ABOUT ME
Strategic Storyteller. Book Coach Chameleon. Editor Extraordinaire. Purpose Pusher. Red-Lip Rival.
Taiia Smart Young has been in the publishing game since TLC cautioned fans not to chase waterfalls. She’s held senior and executive editor roles at ESSENCE, Juicy, Latina and XXL. Taiia (Tee-eye-yah) created the S.T.E.P. Into Your Story™ the book and writing and publishing intensive to transform experts into master storytellers who can market and monetize their message. As an interviewer and on-camera host, Taiia has been in conversation with top talent, including Michelle Obama, Mary J. Blige, Zendaya, Chris Rock, Rita Moreno, Nas and Jada Pinkett Smith. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, TIDAL, Verizon.com, Refinery29 and Life & Money by Citi.
That’s the short story. Want the longer version? Of course you do. Tap the button below.
SHE GIVES GOOD LIVE. TRAINING IS MY LOVE LANGUAGE.
Q&A WEDNESDAY
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MEET YOUR FAVE BOOK COACH & WRITING CONSULTANT
Hey, I’m Taiia Smart Young. call me Coach T.
In the 5th grade, I told everybody I was going to be a writer—when my friends were dreaming about being doctors, lawyers and funeral directors. (I know, who dreams about embalming bodies in grade school?)
For 20-plus years, I was your favorite writer’s editor with cool senior and executive editor gigs at print and digital publications, including Essence, Latina, XXL and Juicy. I’ve interviewed celebrities, including Aunjanue Ellis, Taraji P. Henson, 50 Cent, La La Anthony and more.
I also wrote profiles on everyday people making big changes and service content that helped people get out their own way.
When my agent couldn’t sell my book proposal to a traditional publisher, I jumped into the self-publishing game to amplify MY MESSAGE, MY STORY and pursue MY LIFE GOALS.
Six months later, I self-published an award-winning book for teen girls and I made $5,000 at my book signing. I flipped Famous! How to be the Star of Your Show; A Teen Girl’s Guide to Embracing Her Fabulous Self into a workshop series that has earned 5ive figures in revenue.
“My grape jam is teaching coaches, consultants, entrepreneurs and experts how-to use their experience and education to write
(and self-publish) non-fiction books that position their expertise,
propel their brand and prepare them for visibility.”
