We want to give the Editors Toronto members and student affiliates another way to get to know the executive and find out what is involved in being on the committee. So, we asked executive committee members to introduce themselves and their roles by answering a few questions.
Meet Jona Rhica Mejico, vice-chair, a first-year member of Editors Toronto who recently completed the Editing Certificate at George Brown College. After studying English in university and not knowing what to do next, she took on an entry-level role at a mutual fund company and realized that there were plenty of opportunities to work as an in-house editor for a large corporation. She now has over 10 years of substantive editing, copy editing, and proofreading experience, specializing in business communications and employee engagement. When she’s not working, you can find Jona writing postcards and pen pal letters.
What kind of editor are you? Tell us a bit about your experience.
As an editor who works in the finance industry, where speed and efficiency are key, it’s easy to put on all my different editor hats at the same time. However, when I am reviewing a piece, I have to do my best to actively remind myself of where I am in the editing process and to focus on the task at hand. When I’m looking at a piece for the first time, I’m only providing substantive edits. If the document is ready for copy editing, I’m only copy editing. This way, I can ensure that efforts aren’t duplicated and wasted.
What is your favourite part of the role you hold on the executive committee (or the exec, as we call it)?
I get to work closely with the co-chairs and provide them with support where needed, while also managing my own portfolio and responsibilities.
Give us an elevator pitch for your role.
As vice-chair, you are the dedicated contact for the annual Word On The Street (WOTS) festival, where Editors Toronto participates as an exhibitor. Liaising with WOTS is a great way to gain exposure to other literary organizations. You’re able to strengthen your relationship-building skills, which is essential since as an editor you will be working with all types of people throughout your career.
What’s your favourite part of an exec meeting?
I like hearing about what all the other exec members are working on, but I especially enjoy discussing different perspectives and rationales whenever we brainstorm or collaborate on ideas. No editor is an island, so these meetings are a great opportunity to share your thoughts. Plus, it’s important to continually learn by listening to your fellow editors.
If you didn’t have your role on the exec, what role would you pick?
I’m quite interested in the work that our communications chair, Ann, does, but that’s perhaps because I already do a lot of those types of tasks for my full-time job at one of Canada’s top banks.
Editors Toronto holds elections to fill the executive positions every May. If you are interested in the positions and their availability, please contact us at [email protected].
This article was copy edited by Julia Kennedy.
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