Meet the Editors Queensland committee: Paul Vander Loos, Secretary
Paul Vander Loos began his career as a newspaper journalist who discovered that he loved editing news and features produced by reporters and feature writers. His favourite interviews were with people who were engaged in a pursuit outside the norm or of unique interest.
“I joined the Society of Editors, Queensland, which is now the Queensland branch of the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) and in recent years I was approached to take up the role of secretary for the branch. I find the contact with other editors, albeit via an online video platform, most enriching.”
Paul has self-published a fantasy trilogy as well as a collection of his poetry. He loves interacting with other authors who seek his editing skills. Their writing often makes an engaging read. This extends to the writing group he founded in Mackay which has been functioning for 40 years.
“My love of nature includes watching and photographing birds and insects on my walks around the local Gooseponds and Botanic Gardens as well as visits to my backyard birdbath.
Paul is fascinated by words and their origins. “What would we do without the writings of our early scribes?”
“I encourage anyone becoming an editor to embrace the connections Editors Queensland offers in bringing personal networking and mutual support to their editing journey. Although I live in Mackay, in central Queensland, I have attended the IPEd national conference when it was in Brisbane as well as meeting with other editors over a meal and a cuppa.