Happy New Year from the Editors’ Association of Canada (Editors Canada)!
The last champagne cork has been popped and it’s back to business. January is when many of us take stock, set goals and plan for the future. While your membership in Editors Canada probably won’t motivate you to hit the gym, it can help you to achieve career success—provided you set realistic goals for yourself. In this edition of the e-news update, we’ll take a look at tackling your career ambitions in a manageable fashion, and how Editors Canada can help you every step of the way.
In this issue:
1. EXPAND YOUR NETWORK: Connect with editors and people who hire editors
2. DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS: Workshops, mentorship, books and more
3. GET NOTICED: Stand out from the crowd
4. BOOST YOUR RESUMÉ: Get involved
5. GET HIRED: Find work in 2016
6. PROTECT YOURSELF: Affordable insurance options, mediation and financial planning
7. SAVE MONEY: Take advantage of Editors Canada discounts
1. EXPAND YOUR NETWORK: Connect with editors and people who hire editors
Making connections is essential for building and maintaining a successful career and for keeping up on industry news. Editors Canada is a national hub where members come together to support and assist one another, and to share professional insights and opportunities. Whether you work in-house or freelance, you’re a student or a veteran editor, your community is here.
GOAL: Connect with other editors online
Our members-only Facebook group is a private place where we can talk, share information, and ask and answer questions about editing and whatever else people want to discuss.
We also have a student affiliates Facebook group to support the next generation of editors.
Of course, you can also “like” the official Editors Canada Facebook page.
Get the latest Editors Canada and industry news by following us on Twitter. Find us @editorscanada.
Many of our branches and twigs, our national conference and even Editing Canadian English 3 have their own accounts on Twitter as well. You’ll find all of these accounts on our Editors Canada groups list.
Twitter chats
Our #EditorsChat Twitter chats are live, hour-long online discussions about fun and informative topics of common interest. Our first three chats were educational and action-packed. Find out how to participate in upcoming chats, or check out the Storify summaries of past Twitter chats on the #EditorsChat info page.
Our largest online following is our Editors Canada LinkedIn group. Here are some of the topics of discussion last year.
- Digital technology + design
- Myths about starting your own business
- Feedback about PerfectIt software
Google+
Are you a G+ user? Find Editors Canada on Google+.
Flickr
Who says editors are just about words? Association photos can now be found on the Editors Canada Flickr page. Check out pics from recent conferences and national executive council meeting photos.
We’ve been pinning! Take a look at past conference boards on Pinterest.
Editors Canada email list
Many freelancers and in-house editors think of our popular email list as a fast and convenient way to learn from others, and as a virtual water cooler. Here are some of the topics members discussed on the list in the last few months.
- Software recommendations for time-tracking and productivity
- Responding to a government request for proposals
- Which taxes to charge for out-of-province clients
- Association get-togethers in Yukon
Editors Canada membership list
Trying to get in touch with a fellow member? Want your fellow editors to be able to find you? Stay connected with the Editors Canada membership list (in the Members’ Area of the association website). Not listed in this opt-in service yet? Why wait? Visit your Online Profile to list yourself in the membership list for free today. The more of us who opt in, the more valuable this list becomes.
GOAL: Attend more regional meetings and social events
If you resolved to get out and do more face-to-face networking, commit to attending more of the regular meetings and socials hosted by your branch or twig. Each branch and twig offers a variety of local programs for members and non-members alike.
GOAL: Attend the 2016 Editors Canada conference in Vancouver (June 10–12)
Want to connect with hundreds of editors, writers and communication professionals? Plan to attend our 2016 national conference, June 10–12 at the Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites in Vancouver.
Conferences set the stage for conversation, inspiration and innovation. This year we’re sure to see many new faces, as well as the return of the many delegates who attend each year. This is your opportunity to spend a weekend sharing valuable insights with your peers. Make 2016 the year you join us!
