No plans before the April 17, 2013, EAC-BC meeting? Drop by the Elephant & Castle for a pay-as-you-go meal or drink. It’s a great chance to meet, mingle, network, gossip, debate, or just plain catch up with other editors. Members and non-members welcome.
EAC-BC has teamed up with SFU Publishing Workshops to organize PubPro 2013, an unconference for BC-based managing editors and publication production specialists happening on Saturday, April 13, 2013. With PubPro just around the corner, West Coast Editor checked in with organizer Iva Cheung to find out what’s going on behind the scenes.
Iva Cheung: I’ve been wanting to do this kind of event for quite some time. A few years ago, when I worked in house at D&M Publishers, I created an editorial wiki, which ended up being enormously useful to and popular with our in-house and freelance staff. I’d been thinking of creating quality-control checklists as well, when I found out that Grace Yaginuma, an editor at Whitecap at the time, had already developed a brilliant checklist for proofreaders. I asked if I could adapt her checklist for our own purposes. She responded, “Of course!” and in turn asked if she could see my wiki; I was only too happy to share the link. At that point, we discussed how frustrating it was that those of us who develop and implement in-house editorial systems didn’t really have a forum to compare notes about these kinds of issues.
I took a first stab at filling this void at the 2011 EAC conference in Vancouver, where I led an open discussion group for in-house editors. Our group had an hour to talk about a massive list of potential topics, which, as one of my colleagues pointed out, could have filled an entire retreat. The feedback I got from that session was that we need more opportunities for in-house editors to brain share.
Ironically, it’s only now that I no longer work in house that I finally have the flexibility to plan something like PubPro. I decided to limit the event to production and project-management issues, because those are the ones that are most lacking in professional-development opportunities and that are best suited to the kind of peer-to-peer learning you get with an unconference format.
Register for PubPro 2013
Register for the networking tea
Follow #PubPro2103
Top
Iva: A few reasons, actually. First, I really wanted to keep the event affordable for everyone. Having worked in book publishing, I know how tight the purse strings can be for editorial and production staff. At an unconference, the participants are the speakers, so gone are the costs of speakers’ fees, as well as speakers’ transportation and accommodation costs. We’re keeping things simple and low key: no pre-printed name badges, no branded conference swag—just a good venue, a solid logistical plan, and a great team of volunteers.
Second, I knew that a lot of publication-production professionals have been at their jobs a long time, and they’re experts at what they do. They’ve each jury-rigged their own systems at their own organizations—some of which work better than others. There’s no one production guru who has all of the answers; the best way for people in managing editors’ roles to develop professionally is to hear what others are doing and learn from one another. An unconference fosters that kind of cross-pollination.
Finally, I wanted this event to be useful for the participants. Being a managing editor or production manager is so multifaceted that I didn’t want to be the one dictating what topics would and wouldn’t be discussed. With an unconference, the participants set the agenda, and they get to steer the sessions in the directions that they feel will be the most productive.
Oh—and I also want to mention that in addition to running the unconference sessions, we’re inviting freelancers to join us for the networking tea portion of the afternoon. If we’re going to have a gathering of managing editors, we certainly can’t pass up the opportunity to put them in the same room as those of our members who might want to work for them!
Iva: I don’t want to jinx it, so let’s just say that I’m taking it one step at a time! I’d love for it to grow into an annual tradition and for it to prompt publication-production professionals to come together as a community. Of course I want the first year to be a success, but at the same time I recognize that these kinds of events often take a couple of years to build momentum.
If this year’s event works out, I’d not only like to run it again in BC but also consider offering a similar event as a pre-conference workshop at the 2014 EAC conference in Toronto. EAC-BC chair Peter Moskos has encouraged me to go that route, and that’s what I’m aiming for.
Register for PubPro 2013
Register for the networking tea
Follow #PubPro2103
Top
Iva: Response has been very positive so far; many people I approached about attending have said something like, “This is so needed,” or “This is the first time I’ve seen a professional development event for someone doing my kind of work.” Then again, I suppose only the final registration numbers will tell whether this enthusiasm translates into participation!
We are really fortunate to have the support of our sponsors—Friesens, Hemlock Printers, Ingram, and West Coast Editorial Associates—which allowed us to lower our event fees and to book an additional room to offer more options for sessions. And I’ve had a really supportive network of colleagues help with all aspects of planning.
Register for PubPro 2013
Register for the networking tea
Follow #PubPro2103
Top
Iva: I’d say the most challenging part has been marketing the event to the right people. Publication project managers have all sorts of titles—managing editor, production editor, editorial coordinator, publishing director, and so on—but they all play basically the same role. I’ve found it hard to reach out to people, especially those in organizations that aren’t focused specifically on publishing necessarily but who still have to hire freelancers and create schedules and work to project budgets. In essence, I’m in a bit of a Catch-22: this event is needed precisely because there’s no established community of these kinds of professionals, but because there’s no established community, there isn’t one place I can go to promote PubPro.
Register for PubPro 2013
Register for the networking tea
Follow #PubPro2103
Top
Iva: Obsessively checking the registration page to see how many participants we have! Seriously, though, we’ve booked the rooms, set up the registration infrastructure, and told as many people as we could about it. Until registration closes and we have the solid numbers to finalize catering and get our last-minute supplies and printing done, our efforts will be on getting as many people out to this event as we possibly can.
Register for PubPro 2013
Register for the networking tea
Follow #PubPro2103
Top
Iva: Registration—for both PubPro 2013 and the networking tea—closes April 5, 2013.
