15 reasons to join Editors Canada

Professional Development

1. Workshops and seminars

Members receive registration discounts for skills-boosting seminars and workshops. Expert instructors help beginning editors build strong foundations, and help more experienced ones develop their expertise. With workshops on grammar, copy editing, copyright law, running a freelance business, marketing your services and everything in between, there's something for everyone.
 
2. