Self-Nominated
Crystal Shelley is the owner of Rabbit with a Red Pen, where she provides editing and authenticity reading services to fiction authors. Drawing on her background as a social worker, she unites her love of language and her passion for social justice by pushing for writing and representation that is more dignified, intentional, and just. She is the creator of the Conscious Language Toolkits for Editors and Writers, serves on the board of ACES: The Society for Editing, and is an instructor for the Editorial Freelancers Association. When she's not working with words, she's probably swearing at a video game.
How long has the nominee been a member of ACES?
3.5 years
How has the nominee contributed to ACES?
I am currently finishing my first term as an at-large member of the ACES board of directors. I have been a member of the Communication Committee since its inception in 2020, through which I have helped copy edit and proofread articles for Tracking Changes. I have presented at the annual ACES conference, hosted two webcasts, and written three articles for Tracking Changes, and some of my original blog posts have been republished on the ACES blog. In addition, I also promote ACES by encouraging editors to join the organization and sharing posts on social media.
What experience would the nominee bring to the board?
Because I am a current ACES board member, I have experience with what it means to serve this organization. I’m a freelance editor, so I represent the largest demographic of ACES members, and I can speak to what it is like to go into editing from a completely unrelated field. I’ve also been an advocate of inclusivity and equity, both in my work and in editorial spaces, so I would look at ACES and what the board is doing through that lens.
If elected, what does the nominee envision for ACES during their tenure?
My priority is making sure ACES is a welcoming organization that amplifies voices from historically underrepresented groups and is accessible to all, which means assessing member needs and expanding outreach efforts. Also, because I started with ACES as a volunteer, I know how important it can be for people to feel like they can contribute. Therefore, I would like to find more opportunities for volunteers to become involved with ACES in meaningful ways. More than anything, I’d love to serve another term so I can work toward meeting the goals the board has set for the next two years.