Lauren Del Ciello is one of the winners of ASBPE’s Young Leaders Scholarship award in 2020. She is the managing editor for Water Quality Products.

How did you get involved in the business?

I entered B2B publishing almost by chance. In my undergraduate studies, I was determined to work for a small independent poetry press. However, after completing an internship at one such press I came to realize that that industry was not the right fit for me. So I started working at Scranton Gillette Communications as an associate editor for three B2B publications focusing on various aspects of the water industry. In that capacity, I worked to polish my technical writing skills, understand diverse markets I was previously unfamiliar with, and bridge the gap between my prior exclusively print experience and the digital storytelling needed. From there, I quickly made my way up the ranks to become the chief editor of Water Quality Products magazine. In my current role, I am responsible for all content curation of the print publication and shaping the direction of the brand’s digital footprint. I work to explore a diverse variety of media to effectively reach our audience and expand our reach. I also represent the brand at various trade shows.

Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years?

In five to 10 years, I would like to have better prepared the brand for success in a digital era. I hope to continue to learn and polish my editorial skills, while increasing my management and leadership skills.

What are the top challenges editors face today? What are possible solutions to those challenges?

The top challenge business publication editors face today without a doubt is the shift from a print to a digital era. As an aging work force retires and a new generation enters the professional landscape, editors will increasingly need to shift their focus from print to digital. With this change, editors need to shift their content curation strategies to include SEO and keyword research, while still ensuring the quality, relevant content their readers have come to expect. Editors may also need to work in collaboration with their publishers and sales team to determine how to monetize new digital opportunities and utilize native content, while still maintaining editorial integrity. The role of a business editor is undeniably transforming. Young professionals will certainly play an important role in actualizing this shift and ensuring B2B publishing remains relevant to its audiences.

How has your job changed since the onset of COVID-19?

First and foremost, we have prioritized safety and have been working from home for several months. In recent months, we have shifted some of our focus to address timely industry concerns and worked hard to provide up-to-date resources to our audience. We have also increased our multimedia coverage to help guide audience members across a diverse variety of platforms. Our number one goal is to help our audience receive the tools they need to successfully navigate business concerns amid the pandemic and beyond.

Lauren Del Ciello is managing editor for Water Quality Products. Del Ciello graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a Bachelors of Arts in English Writing and Francophone Studies in 2016. Del Ciello can be reached at ldelciello@sgcmail.com.