When most writers think of editing, they imagine submitting a manuscript and getting it back covered in red lines. But for Brooke Black, editing is something entirely different—it’s about support, connection, and co-creation.

Brooke is the founder of Black Bear Communications, an editing and coaching company that helps women authors move from idea to polished manuscript—with community every step of the way. In her conversation with Project Seed Money, Brooke shares her unconventional path into the publishing world and the powerful reason she created the Hive Collective, a holistic editing and support community for writers.

“Every great book ever written started with someone giving themselves permission to take themselves seriously.” — Brooke Black

Brooke didn’t start as a full-time editor. She came from a background in English, worked in grant editing, and—like many editors—was always the go-to person for friends and family who needed help with writing. But it wasn’t until she began editing her mother-in-law’s book that she realized this was her calling. Since then, Brooke has built a thriving business supporting authors through all stages of the writing journey.

One of the biggest takeaways from this interview is how early you can start working with an editor—especially one like Brooke.

While many editors only want to see manuscripts after multiple drafts, Brooke takes a different approach. She offers coaching and collaborative editing even during the earliest idea phases, making her the perfect partner for first-time authors who feel unsure or overwhelmed.

But Brooke’s most powerful innovation might just be the Hive Collective—a membership-based community that offers tailored support for every writer’s journey.

Inside the Hive, authors can access:

• Collaborative editing across all stages: developmental, line, copyediting, and proofreading
• Social media strategy with a brand designer to support author marketing
• Live “swarm sessions” with guest speakers, agents, and fellow authors
• Publishing support whether you’re going traditional or self-publishing

Brooke emphasizes that the Hive isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every member tailors their experience to meet their goals. And beyond the curriculum, what stands out most is the community—writers forming genuine bonds across generations and genres.

She shares one moving story about two Hive members in their 60s who connected over shared hearing challenges and helped each other learn how to navigate Zoom meetings more confidently. That kind of connection? It’s exactly what Brooke hoped to create.

“We’re shifting the words we use in publishing. No more ‘competitive titles.’ We say ‘comparable titles.’ Because we’re not here to compete—we’re here to uplift one another.” — Brooke Black

This mindset of collaboration over competition runs through everything Brooke does. She’s on a mission to make publishing less intimidating, especially for women and marginalized voices who may not see themselves reflected in traditional publishing spaces.

At the end of the interview, Brooke offers powerful encouragement to anyone doubting their place in the writing world:

“If it’s on your heart, it’s there for a reason. Give yourself permission to grow into the writer you want to be. You don’t need to do it alone.”

For anyone navigating their writing or editing journey, this conversation is a must-listen. Whether you’re halfway through your draft or still carrying your story in your heart, Brooke’s words will remind you: it’s not too late. You’re not too small. And your story is worth telling.