Tia Ross
Founder
My name is Tia Ross. I am the founder of Black Writers Collective and the Black Editors & Proofreaders Directory—two platforms I built to address long-standing access gaps in the literary and publishing ecosystem.
My Story
I’ve worked across writing, editing, publishing, and content systems for more than 30 years, beginning as a freelance editor and eventually designing scalable platforms, programs, and networks that support Black writers and editors at multiple stages of their careers. Over that time, I’ve collaborated with major publishers, corporations, nonprofits, and independent authors, helping ensure their work meets professional and commercial standards.
Black Writers Collective was created as a structured community—not just a social space—for writers who want accountability, craft development, and access to real opportunities. Over the years, the organization has hosted conferences, retreats, mentorship initiatives, awards, scholarships, and professional development programs. Today, BWC functions as an active ecosystem where members can participate in critique groups, accountability cohorts, and skills-building initiatives designed to support consistent progress.
The Black Editors & Proofreaders Directory was developed to solve a parallel problem: visibility and access for qualified Black editorial professionals. The directory connects editors with publishers, authors, and organizations seeking vetted editorial expertise and serves as a professional bridge—not a marketplace or gig board.
Outside of these platforms, I’ve lived and worked as a digital nomad, traveling to more than 25 countries while running location-independent businesses. My current professional focus is on information architecture, knowledge management, and AI-enabled content systems, where I consult with organizations on designing scalable, sustainable ways to structure and deliver information.
I document this work—and my broader thinking on systems, mobility, and career leverage—at https://tiaross.net.
I am also the author of So You Want to Be an Editor… But Can You Edit?, a practical guide for aspiring editors navigating the realities of the profession.
Black Writers Collective exists because it works. My role today is to ensure it remains clear, functional, and aligned with the writers and editors it serves.
- TiaRossEditor.com
- WordWiser Ink Editing Lab
- Black Editors & Proofreaders Directory
- NomadicallyTia.com
Brooklyn Simmons
“When we create spaces for our voices to thrive, we don’t just tell stories—we change the narrative.”