Jaime Miller may not have moved from Australia to Canada specifically to join Editors Canada, but our national editing association has certainly benefitted from her decision. Originally from Mississauga, Ontario, Jaime lived “down under” from 2000 to 2010, becoming an accredited editor with the Institute of Professional Editors in Australia in 2008.
Combining this accreditation with her honours bachelor’s degree in European Studies and English from the University of Guelph, Jaime set off on her editing career. In 2005, she began helping out author friends and working in house for an Australian pension and investment company before deciding to freelance.
“I edit anything from annual reports to children’s fiction!” Jaime says. “I don’t specialize in a particular type of editing, but I enjoy editing and learning about many topics.” Her leisure-time activities also reflect her wide-ranging interests: reading, travelling, skiing and being outdoors.
In 2010, Jaime returned to Canada, joining Editors Calgary and turning her expertise to volunteer work. She began with the training and development committee, assisting with the launch of webinars and creating reports from the feedback given by participants.
Later, Jaime moved to the certification steering committee as an exam shepherd, managing the process from exam setting to post-exam administration. She also volunteered as co-chair for two years, setting agendas, answering queries and working to improve the Editors Canada Professional Certification program.
“One of the biggest challenges was adapting to COVID-19 restrictions and making the certification exams fully on-screen,” Jaime says. That hard work was rewarding, though. Jaime says that the best part of being an Editors Canada volunteer “is getting to know other wonderful editors who are amazing at their jobs. I have learned so much from them and value their skills and friendship.”
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