By Dana Sorensen
In On the Right Path, Dana described how editing “snuck up” on her as a second career and the value of being mentored by experienced editors. Previously an equity trader, Dana now shares how she’s building on her professional experience to transition into and structure her freelance practice. She also stresses the importance of connecting with other editors by attending editing and writing events—the more, the better!
Continue readingBy Dana Sorensen
I haven’t been an editor for very long. In some ways, this career snuck up on me.
An equity trader for my entire professional life, I started in that industry partly to make use of my BA in Economics. I was over the moon to have a job I excelled at and where I fit in! As time went on and we were able to trade from home, I used the time I saved on commuting to care for my daughter and my mom-in-law.
As much as I appreciated my job for the perks, social standing, and the thrill of trading, secretly I knew a big part of my mind was either dormant or only used after hours. Through those years, I had a recurring dream of rediscovering a secret room in my house with built-in bookshelves, a big chair, soft lighting, and even a library ladder!
In my dream, I was ecstatic that such a soulful, interior place could exist and continue to exist for my whole life. At those times, I knew a crucial part of my mind was going unused, but it would not be ignored forever.
As my life circumstances began to change, I had the urge to use my mind in a new way. I went through a career exploration package with a local counsellor. It didn’t take much to uncover my aptitude for creative communication and more specifically, editing.
Continue readingIn these final days of 2024, the editors of Editors Canada blogs The Editors’ Weekly, BoldFace, and West Coast Editor bring you an end-of-year wrap-up full of advice, reflections on our many successes and challenges, and book recommendations to add to your already full to-read lists.
Today, West Coast Editor presents part one of this three-part series: introducing readers to the blogs and their editors.
Written by Jane Kuang | Copyedited by Dana Sorensen
I was born and raised in a small city where English education was not advanced at that time. My curiosity about the English language and my struggle to break through my language limitations led me to attend the Plain Language and Editing programs at Simon Fraser University. The sense of vulnerability and the disquieting dependence on others for support bothered me for a long time until I learned to face my limits with grace and improve within my capacity.
Now, as an emerging editor who worked as a paralegal in litigation for a decade, I have witnessed firsthand the communication barriers that arise from differences in language and culture.
Continue readingWritten by Erica Machulak and copy edited by Mahima Bhagwat
This blog post is a teaser for the author’s workshop session at the 2024 Editors Canada Conference. Register online to attend “Face Time: Transform Your Business by Talking to Your Clients” and join us as we test drive the ideas below with practical exercises and discussion.
If you hope to grow your business, raise your rates, and discover new services that you might offer, my best advice is that you meet with every new client before you agree to work with them. This initial conversation sets the tone for your future work together and gives you valuable information before you commit to the project. When clients get to know you, they are more likely to hire you again, refer their friends, and come to you when they need something different from what you have already provided.
Continue readingBy Sharon McInnis, CEO (Chief Error Officer) at ProofingQueen® Editing
I’ve been a freelance proofreader for corporations and advertising agencies for 20+ years. My clients rely heavily on effective communication to promote their products and services (or those of their clients) and they need to know that their materials are error-free.
Now, I’m aware that I’m talking to editors and proofreaders, so I know that your clients and employers have the same needs. And, of course, no matter whose material you’re proofreading, it’s always about finding and fixing typos, spelling errors, missing punctuation, grammar mistakes, etc.
However, in my experience, many businesses and ad agencies don’t use editors, so a proofreader is often the last line of defence. A corporate proofreader brings a fresh set of eyes to find typos and inconsistencies. It’s a lucrative field, so in late March, I’ll be teaching an online course titled Proofreading for Businesses and Ad Agencies for the U.S.-based Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).
Continue readingBy Mahfuz Chowdury
Fourteen years ago, I made an audacious decision to start my career as a brand strategist. Some might say that the use of the word audacious here might be a bit of an overstatement, but for a shy introvert like me, I assure you, it was the complete opposite.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of helping a startup digital marketing agency grow into a full-fledged national brand called Candybox Marketing.
Along the way, I’ve also had the opportunity to publish two marketing books, Project Reinvention and The Resilient Brand: Storytelling In A Digital Era, and deliver over 200 keynote talks, including my first TEDx Talk in 2023.
I don’t say this to impress you; what I hope to impress upon you is the importance of building a personal brand and its potential to help you thrive professionally, no matter your personality type.
Continue readingBy Molly McCowan
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the freelance editing pool or you’ve been swimming in it for years, you know our industry is in constant flux. Advances in technology have made it easier than ever for people to offer their editing services, broadening the field and creating a range of options for clients. Add to this the proliferation of freelance marketplaces like Reedsy and Fiverr, and it’s clear that clients have an abundance of choices.
But don’t worry—there’s plenty of work to go around. In fact, I believe there’s more work than ever. The key? Knowing how to navigate these dynamic and ever-changing waters to secure projects and build a solid client base. Let’s dive in.
Continue reading
Written by Lola Opatayo; copy edited by Meagan Kus
Did you finish everything on your reading list this summer? Maybe you did, or maybe you didn’t really have one to begin with. Whatever the case, I’ve compiled a list of 10 books you can plan to read before 2021 ends.
Written by Marta Orellana; copy edited by Taisha Garby
The work landscape is changing. Many editors and writers may have already had the luxury of working from home but now, with COVID-19, the work-from-home (WFH) club has expanded to include even more of us.
