EAC: National e-news update, September 21, 2009

News, events, tips and updates for members of the Editors’ Association of Canada

In this issue:

1. CERTIFICATION: Employers are talking about certified editors
2. CONFERENCE 2010: EAC presents Reflections: Editing Content and Culture
3. ACTIVE VOICE: Seeking submissions for the winter issue
4. EAC LIST: Editing tips and tricks
5. EAC MEDIATION: Your resource for conflict resolution
6. WEBSITE NEWS: EAC podcasts
7. SHOP EAC: I’m not obsessed. I’m an editor!
8. CONNECT WITH MEMBERS: Activate your Membership List profile today
9. GET INVOLVED: EAC representatives wanted


1. CERTIFICATION: Employers are talking about certified editors

Employers are taking notice of EAC’s landmark certification program. “An increasing number of employers are calling EAC to find out more about hiring a certified editor,” says Helena Aalto, EAC’s professional development coordinator. “Clearly, word of mouth about the value of certification is spreading.”

Are you thinking about becoming a certified editor? Take advantage of this final opportunity to earn your certification based on the current Professional Editorial Standards (PES-1999). Starting in 2010, EAC will adapt its certification program to reflect PES-2009, which comes into effect on January 1, 2010.

While the tests based on PES-2009 will not differ significantly from those based on PES-1999, there are some advantages to writing tests this year if you are already partway through the certification process.

By writing the 2009 certification tests you can:

  • Complete your certification credential. If you’ve already passed one or more of the tests required to earn a particular credential—Certified Professional Editor (CPE), Certified Structural and Stylistic Editor, Certified Proofreader or Certified Copy Editor—register for the 2009 test that allows you to complete that credential.
  • Earn the combined Certified Structural and Stylistic Editing credential by passing the Structural and Stylistic Editing and Elementary Knowledge of the Publishing Process tests this year. November 2009 is the last time the combined Structural and Stylistic Editing test will be offered. Starting in 2010, separate Structural Editing and Stylistic Editing tests will be offered, giving test-takers the opportunity to become a Certified Structural Editor or a Certified Stylistic Editor.

For more information about the 2010 changes to the certification program, requirements and transfer credits, read the certification FAQ.

Editors from across the country have made the decision to pursue official recognition of their excellent editing knowledge and skill. Isn’t it time to have your skills professionally recognized (and get a marketing edge in the process)? Visit EAC’s certification website to register online.
 
Remember: Registration closes on Monday, October 26, 2009, at 1 p.m. eastern time. As an EAC member you benefit from discounted pricing on the certification tests—plus extra savings if you register for more than one test.


2. CONFERENCE 2010: EAC presents Reflections: Editing Content and Culture

The Conference Committee is pleased to announce that we have a theme for the 2010 conference! Join us in Montreal from May 28 to 30 for Reflections: Editing Content and Culture. This theme will inspire an amazing variety of sessions covering an array of topics, niches and language specialties. The call for session proposals will be going out soon, so keep an eye on your inbox for more details.

Date change

Mark your calendars! The 2010 conference will take place from May 28 to 30. Venez nous rejoindre au Congrès 2010 à Montréal!


3. ACTIVE VOICE: Seeking submissions for the winter issue

Interested in seeing your name in print? Write for EAC’s national newsletter! The Active Voice editors are currently soliciting submissions for the winter issue.

Wanted:

  1. A 700- to 1,400-word article discussing the health hazards associated with spending your day in front of a computer. We’ll provide you with several research links, including one that suggests spending your day in front of a computer can actually trigger overeating.
  2. A 700- to 1,400-word article about the benefits and perils of using marketing consultants to promote your editing business. You’ll receive background information for the article.
  3. A 700- to 1,400-word article comparing print-on-demand to traditional publishing. The article should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of publishing.
  4. A 700- to 1,400-word article featuring two to three EAC members who have successfully used EAC to build their freelance network and peer-support resources. We will provide you with contact information, if needed.
  5. A 700- to 1,400-word article about how to use your website to get editing work. We will provide you with contact information, if needed.

Manuscript deadline: November 1, 2009.

If you’re interested in contributing to, researching and/or writing any of these articles, contact Active Voice editors Wilf and Cheryl at active_voice@editors.ca.


4. EAC LIST: Editing tips and tricks

Editors often work in isolation. Where, then, do they go for advice to make their jobs a little easier? EAC’s busy list is more than a virtual water cooler; it’s an email exchange where members share a wealth of knowledge. Here’s a tip submitted by Toronto branch member Wendy Thomas:

Normally when I open a file, I do a couple of things—take out double spaces and replace straight quotes with curly quotes. On my most recent manuscript, I didn’t do this and quickly realized it had been a mistake to make this a practice.
 
To me, those straight quotes and apostrophes are a giveaway that the author has copied from an email or a Web page. They began showing up in this manuscript, and when I did a search on a few phrases, sure enough, there were the words that had been copied and pasted into the manuscript, with no quote marks and no attribution in the text. If I had followed my usual practice, this easy-to-spot clue would have disappeared and I might have missed the plagiarism. Sometimes it doesn’t pay to be too neat and tidy.

Want more tips like this? Subscribe to the email list today to join in the discussion! Visit the Members’ Area for more information.


5. EAC MEDIATION: Your resource for conflict resolution

EAC mediation is a free service designed to help members or their clients resolve grievances or contract disputes involving editing work. While the mediator cannot intervene in cases that have gone to legal action, he may step in to help settle the matter when other steps have not solved the problem.

For more information, contact EAC’s mediator, Michael Benedict.


6. WEBSITE NEWS: EAC podcasts

Ever wish you could attend a branch meeting to take part in the educational program, but are either too far away or too busy? Fear not! Some of our branches record the audio portion of their programs and distribute the mp3 files.

Some recordings are available to everyone, and some, usually for copyright reasons, are restricted to EAC members only.

To access the podcast of the public recordings, use this feed address:
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/EacPodcast

To access the podcast of the private, members-only recordings, use this feed address:
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/EacMemebers-onlyPodcast

You’ll need the username and password to access the feed. For security reasons, the current values are stored on Interactive Voice.

Ken Weinberg
Chair, Website Committee


7. SHOP EAC: I’m not obsessed. I’m an editor!

Check out EAC’s stylish and fun coffee mugs and ceramic travel mugs. Whether you’re in the office or on the go, you can enjoy your favourite hot beverage while proudly proclaiming to the world that you’re not obsessed. You’re an editor! These mugs are available for sale only until October 31, so hurry over to EAC’s CafePress shop to make your secure online purchase today.


8. CONNECT WITH MEMBERS: Activate your Membership List profile today

Networking with fellow editors is one of the greatest benefits of EAC membership. Have you activated your Membership List profile yet? If not, don’t delay! Activate your profile to start connecting with other members today.

Visit the Membership List FAQ for step-by-step activation instructions.

Remember, the Membership List is an opt-in service for EAC members only—you must activate your profile to be included. There is no cost for members to activate their profiles or to search the Membership List. The Membership List is only accessible to EAC members, not to the public.


9. GET INVOLVED: EAC representatives wanted

Interested in helping EAC develop a strong foundation for sponsorship opportunities and long-term financial health? We’re looking for representatives to help the association establish, foster and coordinate partnerships with the corporate sector. Representatives will help EAC build a base for fundraising and sponsorship while developing their own networking and professional development skills. If you work in the corporate sector and are interested in volunteering, please contact EAC executive director Carolyn L Burke.


The EAC national e-news update is produced on behalf of the national executive council by the national office.

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