News, events, tips and updates from Editors Canada
In this issue:
1. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: Testing on computers launches this year
2. CONFERENCE 2017: Speed mentoring, social media, Twitter chat and more!
3. VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: Sonia Gluppe
4. GET INVOLVED: Help shape Editors Canada training
5. MEMBER SERVICES: Get an editors.ca email address—free!
6. MEMBER NEWS: A round of applause!
1. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: Testing on computers launches this year
You asked, and we delivered!
We know most of your editing work is now done onscreen. In fact, when Editors Canada updated Professional Editorial Standards to reflect the knowledge and skills required of editors today, we took technological advances and current working methods into account.
After extensive research and pilot testing, we’re pleased to announce that our 2017 professional certification tests will be administered on computers.
Tests that reflect real working conditions
Pilot testers reported the computer-based tests went quite smoothly. The consensus was that the computer tests reflected real working conditions accurately.
“I was surprised at how easy the file was to use,” one pilot tester told us. “Using Track Changes allowed me to edit very much the way I do in real-world situations.”
We look forward to officially launching our computer-based copy editing and stylistic editing tests in cities across Canada this fall.
Updated test preparation guides coming in May
New test preparation guides are just around the corner! We’re updating the test preparation guides to reflect the latest edition of Professional Editorial Standards and the new computer testing platform for our professional certification program.
Registration opens this summer
Make this the year you commit to becoming a professionally certified editor. The 2017 copy editing and stylistic editing tests will be offered in November. Registration opens in July.
Visit the professional certification website for more information.
2. CONFERENCE 2017: Speed mentoring, social media, Twitter chat and more!
Mentoring, but faster
One good reason to register for this year’s conference: speed mentoring (in English or French)! Get advice from the pros in short one-on-one conversations, or be a mentor and share your experience and tips with up-and-comers. Prospective mentors: this is also an easy way to network. You’ll be remembered for being helpful, get to demonstrate your expertise, learn from your conversations, and perhaps connect with new subcontractors or recruits. Apply now at 2017conferencementors@editors.ca.
Get social
Follow @EditorCon on Twitter and join the Conference 2017 Facebook group to get up-to-the-minute information, participate in fun polls, and chat with other editors who are planning to be in Gatineau-Ottawa for Guardians of the Lexicons!
The April Editors Canada Twitter chat is all about conference networking! Tweet us your questions about meeting new people, making connections, and getting the most from your conference experience. You’ll get answers from one of the conference chairs (an Ottawa native) and a speed networking expert. The chat will take place Wednesday, April 26, at 4 p.m. (EDT).
Still time to register
Conference registration is open until Monday, May 29, so if you’re still on the fence, climb down and register today to join us in Gatineau-Ottawa. The schedule is packed with great sessions and panels, two terrific keynote speakers, and fun networking events. See you there!
3. VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: Sonia Gluppe
Sonia Gluppe enjoys studying, learning and taking examinations. Teaching has always been a part of her working and social life. When she decided to explore a new career as a freelance editor, she joined the Editors Kingston and wrote her first two certification exams that year. She became a Certified Professional Editor in 2011. It was a perfect fit when she was asked to join the certification steering committee.
Initially, Sonia volunteered as an external reviewer for one of the exams: she wrote the exam and submitted comments and concerns to the committee. Over the years, her involvement increased to include reviewing and marking both sets of exams. Timing can be a challenge in this role, since the marking of pilot and candidate tests often falls during the holidays. It can also sometimes be difficult to read a candidate’s handwriting. But with strict time management and an enjoyment for what she does, Sonia goes above and beyond. She generously shares her time and expertise with the certification steering committee, and they are grateful for her help.
She enjoys her work on the committee because she sees firsthand people’s interest in improving their professional qualifications and in maintaining editing and writing standards. She also finds it interesting to see how candidates handle the various challenges presented to them on the exams and to witness the entire process of how a test gets created.
Sonia fell in love with publishing during a high school summer job as a proofreader for the local newspaper. She worked for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care for 22 years before going freelance as a copy editor and proofreader. When not working, she spends time with her husband and two Italian greyhounds, bakes, and crochets nests for a local wildlife rescue organization.
The volunteer of the month highlights the dedicated people who keep Editors Canada going. Volunteers are the backbone of the association. We are grateful for the many members and affiliates who answer the call when help is needed. Visit the Members’ Area for more information about actively participating in the association.
4. GET INVOLVED: Help shape Editors Canada training
Want to bring new ideas and leadership to training for editors? We’re recruiting a chair for Editors Canada’s training and development committee.
The training and development committee oversees programs for professional development at the national level of the association. Bearing in mind the diverse needs of association members, the committee investigates new options for programming and delivery, makes recommendations, and initiates program development. The chair oversees the committee, works closely with the director of training and development, and plays a key role in delivering the association’s new webinar program.
Being chair of the training and development committee is a great way to gain experience and influence professional development at Editors Canada. Interested? Contact the director of training and development, Stacey Atkinson.
5. MEMBER SERVICES: Get an editors.ca email address—free!
Did you know that Editors Canada members can have an @editors.ca email address and dedicated helpdesk support at no additional charge?
Because the address is related to the Editors Canada domain name, it will not change. Your @editors.ca address tells people what you do and identifies you as a member of the association.
Get your free email address now. (Please note that email addresses are not available for student affiliates.)
6. MEMBER NEWS: A round of applause!
Editors British Columbia member Sheila Cameron is the author of Shine Bright: Live A Supernova Life. This non-fiction work, published by Catch Our Drift Productions, is now available through all sales channels.
Cameron worked through the final drafts of this book with fellow Editors British Columbia member Erin Parker, who provided substantive and stylistic editing services.
Sheila Cameron is a professional editor, writer and speaker, based in Gibsons, BC. She is passionate about raising our collective human consciousness. Visit Sheila’s website to learn more.
Do you have an achievement you’d like to share? Are you excited about a new project or opportunity that has come your way? We’d love to hear from you! Please send your stories to the member news coordinator. Each item will be posted on our website and will be included in the Editors Canada e-news updates.
Welcome to Editors Canada!
British Columbia
Ardell Broadbent, Danièle Héon, Sarah Miles, Brinda Navjee, Amber Riaz
Edmonton
Amanda Briscoe, Virginia Dowdell, Kelly Kristensen
Calgary
Tanis Nessler, Tanya Schaap
Saskatchewan
Adrienne Gagnon
Manitoba
Isadora Allen
Kitchener-Waterloo-Guelph
Caralee Ayora, Andrew Vowles, Heather Wilson
Hamilton-Halton
Jennifer Rawlinson
Toronto
Emilio Barends, Jason Bassford, Nicolette Beharie, Cynthia Brais, Caley Clements, Marina Demetriou, Alana Gralen, Eileen Hoftyzer, Sarah Newman, Non Riola
Ottawa–Gatineau
Valerie Michaud, Heather Parker
Quebec/Atlantic Canada
Véronique Brunette, Véronica De Grandpré, Erika Desjardins, Hayley Evans, Alyssa Hamilton, David Henri, Christine Jackson, Anna-Maria Lacriola, Séverine Le Page, Valérie Pominville
Nova Scotia
Alex Schofield, Christine Whitehouse
The national e-news update is produced on behalf of the national executive council by the national office.