CaTyra Polland is an accomplished author, editor, and speaker. Her entrepreneurial
spirit has been the driving force behind her career, and her love of expression–her life-
long passion. Joining these passions together, CaTyra has become an important voice in
the literary community as well as the business world speaking to professionals from all
backgrounds. Since founding Polland Enterprises, LLC over a decade ago, CaTyra has
been instrumental in a variety of projects that advance and elevate creative expression.
She is the proud Founder and CEO of Love for Words (an editing boutique for writers
and authors.) Through Love for Words, CaTyra helps creative people with professional
editing services while supporting their creative vision. In this capacity, she serves as an
editor, a mentor, and a supporter of each writer’s creation. She is wholeheartedly
committed to every project and every client, and her passion for what she does bleeds
through every step of the way.
She has contracted with an array of businesses and organizations including Pathstone,
the Rochester Black Agenda Group, Joseph Avenue Arts Culture Association, and The
Article Group. Within these contracts, she helps organizations to improve their reach
through clear communication and efficient project management. Additionally, CaTyra is
the Creator and Hostess of Editor Knows Best, an international writing and editing
podcast, “Editor Knows Best” where she shares her knowledge, experience, and passion
with an audience of literary professionals.
She also founded and hosted Writers Paradise, a writing forum for writers and authors,
and launched Literacy Love, a scholarship for high school students in 2020. CaTyra has
served on multiple panels including the Wood Library, Finger Lakes Community
College, SCORE Mentors of Greater Rochester, and the Ladder Literary Conference
hosted by Writers & Books. She serves as Executive Secretary of the Rochester Black
Authors Association as well as a board member for 540 WMain, Conscious Capitalism,
and the Innova Girls Academy.
CaTyra has been recognized as a Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 Honoree,
and a national Point of Light Honoree as well as a Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award
Finalist. She is an alumna of the University at Buffalo and the University at Albany and
has completed multiple business accelerator programs including the Monroe
Community College Launch Your Business Certification program, Pathstone Tech
Talks, and the Rochester Schools Modernization Program’s Business Opportunity
Program. When she is not working to elevate and inspire literary professionals, CaTyra
enjoys slam poetry, traveling, going to concerts, and spending time at the beach.
At what moment did you discover your love for words?
In middle school, I entered a poetry contest. My poem was selected for inclusion in an anthology. That is when I discovered my love for words.
What inspired your start in writing books?
I love to empower others. I also enjoy educating and teaching. My debut book Professionalism, What’s That? to educate new professionals about communication, conflict management, code-switching, and more. I have been in several anthologies sharing personal experiences which inspire and uplift others. I love sharing my knowledge and personal experiences to help and encourage others.
How do you balance life as an author as well as editor for so many others?
I balance by practicing healthy and productive time management. Tools such as Google Calendar and Microsoft Viva keep me on track. I always add event and due date reminders to my calendar. I also carve out downtime when I don’t edit or write. My self-care plan has been imperative to my success and health.
What 3 lessons have you learned so far as an editor?
- Ask questions. Don’t assume you understand or know what the author means.
- Be open-minded. I learn so much from my clients. I have picked up new vocabulary and perspectives from my clients.
- Be authentic. I tell my clients about my experience as a self-published author. I also share my journey as an editor, not leaving out lessons learned.
What is next for you as a writer as well as editor for upcoming authors?
I am finalizing my first children’s book Two Shades Deep. My current editing projects include a journal/diary and an erotica poetry collection.
Support CaTyra by purchasing her work here.
