What do you do if you’re a language lover with a degree in translation but have discovered that field isn’t truly for you? Edit, of course! That’s what Amanda Feeney decided after taking time off work to be with her children. She earned her BA in French–English translation in 2006 from the University of Ottawa, but it was the publishing certificate she earned in 2019 from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) that set her on her new path.
“I tried an online editing course at TMU, and I fell in love with editing!” she says.
In 2018, Amanda joined Editors Kitchener-Waterloo-Guelph twig and started volunteering to update the twig’s website and social media accounts. From 2021 to 2024, she was the twig’s co-chair, organizing events, starting a monthly online newsletter and arranging an exhibitor table at the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival to raise awareness about Editors Canada.
“Volunteering with my local twig has been a wonderful way to get to know other local editors and to learn more about Editors Canada itself,” Amanda says. “Working remotely can be lonely, but having a community of editors has been immensely helpful.”
Amanda has also been involved with the United Nations Online Volunteers, which allowed her to hone her editing skills in the real world. She has been editing and proofreading at Colborne Communications since landing an internship there in 2020.
“I edit everything from novels, memoirs and non-fiction works to government reports and corporate documents,” Amanda says. “I really enjoy the variety of work I get to do.”
Life with her husband and three children keeps Amanda busy when she’s not editing. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, camping, playing board games and travelling.
“I hope to one day live abroad,” Amanda says, “while continuing to work as an editor.”
The featured volunteer recognizes the contributions of our dedicated people who keep Editors Canada going. Volunteers are the backbone of the association, and we are grateful for the many members and affiliates who answer the call when help is needed.
Want to make a difference in your association? Find out more about volunteering for Editors Canada.
~S. Robin Larin