Literary Sphere

I am a dependable and driven BA student adept at creating and editing written and visual content for both web and print publications. I specialize in arranging graphic and textual aspects of layout and formatting, and I carry strong experience in editing non-fiction and poetry in the literary magazine environment.

History

Portal Magazine

Nanaimo, BC

March 2023

During my 50-hour work-op, I updated and designed new promotional material in Photoshop and Acrobat. Many of the material I created (including posters for events, submissions, contests, and advertisements) were advertised around VIU’s 18,000-student campus.

I also corresponded with the social media team to adapt materials for Twitter, Facebook (including Events), and Instagram, solving platform-specific formatting concerns. As production came to a close, I collaborated with the social media team to promote the 2023 issue's launch across platforms.

January - April 2023

As part of the Portal 2023 masthead, I read 200+ submissions within a one-week timeframe and selected 25 to suggest for publication. As a poetry editor, I completed 8 reader reports for the genre, many of which were selected for publication.

In the editorial process, I was responsible for 4 of 10 poems divided among a 3-person poetry team. I completed substantive, line, and copy edits which were well-received by the authors and finalized within a one-month timeframe.

My duties included communicating with 3 different authors via email and arranging meetings as necessary to better understand each author’s perspective, in which I fostered more open communication. In my approach, I carefully suggested alternative solutions and developed compromises that satisfied all parties’ needs, leading to enthusiastic sign-off and publication of all 4 poems.

Joining Portal was always part of my plan at VIU. I saw the magazine for the first time when I was in my second year picking up textbooks, and the campus store had the 2020 issue on display.

That image has been burnt in my brain ever since. At first, it scared me—not the peacock, but the talent and connection I desired along with the legacy I wasn't yet ready to live up to.

I'm glad I waited until I felt strong enough in my craft to give Portal the attention it deserves. I don't know if I would have even considered web design otherwise.

Navigator Student Press

Nanaimo, BC

August 2022 - Present

I copyedit 4 written features and collaborate with the Managing Editor and Associate Editor for 16+ hours per month to produce excellent pieces.

I assist in the maintenance and development of our in-house style guide, providing quick reference for our editorial staff. This has lead to higher quality drafts and more efficient editorial sessions.

I also ensure our language is inclusive, highlighting areas for improvement. As a result, our pieces allow greater space for and welcome connections from readers with diverse identities. In doing so, I also help to increase understanding among staff members and raise awareness of issues that may not pertain to us but to our readers and the communities we serve.

COMING SOON: August 2023

After working closely with the managing editorial staff, I have been invited to take on a higher position that will open as the managing editor graduates and the current associate editor fills this role. Although I initially joined the team as a copy editor with no intention of writing my own pieces, my supervisors have encouraged me to write for The Nav and I am excited to produce monthly feature articles next year.

As I was leaving the campus store in my very first year, I noticed a bundle of soggy yellow magazines sitting in the entrance.

I pulled one loose and took a peek inside. It looked like someone went to a lot of effort to make it, and I wondered why it had no barcode or price tag.

I made sure no one was watching, then I shoved it in my bag, took it home, and didn't read it.

Truthfully, I never imagined myself as a Navigator—I associated the phrase "student press" with high school cliques. But after a few nudges from people that believed in me, I somewhat accidentally put a lot of effort into making news.

WHAT I CAN DO
FOR YOUR COMPANY

Research

Highly skilled in researching, fact-checking, and editing copy

Publish

Proficient understanding and application of Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and WordPress

Style

Meticulous adherence to and knowledge of style guidelines including Chicago Manual of Style

Drive

Self-motivated and capable of working independently or collaborating as part of a team

(But I can do the other type of drive, too)

Biography

Tianna Vertigan is a fourth-year student at Vancouver Island University and an editor at The Navigator Student Press. She is majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in Studies in Women and Gender. During her time at VIU, she has received both the Barry Broadfoot and Meadowlarks Awards. She has three publications in Portal Magazine and served as an editor and the web designer for the 2023 issue.

Literary Sphere

History

Portal Magazine

Nanaimo, BC

Navigator Student Press

Nanaimo, BC

WHAT I CAN DO FOR YOUR COMPANY

Research

Publish

Style

Drive

Biography

WHAT I CAN DO
FOR YOUR COMPANY