We wanted to give Editors Toronto members and student affiliates another way to get to know their executive committee members, while also finding 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 for our “Executive Unplugged” series.
Meet Ann Nam-Tran Le, our current co-chair. She joined the Editors Toronto executive committee as the communications chair in the 2020–21 season and has been a member of Editors Canada for three years. She has recently completed her publishing certificate at Toronto Metropolitan University and her next step in her journey as an editor is to establish her expertise in editing graphic novels and comics.
What kind of editor are you? Tell us a bit about your experience.
I’m a versatile editor, and I have delved into copy editing and substantive editing of short stories and personal essays. At the moment, I’m also looking to specialize in editing comics and coaching on the narrative techniques used in comics.
What is your favourite part of the role you hold on the executive committee (or the “exec,” as we call it)?
I value the learning opportunities I’ve had from my time as co-chair, whether exploring different writing and editing techniques or gaining insight into the various professions for people who love working with words. Collaborating with the executive committee, with their collective knowledge and diverse perspectives as editors, has been a wonderful experience. I share this position with my co-pilot, Jona, who brings her thoughtfulness when supporting the whole executive. I’ve gained incredible colleagues and invaluable experience during my time at Editors Toronto.
Give us an elevator pitch for your role.
Being a co-chair of the Editors Toronto executive committee is a fulfilling journey for those who have a passion for supporting a culture of collaboration and leading opportunities for the growth of the editing profession. It’s rewarding to be a part of an organization with a larger purpose and to give back to the community.
What’s your favourite part of an exec meeting?
As an editor working at home, it can feel isolating with my face glued to the screen for most of the day. So, after the endless days of work, it’s a delight to see friendly faces (and their pets) when we have the exec meetings.
If you didn’t have your current role on the exec, what role would you pick?
I have served as communications chair for two years, and this year I got my hands on some responsibilities as seminars chair by delivering a course on plain language. However, I’m comfortable continuing the co-chair position because I find that there is always room to innovate within the role.
Editors Toronto holds elections to fill the executive committee positions every May. If you are interested in these positions and/or their availability, please contact us at [email protected].
This article was copy edited by Anne Marie Twiselton.
BoldFace 