Conference update
We’re on the lookout for volunteers to help make this year’s conference the best yet! Specifically, we are looking for volunteers to join our communications, social media and sponsorship committees, as well as a volunteer coordinator. Volunteers are also needed during the conference as registration desk representatives, vendor fair assistants, session hosts and photographers. Please contact conference co-chairs Amy Haagsma and Lynn Slobogian to get involved or for more information.
Preliminary conference information is now available on the conference website, including accommodation and travel details (along with hotel and travel discount codes), venue information and an ongoing list of volunteer opportunities. More details regarding Conference 2016 will be available soon!
GOAL: Attend more events in related industries
We’ve been hard at work fostering relationships with other organizations and exploring potential partnerships that will benefit our members and affiliates, while allowing us to keep raising the profile of editors and the editing profession. Events hosted by other organizations are great opportunities for Editors Canada members and affiliates to learn new skills while networking with leaders in business and other organizations—organizations that may need editors.
Stay tuned for announcements about discounts for events like The Art of Leadership for Women conferences in Vancouver and Calgary this year.
2. DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS: Workshops, mentorship, books and more
GOAL: Attend branch and twig workshops
Give your skills a boost by taking part in branch and twig seminars and workshops. Expert instructors help new editors build foundational skills and experienced editors develop expertise. Looking for basic skills in copy editing, business finances or social media? Perhaps you’re after special-interest topics like editing government reports and graphic novels or writing proposals. With Editors Canada workshops, there’s something for everyone.
For more information about workshops in your area, visit your branch or twig page. Don’t live near a branch or twig city? Watch for information on the online training sessions we are lining up! We’ll have more news for you soon. (Special discount for members!)
GOAL: Take part in Editors Canada mentorship
When you began as an editor, did you have great editors who showed you the ropes? Have you helped new editors with their editing and career questions? Mentoring can be a formal or informal relationship that helps newcomers to our profession hone their skills and make positive career moves. Building on a successful mentoring program in the Toronto branch and an inspiring session at our global conference last spring, we’ve struck a task force led by Carolyn Brown (Editors Ottawa–Gatineau) to establish a national mentoring program. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting initiative that will benefit editors at any stage of their career.
GOAL: Hit the books
Whether you’re en route to becoming a certified editor or you’re brushing up on your skills, having the best resources is key. Editors Canada publications will help you on the path to excellence.
Editing Canadian English, 3rd edition and Editorial Niches
These go-to guides for Canadian English usage were published in 2015. Get the latest guidance on Canadian English, from Canadianization to spelling, abbreviations, punctuation, measurements, bilingual text and so much more. Written by expert editors, it’s a reference guide you can depend on.
Member/affiliate discount
You’ll get all of Editing Canadian English 3 and Editorial Niches with an online subscription to EditingCanadianEnglish.ca. Editors Canada members and affiliates pay just $25 annually (regular price $35). To get the discount, use the membership code MoreThanMeetsTheEh.
Print editions
Looking for hard copies of these incredible resources? You can also purchase Editing Canadian English, 3rd edition and Editorial Niches in print.
NEW: Follow Editing Canadian English 3 on Twitter
Editing Canadian English 3 is tweeting! Follow @CdnEnglish for regular tips and advice from the ECE3 team.
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 Standards, which reflects the skills and knowledge required by editors. Available as a free download.
Review under way
The Professional Editorial Standards task force, led by Michelle Boulton (Editors Saskatchewan) and Moira White (Editors Ottawa-Gatineau), is currently reviewing the standards. The task force will be seeking input from the membership in order to integrate member experiences and needs into the standards. Stay tuned as our standards continue to evolve to meet the needs of today’s editors.
Meeting Professional Editorial Standards
This four-volume self-teaching and self-testing package is a must-have for any editor’s bookshelf, whether you’re learning the craft of editing or you’re an established professional looking to broaden your knowledge. Available for purchase now.
