Aaron Lelito

Aaron Lelito – Editor

Editor in Chief of an art & lit website and English educator who loves all forms of creative writing—both poetry and prose.

Overview

I am a college-level English instructor, who is interested in all forms of creative writing and self-expression. In addition, I serve as Editor in Chief of an online publication that brings together visual and literary arts and provides a welcoming platform for artists and writers to reach a larger audience.


My editorial skills are best suited for writing that engages with nature, environmental topics, self-development, personal narrative, psychology, consciousness, Eastern spirituality, and related fields. My goal as editor is not to provide a formula for success; rather, I seek to connect with the writer's source of inspiration, to clarify the intended messages, and to help polish each piece as it nears completion.


As a workshop facilitator, I have experience with all facets of the writing process, from creativity exercises and generating ideas to fine-tuning word choices, punctuation, and layout.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Literary Fiction Poetry
Non-Fiction
Humanities & Social Sciences Nature Religion & Spirituality Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Wild Roof Journal

Dec, 2019 — Present

▪ Description of publication:
The themes of nature and environment are of particular interest, so the concept of “the wild” is something we explore in each issue. We are most drawn to work that considers the connections and points of tension between the wild and tame, the natural and civilized, the spontaneous and structured.
▪ Publication Details:
6 issues per year, web and PDF format; discussion-based podcast accompanies each issue.
▪ Workshop Facilitator:
Manuscript Review: Creating a Cohesive Poetry Collection
Fine-Tuning: Preparing Writing for Submissions
*
Feedback from contributors:
"The community engagement with Wild Roof is so different from other journals. It feels like a real active family, rather than separate categories--writer, publisher, reader. It's all one flowing organism!"
*
"The WRJ podcast is just the right level of nerdy (but not pretentious) fun; the riffing and talk of craft is inspiring."

The Closed Eye Open

Mar, 2020 — Present

▪ Description of publication:
We're interested in a multi-disciplinary approach to consciousness, including pursuits that stem from a scientific background, a spiritual tradition, a liberal arts discipline, or an intrinsic desire to investigate one’s own subjective world. We would like to explore the creative output of anyone who has spent time with the big questions—whether those questions are on the grand cosmic scale, are more focused on the human condition, or are grounded in personal and practical concerns.
▪ Publication Details:
3 issues per year, PDF format
Monthly micro poetry feature

Hawkes Learning

Sep, 2019 — Nov, 2021 (about 2 years)

I contributed instructor materials as well as a poem to the college writing textbook Navigating Narratives. I also provided copy editing for Hawkes materials.

Ohlinger Publishing Services

Nov, 2016 — May, 2018 (over 1 year)

I provided copy editing for various Pearson writing & composition textbooks.

SUNY Erie

Sep, 2009 — Present

If it involves writing, chances are I've taught it! I have experience teaching intro writing courses, composition for humanities and STEM fields, research writing, and workplace writing. I particularly enjoy working personal reflection and narrative into these courses as well, since a unique touch or two really helps make academic writing more dynamic.
*
My background in education definitely informs my approach as an editor, since working with students requires patience, encouragement, and empathy, along with the more technical aspects of the writing process.
*
Student reviews:
"He literally is the best English teacher/ professor I have ever had. He puts thought into his work and is very detailed. He doesn't take forever for assistance. If you do get a chance to have him remember always hand in your drafts early the more times you get him to proofread hell up the grade. 100 stars if I could!"
*
"I like Professor L. a lot! SUPER nice and willing to help you get the best grade possible. You can always reach him outside of class. If you don't do the work you will simply not pass. He is nerdy but in an awesome way. He likes to see his students pass. Papers are not hard to write but involve effort!"
*
"One of the best professors Ive ever had. Hes truly an amazing teacher, and anyone would be lucky to have him for class! If you ever need help on an assignment or want to boost your grade up, he's there to help. I wish he taught more English classes. Professor L. is an extremely kind, caring, and intelligent individual."

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Seringo

Weld, Charles

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Pieces of Me

Rizik, Alexandria Rose

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing

Aaron has 18 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lance H.

Lance H.

Nov, 2023

Aaron has provided insightful, dedicated, proficient, and eye-opening levels of work. He treated every question with careful consideration and provided feedback that was thoughtful and developmental. His monthly Zoom meetings helped clarify any questions he or I had about my work and made the development of my work feel clean and concise. If you are seeking a positive, cheerful, and fantastic e...
Read more
Mitchell U.

Mitchell U.

Oct, 2023

I found Aaron's observations of my work to be excellent. He does what every good editor ought to do--point out a poem's strengths, suggest intelligent edits, and offer meaningful suggestions on how to improve a poem's total impact overall. His response time in getting back to me oftentimes exceeded the contractual agreement, as stipulated by Reedsy. I highly recommend him.
Charles W.

Charles W.

Aug, 2023

Aaron was professional, friendly, responsive and skilled. I enjoyed the process from beginning to end, would colloborate with Aaron again, and recommend him with enthusiasm to anyone looking for a diligent proofreader and/or copyeditor.
A.J. L.

A.J. L.

Aug, 2023

Aaron was wonderful to work with. He was professional, responsive, provided helpful feedback, overall providing the insight I was looking for. I would be happy to work with him again for future projects.
Jessica L.

Jessica L.

Aug, 2023

Aaron was very easy to work with and was prompt with responses/ insightful feedback. I enjoyed working with Aaron. He stayed true to my goals and never tried to change my work into something else. The only thing I wish different, is that Aaron could be a little more "critical" with his constructive feedback. For example, if my poem's message wasn't completely clear or needed a couple lines re-w...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Aaron and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Aaron

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Michael Jarnebro

Michael J.

Copyeditor, proofreader, and oneironaut. Loves philosophy, personal growth, and dark things. Enjoys a good story, fantastical and real.

Hampshire, IL, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Julia Turner

Julia T.

Line and copy editor, with content capabilities. I have the most experience in nonfiction, but my favorite edits are middle grade and YA.

Charleston, SC, United States

100% reply rate

View profile
Kaitlyn Katsoupis

Kaitlyn K.

Literary Agent offering manuscript critiques, developmental edits, and submission polishing for fiction novels readying for publication

Orlando, FL, USA

100% reply rate

View profile