Editor for Life: Lorie Boucher, Editor, Writer, and Publications Manager

Interview conducted by Keith Goddard.

A career as an editor is often a solo adventure, especially if you’re a freelancer. So, we thought one way to better connect with fellow editors was to ask them the Five Ws: who, what, where, when, and why. Read on for some thought-provoking, enlightening tidbits from those of us who choose to work with words to earn our keep.

Please tell us a little about yourself, the kind of work you do (and where you live), and how long you’ve been an editor.

I’m an editor, writer, and publications manager working mostly in health and the environment. I live in Ottawa, Ontario, where I can easily canoe and cross-country ski when I’m not thinking about words. I still haven’t figured out what to say when the prime minister jogs past me in my neighbourhood—a surprisingly common occurrence. Maybe he needs an editor and is just waiting for me to offer!

Like many editors, I read constantly as a child. On nighttime car rides, I’d read a few words at a time whenever we passed a streetlamp. There was never any doubt that whatever I chose to do when I grew up, it would involve words. 

I can hardly believe it, but I’ve been editing for over 25 years. I started out as a writer and editor at a couple of smaller consulting companies, and later led teams of creative people at two larger organizations. Although I’ve expanded what I do over my working life, editing is my first and enduring love. I started my editorial business in 2019, and the transition to self-employment has been perfect for me. (It helps if you enjoy laughing at your own jokes, which I do.) I spend many of my days editing and writing reports, standards and guidelines, policies and procedures, case studies, strategies and plans, and anything else that can be written down. I brainstorm and collaborate on ways to make good writing great. I talk to people doing important work that they’re proud of. And I chat with other editors about language changes, technology woes, and office furniture. Who could ask for more?

Who: If you could edit one famous author, living or dead, who would it be?

Probably Catherine Gildiner, author of the hilarious memoir, Too Close to the Falls. I loved that book, and when I saw her speak, I thought she was brilliant. I’ve done a tiny bit of humour writing and have a memoir on the (far) back burner, so I would love to have a peek into the life and creative process of such a funny and talented writer. Laughing all day sounds like a perfect day at work to me. 

What: What is the one thing that has helped you the most in your career as an editor?

Collaborating well. Helping people clearly communicate things that matter to them is gentle work. Editing involves understanding, suggesting, interpreting, aligning—all the elements of collaboration. I think of editing as guidance toward a shared goal.

Where: If you could work anywhere in the world as an editor, where would that be?

I’m quite happy in my sunny corner cubby in Ottawa, but if I had the chance to do a short editing stint somewhere else, I’d go somewhere with great snacks: Japan. 

When: Was there ever a time in your life when you seriously questioned your career choice?

No. I know I’m a one-trick pony with no other skills. It’s words or bust! 

Why: Why did you choose to become an editor? Or, should we ask: Why did editing choose you?

How fun would it be if there was a Hogwarts Sorting Hat for editing and it picked me out of a crowd of hopefuls! But no. Becoming an editor happened gradually for me. Every job I’ve had has involved working with words in some way, so getting up close and personal with them in the way editing requires just made sense. Editing is a logical extension of my personality. I love nuance and precision and taking care of details. I like solving puzzles, and unclear writing feels like a puzzle to be solved. I really enjoy this work and talking about it to anyone who asks, maybe especially new editors who are just starting out in their careers. I want them to know that this is a fun, interesting, and rewarding way to make a living. 

And, of course, we just had to ask the inevitable how: How would you sum up your motto?

If it’s worth communicating, it’s worth communicating clearly!

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This article was copy edited by Keith Goddard.