Certification Study Guides
Editors Canada’s study guides are 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. Available for purchase now.
Principes directeurs en révision professionnelle
Editors Canada is pleased to offer the second edition of Principes directeurs en révision professionnelle. Updated in 2014, these French-language editorial standards are a tool for anyone just starting in the field and for established editors. They’re also a reference for anyone who hires editors. Available as a free download.
Guide de préparation à l’examen
Last year, we were proud to administer the first Programme d’agrément en révision linguistique – Réviseurs Canada test. This French-language test is based on the recently updated Principes directeurs en révision professionnelle. Are you interested in becoming a réviseur(e) agréé(e)? Check out the Guide de préparation à l’examen d’agrément general, now available for purchase.
3. GET NOTICED: Stand out from the crowd
GOAL: Get certified
Make 2016 the year you join the ranks of editors certified by our landmark certification program. Certified editors benefit from official recognition of their high level of knowledge and skill, and a marketing advantage.
Registration for the 2016 tests in Proofreading and Structural Editing will open this summer. For more information visit the certification website.
GOAL: Become a professionnel agréé en révision générale et comparative
In 2015, Editors Canada launched Programme d’agrément en révision linguistique – Réviseurs Canada (PARL), Canada’s first French editing proficiency program. The response has been wonderful, with nearly 100 editors taking the first test in pursuit of a réviseur(e) agréé(e) designation.
Registration for this year’s examen d’agrément en révision comparative will open in May. For more information, visit the PARL website.
GOAL: Get a national byline
Do you have ideas for articles that would be of interest to editors and others in the language community? Are you looking for a byline on a national platform and published pieces for your portfolio? Here are some Editors Canada writing opportunities that are available.
Active Voice
We’re looking for story pitches for the next issue of the association’s national magazine. Active Voice is produced annually in print and digital format, and is available to all members and affiliates of the association. It is also distributed at industry events across the country.
The theme of the next issue is “relationships.” If you have a story idea, please contact Brooke Smith by Friday, February 12.
The Editors’ Weekly
The Editors’ Weekly, the official blog of Editors Canada, has room for new authors.
Blog articles are typically 300 to 500 words, but they can be 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 Editors Canada 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.
Language Portal of Canada
Since 2011, Editors Canada has contributed four articles a year to the Language Portal of Canada, a federal government website that showcases Canadian expertise in the area of language. Articles submitted have included the role of the editor; editing, translating, and bilingualism; Cree language facts for editors of English and French; and editing measurements. Visit the Language Portal to see the Editors Canada submissions to date.
Have an idea for a Language Portal article? Please contact Lisa Ng.
GOAL: Tell the world about your accomplishments
Editors Canada Member News is where we share information about members and affiliates who win awards, publish books and make their mark in other important ways. Here’s what our members have been up to lately.
Congratulations to Nancy Cassidy (Editors Nova Scotia) on her recently released, self-published book, Quickies: Writing Short Fiction for the Romance Market. This book details Nancy’s “Short Plot Method” of development and is available in paperback or ebook format from most distributors. For more information, visit Nancy’s website.
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.
GOAL: Be nominated for an Editors Canada award
Each year, Editors Canada presents several awards recognizing excellence in editing and service to the organization. While nominations for the Tom Fairley Award are now closed, the nominations period for the association’s other respected national awards is just getting under way.
Claudette Upton Scholarship
This annual national award of $1,000 recognizes a promising student affiliate from Editors Canada. If you’re a student affiliate, or if you know someone who should be, visit the Claudette Upton Scholarship page for more information. This year’s essay topic will be announced soon.
President’s Award for Volunteer Service
The President’s Award recognizes outstanding service by member and affiliate volunteers to the organization, at the branch, twig or national level. From among the nominations received for the President’s Award, one volunteer is selected to receive the Lee d’Anjou Volunteer of the Year Award. Visit the President’s Award page for more information.
GOAL: Get a free editors.ca email address
Do you want an email address that will not change no matter how many times you switch Internet Service Providers? Show people what you do with an editors.ca email address, available exclusively to Editors Canada members.
An editors.ca email address is now a free benefit of membership, so members can sign up now for their own branded email address and dedicated helpdesk support at no charge.
GOAL: Get your own Editors Canada logo
Want to promote yourself as a member or affiliate of the association? The 2015–16 Editors Canada member logo and student affiliate logo are now available for download.
4. BOOST YOUR RESUMÉ: Get involved
GOAL: Add work experience and achievements to your resumé
Want to stand above other contenders? Consider volunteering for Editors Canada. Volunteering has many benefits for the association, but it can be beneficial to your career as well. Engaged members and affiliates work with influential members of the publishing and communications industries, learn new skills (mentor and mentee opportunities abound!), expand their portfolios and enhance their career options.
You’ll find national volunteer opportunities throughout this e-news update. You can also contact the volunteer management committee to find out about other opportunities to get involved.
Meet Editors Canada’s Volunteer of the Month: Wendy Barron
In May 2015, Wendy Barron (Editors British Columbia) joined the association as a student affiliate to take advantage of discounted registration for the association’s Editing Goes Global conference in Toronto. During the conference, two different speed-mentoring editors encouraged her to volunteer with the association. She took the advice to heart and has quickly become an integral part of Editors Canada through her work on both the student relations committee and the conference committee. Her first role with the conference committee was as a speaker coordinator, and when the social media coordinator had to step down, she took on that role as well to expand her online skills.
Wendy describes herself as “a recovering administrative assistant with a long history in health care, and whose work has always involved a fair amount of editing.” She has been freelancing full-time for the past year. She is a generalist, editing fiction and non-fiction books, as well as business, health and academic materials. She is also a creative writer who is passionate about stories, and fiction is her favourite thing to read, write and edit.
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.
Volunteer rewards: Draw winners announced
The volunteer management committee is pleased to announce the winners of a $50 discount, awarded randomly to 10 Editors Canada members who volunteered during the 2014–15 year [as listed in the
2014–15 annual report (1.09 MB)], excluding national executive council members. Recipients may choose between applying the discount toward their membership dues or conference registration fees.
The draw was made in November 2015 by Patricia MacDonald, our director of volunteer relations. The winners are as follows:
- Sue Archer (Editors Toronto)
- Catherine Baudin (Editors Quebec/Atlantic Canada)
- Nancy Cassidy (Editors Nova Scotia)
- Marie-Lynn Hammond (Editors Toronto)
- Debra Huron (Editors Ottawa–Gatineau)
- Karen Kemlo (Editors Toronto)
- Dawn Loewen (Editors Saskatchewan)
- Robin Marwick (Editors Toronto)
- Michael Newkirk (Editors British Columbia)
- Leslie Saffrey (Editors Toronto)
The random draw for a $50 discount was introduced last year and provides an additional opportunity—along with the volunteer of the month program, online volunteer profiles, the President’s Award for Volunteer Service, and the Lee d’Anjou Volunteer of the Year Award—to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of Editors Canada volunteers. This discount is intended to be a temporary measure while the volunteer management committee works together with the Toronto branch (who created the “my rEwArds Card” program in 2012) to establish a national volunteer rewards program.
If you have any ideas or suggestions for how the association can better recognize volunteers through an expanded rewards program, please email the volunteer management committee. We welcome your input, as our association simply could not function without volunteers!
5. GET HIRED: Find work in 2016
GOAL: Get serious about your job search
Looking for work? Editors Canada offers members and affiliates a number of services that can help with your job search.
Online Directory of Editors (ODE)
The ODE is one of the most popular services Editors Canada offers. Most members with an ODE listing generate enough income to pay for their membership fees several times over.
Learn more about your ODE listing.
