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 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 readingWhen: Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 7:30–8:30 pm PT
Where: Online through Zoom
Cost: Free for Editors Canada members, $10 for non-members, $5 for student non-members
Tax time is coming up fast! Join us this month to learn about GST and HST, deductible expenses, setting aside money for taxes, and why doing what you love is a great business. During the Q&A, take the opportunity to pose all your lingering tax questions to an expert who has worked with taxes since 2002. No judgement—just great advice and information with a sense of humour on the side.
Sunny Widerman has been a tax preparer and advisor since 2002, with a growing clientele of freelancers, business owners, and professionals. Through her firm Personal Tax Advisors, Sunny specializes in helping clients take control of their tax planning by explaining the tax issues that affect them. She focuses on a gentle, non-threatening approach to financial issues and clear, jargon-free language.
Note: Editors BC will record this meeting. Editors Canada members have 30 days to view the recording by logging in to the Editors Canada website and going to the Editors BC Branch page.
Editors Canada members and registered non-members are welcome to use the following Zoom information to join the meeting:
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83060307231?pwd=cUZqRVFHQ0w0ZXoyMU1YUWVwTUhPdz09
Meeting ID: 830 6030 7231
Passcode: 674671
If you would like to attend this meeting and are not an Editors Canada member, please register here.
By 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
When: January 28, 2023, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Online via Zoom
When a client approaches you about a new editing job, wouldn’t it be great if you had a tool to help you:
What: Editors BC professional development seminar
When: Saturday, October 16, 2021, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Online through Zoom
Cost: $90 for Editors Canada members ($70 early bird), $170 for non-members ($150 early bird), and $50 for student affiliates. Advance registration required. Registration closes October 12, 2021, at 11:59 pm; early-bird rates are in effect through September 21, 2021.
If you’re ready to grow, register here!
What: Editors BC monthly meeting
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2020, 7:30–8:30 pm
Where: Online through Zoom
Cost: Free for Editors BC members, non-members, and students.
Are you a new editor starting your freelance business? Or an experienced professional wanting to expand your client base? In either case, marketing your business is an essential factor in acquiring new clients and staying relevant.
Written by Carl Rosenberg; copy edited by Maggie Clark
On Saturday, September 29, Editors BC presents Jessica Somers’ seminar on tax and finance for freelancers. This six-hour seminar will give an introduction to basic tax and finance issues for freelancers, including GST/HST registration, bookkeeping and record retention, and building financial stability without a salary. For editors new to freelancing, the seminar covers the basic essentials. And veteran freelancers will learn tips and tricks, have their questions answered, and clarify the details. See the registration page for more details.
Jessica Somers is a chartered professional accountant (CPA, CGA) with over 10 years of experience advising freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in Vancouver on tax, accounting, and business process. She is the founder of Cordova Street Consulting, a new firm in Gastown, which focuses on knowledge sharing, outreach, and taking the stress and mystery out of tax. Jessica is a facilitator and session leader at the CPA Western School of Business, where she teaches the next generation of Vancouver accountants and tax advisors.
Carl Rosenberg, a volunteer on Editors BC’s communications and social media committee, spoke to Jessica about her work on tax and finance issues for freelancers.
Written by Lynn Slobogian; copy edited by Erin Parker
Barb Adamski, a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, will be teaching Editors BC’s November seminar, Freelance Editing 101. The seminar will cover what to consider before setting up shop; how to find and keep good clients; and the benefits, pitfalls, and not-so-fun (yet necessary!) aspects of freelancing.
Lynn Slobogian, Editors BC’s professional development chair, recently chatted with Barb about her path into freelance editing, how the profession might evolve over the next 10 years, and overcoming some of the challenges new freelance editors face. Continue reading
