Aaron Lelito - Editor
I'm editor in chief of an art/lit website and a college English instructor who loves all forms of creative writing—both poetry and prose.
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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, 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.
My editorial skills are best suited for writing that engages with nature, environmental topics, self-development, 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.
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Literary Fiction
Poetry
Non-Fiction
Humanities & Social Sciences
Nature
Religion & Spirituality
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Work experience
Editor in chief
Wild Roof Journal
December, 2019
–
Present
(about 3 years)
▪ Description of publication:
The themes of nature and environmental issues 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:
Generating Ideas: Getting Started with the Creative Process
Fine-Tuning: Preparing Writing for Submissions
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Feedback from contributor:
"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!"
Art & Poetry Editor
The Closed Eye Open
March, 2020
–
Present
(almost 3 years)
▪ 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:
3-4 issues per year, PDF format
Monthly micro poetry feature
Freelance Contributor & Editor
Hawkes Learning
September, 2019
–
November, 2021
(about 2 years)
Freelance Editor
Ohlinger Publishing Services
November, 2016
–
May, 2018
(over 1 year)
Assistant Professor
SUNY Erie
September, 2009
–
Present
(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. 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.
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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.
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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!"
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"I like Professor Lelito 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!"
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"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 Lelito is an extremely kind, caring, and intelligent individual."
Portfolio (9 selected works)
why i never got to neptune
Hickman, Stewart
Such Excess of Light
Lise, Shannon
Put Off My Sackcloth: Essays
Dawid, Annie
Glint
Symer, Carole
Please Plant This Book Coast To Coast
Anderson, Susan Kay
Passiflora
Davis, Kathy
Farewell Clay Dove
FALCO, SOPHIA
Making Silent Stones Sing
Miller, Susan Cummins
Clean Coal Burn
Knott, Kip
Aaron has 7 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Aaron's advice on my manuscript was extremely valuable. He answered my questions about structure and provided insightful comments and revisions on each individual poem. I can recommend him wholeheartedly.
Holly Sinclair, January 2023
I selected Aaron due to genre (prose poetry) and writing style/tone/interests and chose wisely! Though a bit "late in the game", I wanted a developmental editor to review my completed work prior to self publishing. His edits of my debut book were thorough and insightful, providing options and helpful comments. He was very tolerant of my overuse of dear colons. In fact his teaching background sh...
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Leah Schulte, October 2022
Aaron edited 24 poems for a collection to be published soon. From the beginning and throughout the process he was professional, thorough, thoughtful, prompt and candid. For the draft pieces that needed considerable attention, his observations and suggestions helped those pieces to become what I had intended. For the draft pieces I thought were already pretty good, his guidance made them better...
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Stewart Hickman, September 2022
Enjoyed working with Aaron. Would work with him again.
Addison Griffis, September 2022
Thank you Aaron!
ifrah hirey, August 2022
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