At our April 16 Editors BC meeting, co-hosted by program co-chairs Mahima Bhagwat and Judith Doyle, members joined a brainstorming session about new programming options Editors BC might offer. We’ve highlighted some intriguing possibilities here!

Option 1: body-doubling sessions. 

This means using video calling, such as Zoom or Discord, where people hop on to do some work. After everyone shares what they’re working on, everyone mutes but leaves their video on and starts working. The idea is that seeing other people work (even in a minimized window) helps the brain focus and is a way to be accountable for completing your work. 

This suggestion was welcomed; people could see it being useful, especially on difficult projects or tasks. These sessions could be once a month or once a week, depending on demand. This would also be an opportunity to share any challenges with current projects, ask questions, and get answers and advice. 

Option 2: themed monthly socials. 

Online gatherings would offer breakout rooms for editors to chat. Themes could be of general interest, including board games, recipes, and discussing the news. Editing-focused topics that intrigued members include artificial intelligence, poetry, ghostwriting, and the business side of being an editor. There was enthusiasm for sharing the nuts and bolts of rates and fees, what to charge for, how much to charge, how to cope with scope creep, predatory clients, haggling from clients, red flags, and other things editors have learned the hard way. 

Option 3: in-person events. 

An Editors BC general meeting could be held in person once a season. There was also discussion about organizing casual local coffee meetups, especially outdoors. 

Editors Canada is currently piloting a Discord server, which will help support these options. 

Editors BC invites members’ comments! We welcome questions, feedback, or suggestions about programming options.

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Many thanks to Mahima for notes about this brainstorming meeting. The draft post was reviewed by Editors BC’s program co-chairs and edited by West Coast Editor.