We wanted to give Editors Toronto members and student affiliates another way to get to know their executive committee, while also showing them 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 Lily Omidi, Communications Co-Chair
Lily offers freelance services under the name Ello Editorial. They hold an honours BA in criminal justice and have completed the professional editing standards certificate program from Queen’s University. In their leisure time, they enjoy writing novels, devouring fiction across many mediums, and crafting original synopses for an online anime and manga database.
What kind of editor are you? Tell us a bit about your experience.
I have a deep passion for long-form storytelling – to date, I’ve written 19 books, including 15 novels – which steered me towards editing novels. Over the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of working on projects in some of my favourite fiction genres, such as fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery. While I’m confident in my skills, I love to learn, so I’m in constant pursuit of professional development.
What is your favourite part of the role you hold on the executive committee (or the “exec,” as we call it)?
As a communications co-chair, I juggle many moving parts, which gives me the privilege of working closely with a variety of wonderful people. Being new to the exec, I’m lucky to share my role with the capable Keisha Raymond-Doopan, who values being organized as much as I do. Plus, I genuinely enjoy being part of a productive team where everyone’s on the same page.
Give us an elevator pitch for your role.
In the communications co-chair role, you get to challenge yourself in different ways. You send out newsletters, schedule social media posts, add content to a WordPress website, and produce quality work – for a discerning audience! – under tight deadlines. Fortunately, you’ll get plenty of help from your fellow communications co-chair and other members of the committee. If you have a flexible schedule and can handle the occasional busy week, holding this role is a rewarding experience.
What’s your favourite part of an exec meeting?
When you’re used to staring at words on a screen all day, it’s a refreshing change to stare at faces on a screen instead! Okay, in all seriousness, the most gratifying part of being on the team is the sense of camaraderie. I appreciate having the opportunity to touch base with everyone, reflect on what we’ve accomplished over the last month, and lay out our upcoming plans.
If you didn’t have your role on the exec, what role would you pick?
If I had to switch, I’d go for vice-chair. Liaising with and coordinating volunteers, as well as assisting other chairs, would be a fun way to both challenge myself and connect with fellow editors.
This article was copy edited by Alicja Minda, an in-house editor with the Senate of Canada and a former editor-in-chief of BoldFace.
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