I work with words.
If you were to ask me that old cocktail-party staple, “So…what do you do?”, I could tell you that I’m a journalist, and that would be the truth. That is, after all, what I went to university to study, and what I learned during my two decades in the journalism trenches continues to serve as the foundation for almost everything I do professionally.
On the other hand, I could tell you that I’m an editor, and that would also be the truth. Even in roles that haven’t had the word “editor” in the title, I inevitably end up being the go-to guy for anyone looking to make their own copy sparkle.
I might tell you that I’m a public relations professional, and I wouldn’t be lying. My tenure at an actual PR agency was relatively brief, but the fact is that I have many more years of experience crafting bios, press releases, and pitches.
I could say that I’m a content marketer, and that would also be true. In my time on the marketing team of a global tech platform, I worked on content ranging from blogs and email copy to white papers and speeches.
I could tell you all of the above and more, but it would take too long, so instead, I would probably keep it concise and simply say: I work with words.
Words have taken me many different places over the course of my life and professional career. I have interviewed Oscar and Grammy winners and written cover stories for glossy newsstand magazines. I have run an independent music label for which I wrote all of the PR and marketing materials. I have provided web copy and proofreading services for a variety of clients. In my spare time, I sweated out a novel about a world where raccoons are kings and dragons are real.
As far as credentials go (because some people care about such things), I have a Journalism diploma from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a certificate in Digital Communications from Simon Fraser University, and certifications in SEO and Content Marketing from HubSpot Academy. I have also completed courses in Copywriting and Web Content Strategy through the University of British Columbia.
For many years, I held the position of Associate Editor at the Georgia Straight, Vancouver’s news and entertainment weekly. This was followed by a stint as the Editor of CannCentral and eCentralSports, two websites owned by Media Central Corporation.
I then formally crossed over to the dark side and worked as an Account Associate at Talk Shop Media, a Vancouver-based public relations agency. In my most recent full-time role, I was the in-house marketing copywriter at PressReader, and I continue to freelance as an arts and music journalist.
That’s my story. What’s yours?
Endorsements & testimonials
“I WORKED ALONGSIDE JOHN in the media for many years. He’s certainly one of the most talented and versatile writers and editors I’ve known. He has a natural ability to bring his own informed and engaging voice to a huge range of topics and themes. On top of that, his editing work is meticulous, precise, and respectful. He’s both punctual and dedicated to producing the best possible result, no matter what the project or task. I’d recommend his skills without hesitation.” ~ Brian Lynch, former Books Editor at the Georgia Straight
“JOHN JOINED PRESSREADER as the first Copywriter, a specific role we didn’t have before, and a time of significant changes in the team. Over the three years I had the opportunity to work with him, I witnessed how John developed and grew a research system to stay on top of the industries he wrote about for our company blog that helped the whole team (and beyond) keep up with the shifts. He’s so, so dedicated to writing; whether it’s a press release, a blog post or ensuring that copy for a customer touchpoint is on point, there’s no task John won’t approach with accuracy, punctuality and meticulousness, no matter what’s happening around him. If you’re looking for a reliable Writer, John is absolutely your person.” ~ Ornella Sinigaglia, former Marketing Director at PressReader
“I HIGHLY RECOMMEND JOHN LUCAS as a writer or editor. I worked alongside John for two decades at the Georgia Straight and was in a supervisory capacity for 15 of those years. He consistently demonstrated a mastery of the English language and exceptional storytelling skills. His articles were factually accurate and devoid of grammatical or spelling errors. Moreover, John is a very pleasant colleague who never created any strife in the workplace. I miss working with John because he was always so reliable.” ~ Charlie Smith, former Editor of the Georgia Straight
“AS A NEW BUSINESS OWNER I have many things I’m tasked with doing besides what I’m best at. Writing is one of those tasks that has always been daunting to me. Being able to hand over that task to John, a professional with many years experience, has made a huge impact on my business. With his thoughtfully chosen words I know I am portraying my company in a professional light. If you are looking for help with regards to writing John helps by making the process simple and collaborative.” ~ Lindsay Eby, owner of Lindsay Eby Interiors
“HAVING WORKED WITH JOHN LUCAS for several years at a weekly Vancouver newspaper, I can testify that he is a very skilled writer, editor, and proofreader—not to mention a pretty wicked guitarist.” ~ Steve Newton, former Time Out Editor of the Georgia Straight
John Lucas 