It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Joyce “Jo” Yijia Lou, who died unexpectedly on July 8, 2025, at the age of 33. Jo was a gifted editor, passionate literary advocate, and deeply cherished friend, whose sudden departure has left a void in the literary world that words alone cannot fill.
Jo’s journey through the literary landscape was marked by brilliance, compassion, and unyielding dedication. She joined Electric Literature in 2017 as an intern and, over the course of seven influential years, rose through the organization with humility and unmatched skill—serving as Assistant Editor, Interviews Editor, Books Editor, and eventually, Deputy Editor.
A Champion of Literary Equity and Inclusion
Jo’s editorial work was guided by a deep belief in justice, representation, and the transformative power of language. She edited and shaped over 1,000 interviews, book lists, and literary features, many of which became defining pieces in Electric Literature’s evolving mission. Under her guidance, the platform expanded its reach and relevance, uplifting marginalized voices, launching meaningful discourse, and opening literary doors for those historically left on the margins.
Her editorial vision was not only sharp but also profoundly ethical. Jo was the force behind some of Electric Literature’s most socially engaged projects—curating and editing literary guides on antifascism, decolonization, the war in Ukraine, and Palestine, and creating vital resource lists to help support independent publishers and emerging writers during periods of crisis.
At the heart of her work was a quiet but powerful conviction: that literature could be both a mirror and a torch—reflecting our world and illuminating pathways through it.
More Than an Editor
Jo was not only an editor—she was a mentor, community-builder, and cultural curator. She had a deep love for books and a near-magical ability to share that joy with others. Her initiatives, such as book cover contests and emoji-based literary guessing games, became staples of the Electric Literature brand—delightful reminders that literature could be celebratory, participatory, and fun.
Perhaps Jo’s most lasting legacy will be her unwavering support of new talent. She mentored countless interns and junior staff, many of whom credit her for launching their careers. Her mentorship went beyond professional development—she noticed people, believed in them, and made sure they knew it. Handwritten notes of encouragement, personal book recommendations, and thoughtful check-ins were her quiet trademarks.
One former intern, Kristina Busch, shared:
“After my internship ended, Jo sent me a handwritten note that I still keep taped to my fridge. Her kindness stayed with me long after our time together.”
These small, intentional acts reflected Jo’s larger gift—the ability to make others feel seen, valued, and empowered.
A Life as Vivid as Her Bookshelf
Away from the editorial desk, Jo lived a life filled with color, creativity, and warmth. Her love for literature extended especially to translated fiction, and she often championed books like Convenience Store Woman, Trick Mirror, Beauty Is a Wound, and Quicksand. Her rainbow-organized bookshelf was a reflection not just of her taste, but of her bright, eclectic personality.
Jo was also an accomplished baker, bringing intricate homemade desserts to the EL office and joyfully sharing them with colleagues. Her sense of style was as bold as her ideas—whether donning the iconic “Fleabag jumpsuit” at the annual Electric Literature Masquerade or accessorizing with quirky pins that always sparked conversation.
And then there was Billy, her beloved dog and loyal sidekick. For many, Billy was the gentle, four-legged heartbeat of the EL office in the pre-COVID days, curled at Jo’s feet during meetings or prancing around editorial brainstorms. Their bond was as unshakable as it was heartwarming.
An Irreplaceable Loss
The loss of Jo Lou is deeply felt not only by her family and close friends but by the countless writers, editors, and readers whose lives she touched. She was a rare force in the literary world: someone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to elevate others, with no need for spotlight or credit. Her work, her ethos, and her voice helped shape what thoughtful, inclusive, and human-centered literary publishing could be.
She leaves behind a community profoundly shaped by her care, her brilliance, and her courage. Her impact endures in the work she nurtured, the stories she championed, and the people she empowered.
Jo Lou was more than an editor. She was a visionary, a caretaker, a quiet revolutionary. She gave her heart to literature, and in turn, literature—and all of us who care about it—are better for having known her.
She will be missed. She will be remembered. And her legacy will live on, sentence by sentence, story by story, in every voice she helped raise.
Rest in peace, Jo. Your story continues.
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