News, events, tips and updates for members of the Editors’ Association of Canada
In this issue:
1. HIRE AN EDITOR: Let’s show the world that quality matters
2. EAC CERTIFICATION: Last chance until 2015 to take the Copy Editing and Stylistic Editing tests
3. MEMBER NEWS: A round of applause!
4. THE EDITORS’ WEEKLY: So you think you wanna blog?
5. GET INVOLVED: Calling all creative copywriters
6. QUEBEC/ATLANTIC CANADA: Now accepting applications for branch executive positions
1. HIRE AN EDITOR: Showing the world that quality matters
As editors, we know how vital our role is in effective communication.
In October we’re running a pilot social media campaign to promote hiring an editor. Together with a marketing and communications agency, we’ve developed a campaign that empowers you and your editing colleagues to promote the benefits of hiring professional editors.
Every editor has a vested interest in this pilot campaign—whether you’re looking for editing work now, will be in the future, or you’re winding down your career but still advocate for the editing profession.
Want to help find more paid work for editors? Visit the #hireaneditor campaign home page for more information and get involved. Be sure to check out the social media primer and sample messages. By actively participating, you will contribute to the growth of the editing industry.
Let’s show the world that quality matters.
#hireaneditor
2. EAC CERTIFICATION: Last chance until 2015 to take the Copy Editing and Stylistic Editing tests
Want to get noticed? Tell employers they’re hiring the best of the best. Make this the year you join the ranks of editors certified by EAC’s landmark certification program.
Registration is still open, but only until this Friday, October 25. These tests won’t be offered again until 2015 (the Proofreading and Structural Editing tests will be offered in 2014).
The Copy Editing and Stylistic Editing tests will take place on Saturday, November 16, in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.
Register today to see how EAC Certification can help your career.
3. MEMBER NEWS: A round of applause!
Nancy Ackerman, Toronto branch, has just completed editing the second World Bank publication Women, Business and the Law 2014 Report, launched September 24 in London, Ontario. The report, which highlights the importance of gender equality, may be obtained on the World Bank website.
Prairie Provinces branch member Roberta Laurie has just finished the MA in Environmental Education and Communication (MEEC) program at Royal Roads University. Her PhD thesis, Framing Ethical Oil: Shaping the Canadian Media’s Response to the Alberta Oil Sands, has received a Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Deborah Lawson, Prairie Provinces branch, released her debut poetry collection, Reckless Toward Blossoming, at launches in Calgary (September 9), Edmonton (September 16) and Toronto (September 29). Reckless Toward Blossoming is one of the 2013 Quartet books published by Calgary-based literary press Frontenac House. More information is available on the publisher’s website.
Do you have a recent achievement? Let EAC tell the world about it on EAC’s Member News page. If you have member news to share, contact the member news coordinator, Kerri Niblett.
4. THE EDITORS’ WEEKLY: So you think you wanna blog?
As an editor, you’re always working with language and finessing other people’s copy. But a little part of your brain says, “Hey, I have something to say. I could write about this.” Well now you can become a published author, a bona fide blogger. The Editors’ Weekly has an impressive list of a dozen-and-a-half authors who contribute occasionally or regularly to EAC’s weekly blog, and we have room for more authors.
Blog articles are typically about 300–350 words, but sometimes longer or shorter. We welcome one-off opinions, mini-series or regular (monthly or bimonthly) series. If you have your own blog you can cross-post to it, and you can link to your own website and Twitter accounts. You do the writing, and EAC will do the promoting through its social media channels.
If you have something to say that you think other editors and linguaphiles want to hear, submit your proposal to the blog’s managing editor.
From Karen Virag’s blog post in praise of typos (the Dalai Llama, anyone?)
5. GET INVOLVED: Calling all creative copywriters
The marketing and public relations committee is looking for a volunteer creative copywriter to promote the benefits of volunteering as professional development. Let’s get the word out about the many professional benefits to volunteering! The copywriter will work with the volunteer management committee to create a slogan and other marketing materials. This is a fun, exciting project you can use to build your portfolio while at the same time supporting your association. Contact Tina Dealwis, marketing and public relations chair, for more information.
6. QUEBEC/ATLANTIC CANADA: Now accepting applications for branch executive positions
Your EAC membership benefits your career as well as your profession—an invaluable investment that can pay dividends throughout your future.
EAC is a volunteer-based organization with more than 200 members in the Quebec/Atlantic Canada branch (QAC). The branch currently has six dedicated volunteers who generously give their time and talent to deliver quality events, seminars and other services.
Volunteer your time, initiative, creativity and enthusiasm to connect with the editing community, build your professional network, support QAC and ensure the continuity of branch services.
Here are the key positions that need to be filled. (Co-chair applications welcome!)
Vice-chair: You will help run QAC with the branch chair, coordinate the activities of the branch executive and maintain communication with the rest of EAC. After serving in this position for one year, you will be ready to assume the position of branch chair.
Communications chair: You will develop and implement an effective communication and promotions program for the branch, with particular emphasis on web-based communications. Tasks include facilitating internal and external communication to ensure members receive timely and relevant information, while fostering opportunities for effective two-way communication.
Professional development – French-language: You will plan, organize and coordinate French-language educational seminars and other professional development initiatives (half- or full-day seminars). Tasks include selecting workshop topics, contacting potential presenters, booking the venue, drafting the seminar description, responding to registrant enquiries and attending the seminar to ensure it runs smoothly.
Requirements:
- A minimum one-year commitment
- Enthusiasm, initiative, creativity, accountability
- Ability to work to deadlines
- Desire to contribute to a collective effort
Interested or want to know more? Send your questions, your CV or LinkedIn profile to the branch administrator or member/volunteer relations chair.
The EAC national e-news update is produced on behalf of the national executive council by the national office.