queer black editing

Language is always evolving, (shape)shifting, expanding, circling back, and coming home...

why "queer black editing," though?

Because we edit with concision, consistency, and clarity in mind while maintaining your voice and authenticity in your writing.

Because we know how oppressive language—in emotional, physical, and spiritual ways—harms (and erases) marginalized individuals and communities in larger society.

Because we frame our holistic editing praxis at the intersection of language and lived experience.

Because language matters.

"[Their] editing prowess, including [their] impeccable sense for both large-scale structure and nuanced word choice, strengthened my documentary project’s long-form narrative."

— Nancy K., professor, folklorist + filmmaker

so why not garden-variety copyediting?

We welcome and celebrate wholeness in your writing. We know how language directly and indirectly shapes our individual and collective existence on a cellular, mental, and spiritual level.

Queer Black Editing operates from a holistic, linguistic framework grounded in the intersections of resistive regiolects and social issues affecting the larger world. We’re propelled by multiple language systems—spoken and unspoken, percussive and sung, ancestral and anticipated, and the southeastern river waters of Turtle Island.

Our praxis is less about traditional grammar rules, and more about authenticity, as we prefer to support creative folks who wish to improve their own language—language birthed in their own communities, language their ancestors spoke that ain’t in no dictionary.

Those who work with us already have a robust anti-oppression analysis, and wish to build upon their existing awareness to transform their words into—and participate in—a more truth-telling, lyrical, constructive editing experience.

Queer Black Editing serves individuals and organizations seeking top-notch editing services applied with an ever-evolving, anti-colonial lens. If you or your org are all about setting your writing (and getting) free, you've come to the right place!

"As a leadership coach, it was time for me to talk to my community about what it truly means to decolonize leadership, and our goals. It’s a sensitive topic and Queer Black Editing is the perfect partner, and provided the perfect service, to ensure that my communication with my community was strong and on point. I was given constructive feedback to improve my copy, and CJ was great about keeping the communication open during the editing process. I received my final copy edited version on time, as promised. And I felt confident in knowing that the final product was ready to be shared and showcased to the world."

— Vanessa V., leadership coach + podcast host,

Clarity is Crucial

"[They were] great to work with, and offered helpful ideas for synthesizing content and re-wording that stayed true to my original intention... I look forward to working with Queer Black Editing again!"

— Ricky B., founder of Cazimi Healing

(photo: Allie Mullin Photography)
Founded by CJ Penn, Queer Black Editing offers a holistic approach to copyediting—increasingly anti-colonial, community-focused, and current.
CJ has been studying, constructing, expanding, and deconstructing language since the tender age of 8 (that Speak & Spell from the early years was a game changer, y'all). They read, write, and speak AA(V)E, European French, and Southeastern US English.
Queer Black Editing was birthed out of a lifelong love of language and growing frustration with the confining, harmful nature of the English language. So CJ decided to launch an editing business rooted in a queer, Black politic that would help move the needle toward (linguistic) progress for all life and land.
CJ holds a degree in languages from George Mason University and a certificate in editing from University of California, Berkeley Extension.
As a Black, queer, non-binary (they/them/she/her) editor living and loving in the US South, CJ also enjoys frying up vegan cuisine, head-bobbing to 80s + 90s R&B, and diving into the healing waters of aromatherapy.
(Oh, and they’re an award-winning writer, too.)

get a free consult!