FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, May 25, 2026—The Editors’ Association of Canada (Editors Canada) has announced that Paige Vandop of Nanaimo, British Columbia, is the recipient of the 2026 Claudette Upton Scholarship.
First awarded in 2010, the scholarship is a $1,000 cash award intended to support continuing professional development in editing. The award was presented at the banquet of the Editors Canada conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Friday, May 22, 2026.
The recipient of this year’s Claudette Upton Scholarship is an editor and writer currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in creative writing at Vancouver Island University. Making the most of her studies, Paige has contributed to several publications, sharpening her craft while broadening her perspective. She has also self-published her own novel and, in 2025, launched her freelance business, Anomaly Consulting.
You are editing an in-depth analysis of a political or social issue. You have been engaged as a freelancer because you’re knowledgeable about this issue. You believe the author is well-intentioned, but portions of the analysis seem to deviate from the author’s voice, and in those sections the author presents facts that seem suspect as well as confusing or illogical arguments. You were hired only to edit the grammar and spelling, and enforce the rules of the house style guide. How would you handle this situation?
This year’s essay question had students considering project scope and the relationship between editors and their authors. In her response, Paige demonstrated a strong understanding of both the assignment and her role as an editor, highlighting her responsibility to support and guide her author toward success.
“With the understanding that I was hired first and foremost for grammar, spelling, and enforcing the style guide, this would be my priority when it comes to completion of my contract, but I would take steps to notify the author (and other editors if they are involved at this stage) of the particular issues I have noticed within the manuscript,” she wrote.
“As an editor, it is part of my job to ensure that the content I am responsible for is not misleading to the intended audience. If facts that are cited and used seem suspect or illogical, I would approach the author and encourage them to revisit the section, giving them specific feedback and questions pertaining to the issue at hand. This allows us to have a clarifying conversation that not only makes the author aware of the issues present but hopefully results in the further fulfillment of the contract as the proofreader.”
The selection committee praised Paige’s thoughtful and realistic approach to the challenge, noting her clear understanding that the text ultimately belongs to the author, who retains full authority to accept or reject any recommendations. At the same time, she recognized the importance of raising key issues, helping to ensure the author is fully informed and well prepared for publication.
Indeed, working collaboratively with authors and setting them up for success is where Paige excels. According to one of her instructors at Vancouver Island University, her editorial work stands out for its respect for the author’s vision while enhancing clarity, balance and scope.
“When I entered university and took my first editing/publishing course, I found myself drawn to the act of working with authors, rather than being one myself (although I still enjoy writing),” says Paige. “Working with authors one-on-one became my favourite part of editing, and when it came down to the detail work, I locked in, as I loved to sift through and find all the little things to make the big picture as close to perfect as possible. I think that’s what made me decide to pursue this: how every writer and project is different, but the process and to-do list remains similar.”
“For many years, I have dreamed of the day I could ‘become’ an editor, and receiving this scholarship only further signalled to me that perhaps I don’t need to wait for this title, but I am already there! The recognition and scholarship itself means I have the resources to further my education as an editor, gaining the experience to bring more wonderful stories into the world.”
What drives Paige as much as advancing her burgeoning career in editing? A sense of curiosity—and a love of comfort food.
“I am in pursuit of the best mac and cheese in the world. I absolutely love trying new foods, but mac and cheese has a special place in my heart. It’s hard to beat my own grandmother’s recipe, but with every place I travel, mac and cheese is the first thing I order!”
With her determination, skills, and conscientious and collaborative approach, Paige is well on her way to a successful career in professional editing, and we look forward to seeing where her talents take her.
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This year’s selection committee for the Claudette Upton Scholarship consisted of three respected Canadian editors.
Paul Carlucci is a freelance editor, award-winning author and former journalist. He works with traditional and hybrid presses, self-publishing authors, writers going on submission, educators and research professionals. He’s a member of Editors Canada and the Editorial Freelancers Association.
Michel Chantal is a freelance editor with a degree in professional editing from Université Laval. Specializing in the revision of theses, dissertations and press releases, he is an active member of Editors Canada and the recipient of the 2025 Claudette-Upton Award. He is pleased to be serving on the jury this year.
Patricia MacDonald has served on several Editors Canada conference committees and task forces, as well as on the national executive council for six years as director of volunteer relations. She was instrumental in creating the featured volunteer program, The Editors’ Vine virtual meeting group and the VolunteerConnect spreadsheet.
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About Editors Canada
The Claudette Upton Scholarship is an annual national award that recognizes a promising emerging editor. The award is named in memory of Claudette Reed Upton-Keeley, a gifted editor who loved the English language and was actively involved in social justice and environmental causes throughout her life. She is remembered for her wonderful sense of humour and her sharp mind.
Additional information about the Claudette Upton Scholarship is available on the Editors Canada website.
Editors Canada began in 1979 as the Freelance Editors’ Association of Canada to promote and maintain high standards of editing. In 1994, the word “Freelance” was dropped to reflect the association’s expanding focus to serve both freelance and in-house editors. As Canada’s only national editorial association, it is the hub for members and affiliates, both salaried and freelance, who work in the corporate, technical, government, not-for-profit and publishing sectors. The association’s professional development programs and services include professional certification, an annual conference, seminars, webinars, and networking with other associations. Editors Canada has four regional branches: British Columbia; Toronto; Ottawa–Gatineau; and Quebec, as well as smaller branches (called twigs) in Atlantic Canada, Barrie, Calgary, Edmonton, Hamilton-Halton, Kitchener-Waterloo-Guelph and Manitoba.
Media contact
Michelle Ou (she/elle)
Senior Communications Manager
Editors Canada
communications@editors.ca