Being a writer, you often can’t separate yourself from the art form that you have just written. An editor provides a crucial and keen eye to make sure your work is readable and mistake-less. I have been invited more than once to take on the role of an editor but not on a large scale basis. Today, I am fortunate to be able to dive into the mind of a lead editor of the leading mobile network operator in Kenya.
Join us today for an enriching interview with Luke Ray.
Please introduce yourself and where are you from?
First of all, thank you very much for letting me share my story. I would love to see someone gets inspired somewhere. My name is Luke Ray, 25 years old. I was born in Kenya, Africa but schooled and graduated in the USA before finally being employed in Africa based company.
So what does a lead editor actually do?
Well, a lead editor is in-charge of all the content created by the company and ensures it’s necessary and of high quality before it is put in public. These contents involve marketing articles, company journals, among others.
Safaricom PLC isn’t a publisher but a leading mobile network operator so it is surprising to see there is a position of lead editor in the company.
Yes, this position had to be created because the environment becomes more competitive each and every day with new network provider companies coming up. So the company has to put a specialist who is in charge of every piece of marketing information so that it’s of high quality and will be able to attract new customers.
Every reader would love to read something that quenches their thirst for ideas.
So what makes it different for your role in a mobile network operator versus a publisher?
Actually, the role is of no much difference but the thing that contrasts a lead editor in Safaricom PLC from a publishing company is that my role focuses majorly on marketing, nothing more.
What do you think could have been better at your company?
For now, I believe everything is running smoothly because the workers on board are dedicated to what they do plus the administration itself is super.
What do you think makes a compelling story or an attractive article?
To come up with something that will pull the readers’ entire attention, a writer must link his soul to his pen, his entire mind should focus on the type of message he is trying to create. Every reader would love to read something that quenches their thirst for ideas. That’s the most important secret.
What is your working style like with your writers? How do you encourage them to improve in their writings?
To be honest, I do maintain a very close working relationship with my team, making sure they are comfortable to express the ideas they come up with. Whether old modified ideas or fresh from the kitchen ideas, every line matters. To write something that is charming enough to win an audience, a procedure is followed.
I recently launched the whiteboard expression lounge where we bring our ideas on the table then create the best out of it especially when targeting a specific audience, we have to discuss several factors, for example, the environment of the audience and the platform we are going to use.
Write the little things that make you happy for it is the ones that will cover you when you feeling low.
Why did you go into this job?
Simply because I felt in love with words. Since I was a little boy, I learned how to write and recite poems then advanced to writing short pieces of stories and by the time I finished the university, I was a pro in writing pieces of articles with a strong message in it. Let me just say it takes practice and learning to bring out the best of anything.
How do you motivate disillusioned writers?
Don’t give up just because things are hard. Never give up on something you really want, it is difficult to wait but worst to regret. Just take your time to study the art of writing and then it would be easier to employ your own ideas. Nothing is born perfect.
What does passion mean to you? How do you fuel your own passion?
Passion is that emotion that wakes you up 4 in the morning so that you can try to make that day a success. Passion is that uncontrollable emotion that leaves a writer an urge to come up with something that will make a difference, not just any difference but a better difference. I blame all my success on passion because it’s that passion to write that has made me a self-driven guy and a pursuer of my dreams.
Why it is important to love what you do for a career?
You will never be best at what you do if you can’t link your work to your heart. Loving the work of your hands and mind is enough for a successful career because it’s what defines the quality of output.
How do you find satisfaction in your work?
When I see what I worked hard creating is making an impact. Even if it’s a slightly positive impact, it still means a lot and will motivate me to work harder on my next project.
Any last words for someone who aspires to be an editor?
Work hard, work hard, work hard. For the man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there. And, don’t be afraid to write. Write the little things that make you happy for it is the ones that will cover you when you feeling low.
About Luke Ray
Luke Ray Safaricom PLC Lead Editor
Writer of Dark shadows novel and The secret path magazine (Will be launched on the beginning of 2019 so keep the date)
My social media handles are: Twitter: LukeRay001 Facebook: Luke Ray Instagram: Luke Ray001
Please check out my coming magazine because it will cover a lot of educative and entertainment posts sure to keep you motivated and entertained at the same time.
Thank you.
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