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 readingWritten 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 reading