Tom, along with his wife and business partner launched Word Association Publishers in the late nineties, long before there were thousands of internet publishers all competing in independent self-publishing. Tom, who holds a Phd. in literature and writing, taught at Northwestern University and was an investigative reporter and speechwriter for the Illinois legislature.  From the beginning, Tom knew that Word Association Publishers would have to be selective about what was accepted for publication.  

Dr. Tom works closely with his editors in manuscript review as well as what level of editing it may or may not need. Always the teacher, he writes blogs and articles in WA Magazine offering tips on good writing.  “If you want to be a better writer, become a better reader. Write what you know.  Show me—don’t tell me.” 

Francine is an award-winning news and documentary writer/producer who worked for CBS news radio in Chicago.  Earlier, she wrote advertising copy and managed promotions for Gateway Broadcasting, Pittsburgh. "When Tom and I created Word Association Publishers, we knew it had to be rooted in high-quality writing and exquisite book design. Independent self-publishing was in its infancy then and we made certain from the start that we had a top team of editors and artists.”

Her background in promotion taught her the importance of creative marketing and led her to partner with two author associates in creating A Gathering of Authors, a unique and popular author event Word Association sponsors annually to promote their newly-released authors.  

Jason knew from an early age he would pursue a career in the diverse field of the graphic arts. Inspired by early Disney animation, Jason's path eventually led him to graphic design. Jason studied visual communications and design for two semesters at Purdue University, before relocating back to his beloved city of Pittsburgh. It was here in Pittsburgh that he would finish his academic career with a Bachelor of Science in graphic design at La Roche College and their esteemed program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Jason is very excited to be a member of the Word Association team. "It is not only a joy to work with the creative people on staff, but also the many expressive authors that we come in contact with on a daily basis."

Emily always dreamed of working with books. A 2014 graduate of Duquesne University, Emily's first passion was education. But as time passed, she found a greater calling for the world of publishing. 

Now, Emily works closely with the Word Association authors to create book marketing content. 

She specializes in website design and social media marketing, and helps to make the world of digital content easier to navigate. 

"Social media is constantly changing and evolving, and it's important for our authors to be able to market their books to the best of their abilities." 

A writer herself, Emily enjoys working individually with the eclectic Word Association authors.  

Annie is no stranger to the world of books and writing. A graduate of Duquesne University, with degrees in English and Journalism, Annie has been writing and editing for over 40 years. 

Her background started in print news, working for the legendary Pittsburgh Pirate and sports broadcaster, Nellie King. 

Her career expanded to radio as well, working for WKPA. She produced and worked closely with Francine, who hosted the show, Among Ourselves. 

A published author herself, she enjoys working with the Word Association authors to help them craft the best manuscript to their abilities. While she works to perfect a manuscript, she strives to ensure the author never loses their individual voice. 

Nan is an editor par excellence. Relying heavily on her trusty Chicago Manual of Style to settle questions of correct usage, she also makes a point of getting to know each author so that she can edit to that author's personal style. 

She is picky, but in the best possible sense, cutting out unnecessary words, suggesting alternate wording, and querying the author when something could be made more clear. 

Before joining us, she worked as an associate producer and writer for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, where she met her husband, David, better known as Mr. McFeely, the "Speedy Delivery" man. 

She is a certified teacher of English as a second language. 

After a twenty-one-year stint as associate editor of a religious publication, Martin has turned to full-time freelance editing.

He earned a master's degree in ancient Greek history at the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. 

He turned to editing and publishing, working at Southern Methodist University Press in Dallas and Company Magazine in Chicago before putting out his freelance editor shingle. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Dorinda, and their sons, Alex and Damon. 

Theresa’s career in literary arts encompasses writing and teaching as well as editing. A part-time English professor at Carlow University, she has taught writing and literature in both high schools and colleges in the Pittsburgh region. She also works as a freelance writer for Global Sisters Report, a project of National Catholic Reporter, where she enjoys exploring questions and learning from mentors about how to live a meaningful life.
Theresa has worked for Word Association since 2002. She especially enjoys helping writers to find their voices so that they can connect with readers.
She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, James, and their doodle, Murphy. They have four grown daughters.