keeping a very close eye on the developments of Love 4 Words for over a year now. I never thought there would be such a beautifully run black woman-owned editing boutique in my hometown and it gives me such pride that there is 🤎. My goal has since shifted to work within the publishing industry specifically as an editor. However, I have not been able to amass much experience in this field. I implore if there is any chance I can assist as an unpaid editing intern just simply to learn and avail my skills to you by any means in any capacity.”

I was compelled to welcome her as my first intern. Furthermore, I am blessed to be able to pay her for editing projects. I am obliged to pay it forward by helping fellow professionals who need my guidance. I also sponsor an annual Love for Words Scholarship for high school students in Rochester, NY. I am so proud to provide these opportunities to others.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The following resources have saved me time and increased efficiency:

Honeybook is a one-stop shop for invoicing, contracts, communication and more. I love the ease of use and accessibility. I have the app on my phone so I can respond almost simultaneously. http://share.honeybook.com/catyra

I use Canva to create graphics for social media. www.canva.com

Buffer is a social media posting tool that saves time. www.buffer.com

Fiverr is a marketplace of freelancers. I’ve used it for graphic design. www.fiverr.com

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty through my email newsletter. I also attend client book launches and share their book milestones on my social media platforms. I’ve also interviewed clients on my podcast, Editor Knows Best.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.love4words.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/catyrapolland
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveforwordsediting
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/catyrapolland

Image Credits
Jackie Photography Mae Media Management Caribago Designs