Black Editors, Book Coaches & Proofreaders

Black editors directory

Why we created this directory

We Are Here to Help!

All editors are not created equal. This site was created to help authors, academics, small business owners, consultants, bloggers, technical writers, medical writers, attorneys, organizations, and others in search of quality editorial support to find skilled and experienced pros that can get the job done—and done right.

Areas of Expertise

Our editors are well-experienced business professionals with editing prowess. We specialize in:

Developmental Editing
Substantive Editing
Line Editing
Content Editing
Copyediting
Proofreading

Additionally, select individuals you’ll meet here offer supplemental services related to the craft of writing and the business of publishing. 

editing

A leading resource for publishers, corporations, and writers seeking skilled Black editorial professionals

Black Editors & Proofreaders

The Editors

Sherian Brown

Content Editor | Copyeditor | Line Editor | Proofreader
Fiction | Nonfiction | Medical | Digital Content

Tamira Butler-Likely, PhD

Content Editor | Copyeditor | Line Editor | Proofreader
Fiction | Nonfiction | Academic | Scientific

Gwyn Jordan

Developmental | Substantive | Line Editor | Book Coach
Fiction | Nonfiction

Brandy Patton

Content Editor | Copyeditor | Proofreader
Nonfiction | Fiction | Business | Medical | Digital Content

Tia Ross

Copyeditor | Proofreader
TECHNICAL | BUSINESS | Fiction | Nonfiction

Shaundale Rena

Developmental Editor
Nonfiction

Michelle Chester

Copyeditor | Line Editor | Proofreader
Fiction | Nonfiction | Technical

Eryka Parker

Developmental Editor | Book Coach
Fiction

Janina Lawrence

Copyeditor | Proofreader
Nonfiction | Scientific | Business

Dana Johnson

Line Editor | Copyeditor
NONFICTION | EDUCATIONAL | ACADEMIC | SCIENTIFIC

Jessica Berry

DEVELOPMENTAL EDITOR | LINE EDITOR
Fiction

Evette Waters

Developmental Editor | Line Editor

Taleiah Todd-Hill

Copy Editor | Proofreader

We help writers publish confidently.

Editing is not easy. In its quest for clarity, continuity, and flow, effective editing is about so much more than simply identifying faulty punctuation, incorrect subject-verb agreement, awkward phrasing, or disorganized ideas.
Editing works by Black writers can often be even trickier, requiring innate mastery of the myriad colorful colloquialisms—the idioms, slang, jargon, and even patois—we may sprinkle throughout our spoken and written forms of expression. Other editors may perceive it as wrong and attempt to correct or ask the writer to explain what it means. Some may judge or view the writer in a negative light. This can be deeply frustrating for any writer, to say the least. ​

Simply put, the fact is that no one speaks our language nor innately understands our culture, our dialect, our perspectives—our unique voices—like we do. The Black editors listed in this directory not only understand you, we are trained in enhancing your writing and clarifying your message while maintaining all the flavor of your unique voice and style.

We edit greatness.

Some of our clients include “Big 5” publishers, such as HarperCollins, Harper Muse, Harper Mariner, Amistad, Hachette Book Group, Avalon, Moon Guides, Workman, Simon & Schuster, Adams Media, and Penguin Random House, plus Hallmark, Harlequin, and Neuwirth & Associates. Our corporate and nonprofit clients include Color Of Change, ISPU, Southern Poverty Law Center, Nacelle, The Commonwealth Fund, American Heart Association, Pearson, Flame Tree Publishing, Baylor Health, GirlTrek, Lockton, and many more.

We’ve edited the works of bestselling, award-winning authors and celebrities, including Cedric the Entertainer, Connie Briscoe, Rita Dove, Jamaica Kincaid, Carl Phillips, Mathew Knowles, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Pemon Rami, Adeeyo Oludara, Laila Ibrahim, Kevin Daley, Tiffany Haddish, EbonyJanice, Chimeka Garricks, Eghosa Imasuen, and Angela Jackson-Brown, among hundreds of others.

Your Trusted Resource

It only just occurred to me how important it is to have my work reviewed by people who have more of a connection with the Black experience, which is universal for any Black person. Thank you all for being in existence.
Anthony O.
This directory is definitely needed. With a Black editor, I have a greater assurance that I will have a professional who understands standard written English and AAVE, as most of my characters speak.
Kevin Collins
The only thing better than having an editor peruse my work is having a gifted Black editor! I found my editor Tia Ross through this site, and I couldn't be happier with her as my editorial partner. She is a true gem!
Alayna Jarvis

Supporting Black editors and writers

Black Editors & Proofreaders and Black Writers Collective networks were founded on principles of umoja (unity); ujamaa (cooperative economics); nia (purpose); and kuumba (creativity)—the same principles that celebrate community, family, African American culture, and African heritage in the spirit of Kwanzaa year-round. We've built an integrated network of elite editors, gifted book coaches, amazing mentors, and talented writers and invite you to join us, whether as a member or a client.

Want to join our directory?

We have slots open for elite editorial business owners to join our network of proven professionals. We’re accepting copyeditors, line/substantive editors, developmental editors, proofreaders, and coaches. There continues to be a heightened demand for poetry editors, line editors, and developmental editors. > Learn more/apply now

Join the Network

Are you an aspiring or experienced editor looking for a community of fellow Black editors? You don’t have to be profiled in our directory to be part of our network. Join now. Membership is free.