Try before buying
There is an annual fee of $80 to be included in the ODE, but any member or affiliate can create a listing—even before paying for it. Create and preview your listing at any time. Once you pay for your listing, you can publish it. To get started, visit the Members’ Area.
Writing a great ODE listing
Your personal statement and the keywords you use in it are critical. In particular, the first 20 words of your personal statement are key. These 20 words show up in the results when employers and clients are searching for an editor to meet their needs. What makes you the best candidate for the job? Spell it out in these first 20 words.
Need more tips? Check out this helpful Editors Canada LinkedIn group discussion for more information. (Please note that you need to join the Editors Canada LinkedIn group to access the discussion.)
NEW: findaneditor.ca
Thanks to our new URL, telling clients and employers about the ODE just got easier. If you know someone who’s looking for an editor, send them to findaneditor.ca.
National Job Board
The National Job Board is where you’ll find notices of full-time, part-time, contract and freelance opportunities.
Good news! We’ve waived the fee to advertise an opportunity on the board. If you know someone who’s hiring an editor, invite them to post their job ad on our National Job Board and reach more than 1,200 editors across Canada. It’s free!
Also good news! We’ll soon be replacing the Interactive Voice platform we’re currently using for the National Job Board with something that’s easier to use. Stay tuned for more information.
Branch/Twig Hotlines
Many branches and twigs offer job hotline services that are free for Editors Canada members, so be sure to contact your local branch or twig to find out how to sign up for the hotline service. Some branches and twigs are also on social media and recirculate job openings on Facebook and Twitter. Find out if your branch or twig has a social media presence and make sure you’re following them.
Networking
Last, but certainly not least, networking is one of the greatest benefits of membership. Editors will often subcontract work to or recommend a colleague if they can’t take a job. Get involved in the association and get to know your fellow members: attend local meetings, volunteer, and sign up for the email forum and association Facebook groups. The bigger your network, the better your chances of finding job opportunities.
6. PROTECT YOURSELF: Affordable insurance options, mediation and financial planning
GOAL: Protect yourself, your family and your ability to earn an income
Editors Canada is pleased to offer affordable insurance options for members and affiliates.
Errors and omissions insurance
Professional risks go hand in hand with the editing industry. E&O insurance protects you against lawsuits arising from allegations of negligence or wrongdoing, thereby protecting your assets. For a client who has suffered damages, E&O insurance helps to ensure there are adequate funds for compensation.
Health and dental insurance
These enhanced health-care plans can supplement your provincial government’s coverage and help protect you against unexpected health and dental expenses.
With a complete product package that spans term life insurance, permanent participating life, universal life, disability, critical illness and long-term care, these plans can offer you peace of mind, regardless of what the future might bring.
For more information about insurance, visit the member services page.
GOAL: Resolve conflicts
In a perfect world you’d never have to worry about contract disputes. If you do have a grievance or dispute involving editing work that you have not been able to resolve, the Editors Canada mediator may offer advice or even intervene to help settle the matter. Learn more about Editors Canada’s mediation service.
GOAL: Plan for the future
We’re pleased to partner with Investors Group to offer a wide range of products and services to help you reach your financial security goals. Learn more about retirement and investment planning.
7. SAVE MONEY: Take advantage of Editors Canada discounts
GOAL: Save money on the products you already buy
A comfortable workspace with proper office supplies can help you be more productive. Why not save money on the products you already buy for your office? Editors Canada is pleased to offer great discounts to members and affiliates.
- Cult Pens
- Cultural Human Resources Council
- Editing Canadian English
- JSTOR digital library
- PerfectIt
- Staples Advantage
Visit the Members’ Area to take advantage of these discounts.
Member services update
The member services committee is looking for one or two bilingual francophone members to discuss services offered by the association. Specifically, we’re looking to improve on the services Editors Canada offers francophone members and want your opinion! If you’re interested, please contact Una Verdandi.
The national e-news update is produced on behalf of the national executive council by the national office.