Editor: Laura Sheach Company: Livanta Number of years in editing: 12 years
Tell us a little about yourself, including how you got started as an editor?
The start of my career was administrative, which led to positions in editing audits, reports, proposals, marketing material, and business letters. Exposure to editing made me realize that I'm passionate about editing!
What is your area of focus and why did you select this niche?
My area of focus is anything technical! I've worked in diverse industries but learned the most by doing administrative audits on IT consulting reports. I seem to enjoy editing technical information the most, mainly because I'm bound to learn something new and interesting along the way.
Walk us through a typical workday. How do you manage your time?
I maintain two online calendars for work (Outlook) and personal (Google) priorities, then check them at the start of each day. This helps me manage my time for deadlines and meetings.
What is your favorite thing about being an editor?
The pure joy of enabling readers to engage in easily digestible technical information that would otherwise be boring. Not to mention, there's something about making edits that secretly make me feel like a teacher or boss (even though I'm neither)!
What is your biggest challenge and how do you work through this?
Learning different styles and preferences of each writer is the biggest challenge I face. Also, keeping up with the latest updates on writing guidelines. For example, ensuring that we use diversity and inclusion resources to incorporate and improve our writing and edits.
What are you currently working on?
Writing and editing federal proposals for work. In my spare time, I volunteer to edit and copywrite for non-profit organizations found on Catchafire.
What advice do you have for someone who is just starting their career as an editor?
Of course, becoming a member of ACES is an important step! Never stop learning. Seek a mentor, take classes, go to conferences, and learn from both your peers and leaders.