editing

Self-Publishing and the Role of Editors

For some writers, self-publishing feels like online dating—a lesser version of the “real thing.” It can be stigmatized: considered a fallback for those who couldn’t fulfill the popular image of “being published.”  But Megan Williams, CEO and managing editor of The Self-Publishing Agency (TSPA), views self-publishing as a powerful alternative that offers many advantages writers might overlook. 

At the Editors BC meeting on November 20, 2024, Megan talked about how she founded and sustained TSPA, described the evolving publishing landscape, and suggested how editors can help writers interested in self-publishing.

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Clarifying Legal Communication: An Editor’s Journey

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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. 

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Businesswoman sitting on the table, she look very sick

Boundaries and Consent: Say No to Burnout

WHEN: Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 7:30 to 8:30 pm PDT

WHERE: Online through Zoom

COST: Free for Editors Canada members

$10 for non-members

$5 for student non-members

What do YES and NO feel like? It’s a simple question…but can you answer it? This session dives into the experience of consent/boundaries and what it means for editor-client relationships.

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On Coaching and Editing: An Interview with Merielle Kazakoff

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Interview by Lola Opatayo; copy edited by Naomi Randall Dobler

Editors BC is pleased to welcome Merielle Kazakoff, our April seminar facilitator, to the West Coast Editor. In this interview, she discusses the joys and challenges of being a writing coach, the differences between coaching and traditional editing, and her photography.  

What do you believe are some of the biggest challenges facing self-publishing authors today?

One of the most common challenges authors have is how to market their book. Self-publishing means self-funding, and authors would like a return on the money they put into it. Plus, they have a story to share, so how to do so in the most widespread and effective way is another hurdle. There is a lot of competition to get noticed. 

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female business characters - girl power concept, and woman empowerment - two women and start up meeting for interview and management

Being Edited: Two Authors Share Their Experiences

When         Wednesday, January 18, 2023, from 7:30 to 8:30 pm PST

Where       Online through Zoom

Cost            Free for Editors Canada members

                     $10 for non-members

                     $5 for student non-members

Please join us for a valuable conversation with two authors about their experiences working with editors. They will share how they prepare for the editing process, what editors do that’s helpful, and what editors do that drives them crazy.

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A headshot of Jennifer Lalwer posing before a dark blue background

Jennifer Lawler on Pursuing an Editing Career: “Just go out there and do it!”

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Interview by Lola Opatayo; copy edited by Naomi Dobler

Editors BC is pleased to welcome Jennifer Lawler, this month’s seminar facilitator and successful editing tutor, to share lessons learned from her teaching career and business tips for prospective editors.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Let’s begin with your journey into teaching. What inspired you to start teaching other editors?

I fell into it! It wasn’t anything I intended to start doing. I began my career a long time ago teaching English literature at the university level, and I’ve always loved being a teacher, but working as a freelance editor (and writer) fit into my life much better.

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April 20, 2022: Trauma-Informed Editing with Iva Cheung

What: Editors BC monthly meeting
When: Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 7:30–8:30 pm PDT
Where: Online through Zoom
Cost: Free for Editors Canada members, $10 for non-members, and $5 for student non-members

Trauma-informed practice began in mental health care as a way to acknowledge the role that trauma can play in a person’s decisions, reactions, and life course. The goal of trauma-informed practice is to create a safe environment that (a) avoids re-traumatizing people and (b) removes barriers that people who’ve experienced trauma might encounter. 

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Niche Editing: An interview with Merel Elsinga about editing cookbooks

Interview by Marta Orellana; copy edited by Lola Opatayo

Merel Elsinga

Ever been interested in exploring a particular niche?

This month, Merel Elsinga will be joining us at our monthly member meeting to talk about her experience proofreading cookbooks and how she got started.

Let’s meet Merel!

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March 16, 2022: Cookbook Editing from a Proofreader’s Perspective

What: Editors BC monthly meeting
When: Wednesday, March 16, 2022, 7:30–8:30 pm PDT
Where: Online through Zoom
Cost: Free for Editors Canada members, $10 for non-members, and $5 for student non-members

Join us for a conversation about proofreading cookbooks led by Merel Elsinga.  

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Conscious Language with Crystal Shelley: An interview

Interview by Marta Orellana; copy edited by Patricia Tomaszewski 

As editors, we have a knack for words. We can guide writers to express their thoughts and ideas with more clarity. And we can help to ensure that the language used is free of bias and harm. 

So, being familiar with inclusive and conscious language is an important part of our profession, and Editors BC’s upcoming professional development seminar with Crystal Shelley will help editors become more proficient in identifying potential harm.

Let’s meet our presenter, Crystal Shelley.  

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