Register for PubPro 2013
Register for the networking tea
Follow #PubPro2103
Top
Couldn’t attend EAC-BC’s March 20, 2013, presentation on plain language certification? Listen to the audio recording.
Couldn’t attend EAC-BC’s March 20, 2013, presentation on plain language certification? The presentation was given by Katherine McManus, director of the Writing and Communications Program at Simon Fraser University and the only Canadian member of the International Consortium for Clear Communication (IC Clear).
Katherine discussed the program’s goals and time lines as well as what the new certificate will mean for editors. She also talked about the latest on this year’s PLAIN (Plain Language Association International) conference, coming to Vancouver October 10–13, 2103, where IC Clear hopes to launch its first pilot course.
Listen to audio recording (EAC log-in identity and password required).
No plans before the March 20, 2103, EAC-BC meeting? Drop by the Elephant & Castle for a pay-as-you-go meal or drink. It’s a great chance to meet, mingle, network, gossip, debate, or just plain catch up with other editors. Members and non-members welcome.
Couldn’t attend EAC-BC’s February 20, 2013, presentation, Editing Books in Translation? Listen to the audio recording.
Couldn’t attend EAC-BC’s February 20, 2013, presentation, Editing Books in Translation? The presentation, given by Iva Cheung, winner of the 2011 Tom Fairley Award for Editorial Excellence, covered big-picture issues—such as copyright and the all-important editor–translator relationship—as well as the nuts and bolts of working with a translated manuscript. Iva also gave audience members an insider’s look into the pleasures and pitfalls of editing books in translation and tips for finding work in the field.
Listen to audio recording (EAC log-in identity and password required).
Do you have an event planned (or know of one) that you’d like to appear in these listings? Send us the details.
Plan to attend EAC Conference 2013 in Halifax, Nova Scotia? Good news: registration is now open. Even better news: register by April 12, 2013, and you could save up to $235.
This year, conference will feature sessions built around five themes: arts and sciences; business and government; career building; language and culture; and techniques and technologies. Four pre-conference workshops are also being planned.
Note: as EAC Conference 2013 is a joint event, held with the Indexing Society of Canada (ISC), EAC member rates will be extended to members of both associations. EAC member rates will also be extended to members of the Canadian Authors Association (CAA) and the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS).
The Lord Nelson overlooks the Halifax Citadel. It is within walking distance of pubs, cafés, restaurants, jazz clubs, cinemas, and theatres. Photo courtesy of The Lord Nelson.
The Lord Nelson is EAC’s official conference hotel: pre-conference workshops, conference sessions, Welcome Reception, and Saturday-evening banquet will be held there.
To qualify for a reduced EAC guest-room rate, book your room by April 12, 2013. Rates range from $119/night for a “Petite Room” to $189/night for a “Premiere Room.”
Reserve by phone: call 1-800-565-2020 (room code: Editors’ Association of Canada). Reserve online (room code: 37015126).
This workshop will also be held May 11, 2013, in Victoria; July 13, 2013, in Nanaimo; and August 17, 2013, on Salt Spring Island.
This summer, editor Cheryl Cohen will be offering four sessions of her hands-on editing workshop, which she describes as an “intensive, fun encounter.” Topics will include: substantive editing; copy editing; proofreading; the editor–writer relationship; and tips on how to become a professional editor. Each participant will receive an 18-page handout.
About the instructor: Cheryl Cohen is an experienced freelance editor who has worked on many high-profile books, including Miriam Toews’ widely read novel A Complicated Kindness, which won the 2004 Governor General’s Award for English Fiction. Cheryl spoke about the state of the publishing industry—and how writers should adapt—at the Professional Editors Association of Vancouver Island (PEAVI) May 13, 2013, meeting.
NORAD keeps close watch on Santa as he nears Canadian airspace.
Want to know when Santa enters Canadian airspace on Christmas Eve? So does NORAD.
In the 2012 Canadian NORAD Region holiday video, Major General Pierre St-Amand explains that “trackers in the Canadian air-defence sector … [will] closely monitor their radar systems to make sure Santa and his reindeer are not delayed on their way into your home on Christmas Eve.”
When Santa and his reindeer near eastern Canada, NORAD will scramble two Canadian fighter jets to escort Santa into Canadian airspace; the fighter jets will accompany Santa across Canada as he makes his deliveries and then escort him to the border to ensure that he leaves.
Merry Christmas!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW-ECciloF0&w=560&h=315]
Happy holidays from the crew at West Coast Editor.
West Coast Editor accepts content for publication at any time during the year, with four exceptions: feature articles, feature interviews, gift featurettes, and recurring columns, which have longer lead times.
Your book club may win a visit from author J.J. Lee, 2012 BC Book Prize finalist. Photo courtesy of BC Book Prizes.
FROM: Maureen Nicholson, former EAC president and honorary life member
There’s never been a better time to join the West Coast Book Prize Society.
Until the end of the year, every new and renewing member will receive a mystery book (it could be an art book, a cookbook, or even a signed first edition!) worth $20 or more in a canvas book bag. You’ll also be entered to win an exciting grand prize (even more books!).
With the holidays upon us, a book prize membership could make a wonderful gift for the book lover in your life.
Here’s an offer your club might enjoy. If every member of your book club becomes a member of the West Coast Book Prize Society, you’ll all receive a mystery book and be entered to win the grand prize. Your book club may also win an author visit from 2012 BC Book Prize finalist J.J. Lee plus copies of his book The Measure of a Man.
To become a member, mail in your membership form and a $20 cheque payable to BC Book Prizes, or bring them to our office and pick up your mystery book on the spot.
Toured the site? Share your thoughts, below.
