EAC: National e-news update, July 22, 2014

News, events, tips and updates for members of the Editors’ Association of Canada

It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy. July is the time we soak up the rays, fire up the barbecue and kick back with a cold drink. But isn’t that what everyone else is doing?

Your career goals don’t need to take a summer holiday. This is a great time of year to look into valuable training and networking that can help you get ahead while others are taking it easy.

In this issue:

1. CERTIFICATION: Registration opens this month
2. VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: Una Verdandi
3. TWIGS: Upcoming Hamilton-Halton events
4. MEMBER NEWS: CHRC honours Karen Virag posthumously with DUX Award
5. PARTNERS: Member discount for ACES “Editing Boot Camp” (Montreal, August 5)
6. EXTERNAL LIAISON: Free 30-day trial of 8th edition of Scientific Style and Format


1. CERTIFICATION: Registration opens this month

Are you certifiable?

To succeed in today’s competitive job market, you need to demonstrate your expertise. Our landmark English-language certification program provides professional editors with official recognition of their high level of knowledge and skill—and a powerful marketing advantage.

Make this the year you become a certified editor.

Registration for the 2014 certification tests in proofreading and structural editing opens on Monday, July 28.

Learn more about certification.

Study early

Whether you’re en route to becoming a certified editor or brushing up on your skills, studying early and often is the key. Our respected publications will help you on the path to excellence.

Professional Editorial Standards

What do editors do? That’s a question most of us have been asked at one time or another, and it’s the question addressed by the 2009 edition of our cornerstone publication, Professional Editorial StandardsAvailable as a free download.

Meeting Professional Editorial Standards

Whether you’re learning the craft of editing or you’re an established professional looking to broaden your knowledge, this second edition, four-volume self-teaching and self-testing package is a must-have for any editor’s bookshelf. Available for purchase now.

Certification Study Guides

The Certification Study Guides are the primary resources for anyone who wants to become a certified editor. Whether you use the guides for independent study or in a workshop setting, you will learn more about the knowledge, skills and judgment required to earn your certification credentials. Order the Available for purchase now.


2. VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: Una Verdandi

Headshot of Una Verdandi

A member of EAC’s Toronto branch since April 2010, Una served on the branch executive as communications chair for the 2013–14 year. While in that role, she worked with past publications chair Tammy Burns and current publications chair Laura Godfrey to develop and launch BoldFace, the Toronto branch blog. As the blog’s assistant editor, Una took on diverse tasks like website design, writing, editing, story assignment and blog promotion.

“I enjoyed the work,” Una recalls. “I was part of a little literary ecosystem that produced some very interesting, informative and entertaining content to boost EAC’s public presence, dispel myths about editing, and show that editors are not just a bunch of stodgy old codgers—EAC attracts a lot of young, hip codgers, too.”

Una also designed an online survey to capture information on how editors in the Greater Toronto Area use social media to stay connected to EAC. The data has helped Una and her successor, Heather Kohlmann, design branch Facebook posts to bring people to seminars and promote EAC membership.

The Volunteer of the Month highlights the dedicated people who keep EAC going. Volunteers are the backbone of EAC, a member-run organization. We are grateful for the many volunteers who answer the call when help is needed. Visit the Members’ Area for more information about volunteering for EAC.


3. TWIGS: Upcoming Hamilton-Halton events

Hamilton-Halton Twig Koffee Klatches are an opportunity to take a break at noon, meet and chat with fellow editors, and enjoy some refreshment. These monthly lunchtime get-togethers are scheduled in different locations throughout the Hamilton-Halton, Ontario, area.

You’re invited to join the twig’s summer Koffee Klatches, which will take place at restaurants in Dundas and Stoney Creek.

Wednesday, July 30: The Winchester Arms, 120 King Street West, Dundas, Ontario (12 p.m.)
Tuesday, August 26: Valentino’s Restaurant, 835 Paramount Drive, Stoney Creek, Ontario (12 p.m.)

Wondering what’s happening in your neck of the woods? Visit your branch or twig page to find out about events in your area.


4. MEMBER NEWS: CHRC honours Karen Virag posthumously with DUX Award

In January we lost our friend and colleague, Karen Virag. Karen represented EAC for several years on the board of Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC). As a tribute to Karen, CHRC has named her recipient of the DUX Award as a Champion of Professional Development. The DUX Award was created “to honour Canada’s cultural HR leaders who have contributed to the dynamic and inspiring cultural life we enjoy in this country.”

During her tenure at CHRC, Karen helped to establish the DUX Award, giving it its name and description. Karen advocated for better HR management and training in the cultural sector; she herself presented the first DUX Award in 2012.

Last month EAC announced the creation of the Karen Virag Award.

Do you have member news to share? Contact EAC’s member news coordinator.


5. PARTNERS: Member discount for ACES “Editing Boot Camp” (Montreal, August 5)

In May we announced a new international partnership with the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) to enhance training opportunities and resources for copy editors.

ACES is holding an “Editing Boot Camp” workshop on August 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Le Centre Sheraton Hotel in Montreal, and EAC members are invited to attend at the discounted member rate. Visit the ACES website to register now.


6. EXTERNAL LIAISON: Free 30-day trial of 8th edition of Scientific Style and Format

The University of Chicago Press has announced the 8th edition of Scientific Style and Format—The Council of Science Editors Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers—is now available in print and online.

Scientific Style and Format encompasses all areas of the sciences and includes sections on

  • general and scientific style conventions;
  • numbers, units, mathematical expressions and statistics;
  • punctuation, capitalization and abbreviations;
  • word usage and prose style;
  • citing online and digital sources;
  • copyright, plagiarism and academic integrity; and
  • publishing best practices.

What’s new in the 8th edition?

Visit the Scientific Style and Format website to subscribe online or sign up for a free 30-day trial. A 20% discount off bundled orders of print and online editions is available at checkout. Individual, group and institutional subscriptions are available.


The EAC national e-news update is produced on behalf of the national executive council by the national office.

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