Here are the highlights from an Editors BC presentation and discussion on March 19, 2025, with guests Lana Okerlund and Rowena Rae, partners of West Coast Editorial Associates (WCEA). Lana and Rowena are active members of Plain Language Association International (PLAIN), Plain Canada, the Center for Plain Language, Clarity, and Editors Canada.
Learn more below about adding plain language services to your editing business. You’ll also find some helpful resources.
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When: March 19, 2025, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm PST
Where: Online through Zoom
Cost: Free for Editors Canada members, $10 for non-members, $5 for student non-members
For the past few years, plain language has been gaining momentum. Standards bodies like Editors Canada are publishing guidelines based on a growing mass of evidence about how people read and process information. Readers are increasingly demanding the right to understand the material they need for various purposes. Communicators are seeing the benefits of using plain language to reach their target audiences. And organizations of all kinds are looking for more plain language support.
Continue readingWhen: February 19, 2025, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm PST
Where: Online through Zoom
Cost: Free for Editors Canada members, $10 for non-members, $5 for student non-members
A storytelling powerhouse, Caroline Adderson writes literary fiction, short stories, and children’s literature; teaches creative writing; and mentors newcomer women to share their stories via The Shoe Project. Join us for a discussion with Caroline about the relationship between writers and editors. How does editing differ between genres? How can editors help authors write better books? Do you need to be a good writer to be a good editor? Find out more about how Caroline blends the craft of writing and editing.
Continue readingBy 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 readingWe had the pleasure of interviewing Ellen Jovin, proprietor of the Grammar Table, the star of Rebel with a Clause—a new documentary filmthat premiered January 10—and the author of the US national bestseller Rebel with a Clause: Tales and Tips from a Roving Grammarian (HarperCollins, 2022).
We invite you to join Editors BC and Ellen for “Winter Grammarfest!”
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm PST
Where: Online via Zoom. Registration is open until January 17.
Enjoy the Q&A below!
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 readingWhen: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 7:00–8:00 pm PST
Where: Online through Zoom
Cost: Free for Editors Canada members, $10 for non-members, $5 for student non-members
Catriona Strang, senior editor at Talonbooks and author of six books of poetry, will delve into the specifics of editing poetry, including how the various editorial stages (particularly substantive and copy edits) are applicable to poetry manuscripts and the specific needs, demands, and challenges these texts present. Questions will be most welcome.
Continue readingWhen: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm PST
Where: Online via Zoom
You are invited to a grammar party with Ellen Jovin, originator of the Grammar Table and star of Rebel with a Clause, a new documentary film by her husband and business partner, Brandt Johnson. The film documents their travels to all 50 US states so Ellen could answer the grammar questions of total strangers on the street.
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.
