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

In addition to being a freelancer, I am Editor in Chief of an online publication that brings together visual and literary arts. One of my main goals there is to provide a welcoming platform for artists and writers to reach a larger audience. Building this dynamic creative community is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

Other work experience includes being a college-level English instructor, an academic advisor, a director of an after-school learning program (1st-12th grade), and a meditation teacher. Each of these experiences allowed me to develop my interest in writing, creativity, and self-expression.

My editorial skills are best suited for writing that is literary, academic, professional, and creative. Among the subject areas that I enjoy are nature, environment, self-development, personal narrative, literature, psychology, consciousness, Eastern spirituality. 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 Writing & Publishing
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: 4 issues per year, web and PDF format; Substack; podcast. ▪ 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 and composition textbooks.

SUNY Erie

Sep, 2009 — May, 2023 (over 13 years)
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. 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. 100 stars if I could!" * "One of the best professors I've 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. Professor L. is an extremely kind, caring, and intelligent individual."

Portfolio

Tilt

Stephens, Morgan

Kelsay Books

Developmental Editing
Ink & Skin: Palabra y Piel

Garcia Montenegro, GuePo

Alejandro Garcia

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Frayed Edges: Poems

Steele, Kahlani B.

KBS Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Uprooted: A Season of Grief

Burrows, Mary Ann

Natural Narrative Publishing

Copy Editing
What Of Us Remains (Chapbook Series 2)

Williamson, Eric

Eric Williamson

Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy 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
Proofreading
Copy Editing

Aaron has 56 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Darah D.

Darah D.

Feb, 2026

Aaron was amazing to work with! He did a great job editing my work, was responsive and willing to answer all off my questions. Work with Aaron if you get the opportunity to!
Sejin K.

Sejin K.

Feb, 2026

Aaron did a great job and I'll definitely keep him in mind for future work.
Dan F.

Dan F.

Jan, 2026

Aaron was great to work with. Really elevated my manuscript. My project was unorthodox and so I appreciated how he approached it as a collaborative process to fit the story rather than simply implementing rigid rules. I also loved how for certain more subjective revisions he'd give multiple optio...
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Sean M.

Sean M.

Jan, 2026

Aaron was incredible to work with. His insight was valuable, his communication was clear, and he was always accessible for questions. A genuinely great experience, and I’d gladly work with him again.
Joe S.

Joe S.

Jan, 2026

Aaron was great. He was responsive and timely in all communication. He delivered on what we were asking for. Would use him again.

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