Editors BC

Some perils of self-publishing: Part 1

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intro by Anastasia Koutalianos; piece by Ben Nuttall-Smith.

I met Ben at a writing fair last month and asked if he would be so kind to share his self-published trials and tribulations with WCE. He kindly agreed. So here is part 1 of 2, a cautionary but adventurous tale on the realities set before the indie author. The title says it all…

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You’ve written a book and you’d like to get it published. You’ve heard so many discouraging stories about finding a publisher that you’re ready to give up before the rejection letters pile up. You’ve heard exciting stories about doing it yourself so you decide to self-publish. Continue reading →

Event Review: Social Media for Writers

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by Frances Peck

Review of Social Media for Writers, a professional development day hosted by the Professional Writers of Association Vancouver Chapter (PWAC) on March 22, 2014.

Does the term social media make you giddy with anticipation or sick with anxiety? I’ll own up to being in the second camp. The idea of devoting an entire day to that zany online world was, for me, like contemplating a colonic irrigation: people say it’s good for you, but you’ve got to wonder if all the mess and exposure are really worth it.

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Event Review: The Evolving Landscape of Our Libraries

by Nancy Tinari; review of presentation by Christine Middlemass, Manager of Collections & Technical Services at Vancouver Public Library (VPL) on the evolving landscape of our libraries, held at the March 19, 2014 EAC-BC branch meeting

Christine Middlemass, a librarian since 1978, provided a lively, fast-paced and thorough overview of how libraries have changed over the past two decades. Accelerating times have caused many challenges for libraries. Yet if librarians have half the competence and humour of Middlemass, book lovers can be confident that these establishments will remain the cornerstone of communities. As Vancouverites, we can feel smug: the Vancouver Public Library is the third largest in Canada and recently was rated number one in the world, tied with Montréal’s library network.

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The ins & outs of hybrid publishing: An insider’s perspective

intro by Anastasia Koutalianos; piece by Bennett Coles, CEO/publisher of Influence Hybrid Publishing Group (IHPG)

Continuing on with our self-publishing series, Bennett Coles speaks to a new approach for authors and publishers alike: hybrid publishing. Unlike the traditional model, authors must pay around $8000 to get signed on; however, with shared risk comes great rewards including more cash in writers’ pockets. Tit for tat in the world of books, or the new way forward? Share your thoughts.

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Ode to the beta reader: An author’s approach to the editing process

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Intro by Anastasia Koutalianos; article by Martin Crosbie

On March 1st, I attended the Federation of BC Writers’ self-publishing fair. Editors, writers, publishers and aspiring authors filled the room, sharing their tales of woe and joy, and the dreaded review process. This is when editors are needed most, however, with changing times come new approaches. Here is writer and self-published author Martin Crosbie’s take on eBooks and how he goes about his edits. What do you think?

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Once I complete (what I believe to be) my final draft, the same thought always goes through my head. I think to myself, “It isn’t going to need much.” I’m always wrong.

Continue reading →

Facts & #fails: April 12, 2014

EAC’s own Frances Peck is offering a full-day workshop that will get you thinking about the most misunderstood and contentious points of English usage.

Frances Peck has been an editor and writer for over 20 years. She teaches editing at Douglas College and Simon Fraser University and gives workshops across Canada. She is a partner with West Coast Editorial Associates.

What: Usage Woes and Myths with Frances Peck
When: 09:00-16:00, April 12, 2014
Where: 515 West Hastings Street, Room 1505, SFU Harbour Centre, Vancouver
Cost: $120 EAC members & $180 non-members (before March 22); $140 EAC members & $200 non-members (after March 22); registration closes April 4
More information & to register

Social media for writers: March 22, 2014

Writers! New to social media or after a refresher? Then be sure to check out PWAC Vancouver‘s upcoming workshop: Social Media for Writers Professional Development Day. Includes five sessions that tackle topics such as writing online, monetizing your blog, building a fan base and beyond. More information and to register.

What: Social media for writers
When: 09:00 to 17:00, March 22, 2014
Where: 843 Seymour Street, VSO School of Music, Vancouver
Cost: EAC & PWAC members & students, $35; general admission, $45

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The future of book publishing: March 19, 2014

Douglas College is happy to host Jesse Finkelstein and Trena White of Page Two, who are here as part of the Students’ Choice Speakers’ Series to provide insight on how book publishing is changing. They will cover the rise of self-publishing, the impact of digital publishing and how to make a living in this field.

What:The Future of Publishing Is You (part of the Students’ Choice Speaker Series)
When:13:00-15:30, March 19, 2014, with reception to follow
Where: 700 Royal Avenue, Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre, Douglas College, New Westminster
Cost: Free
More information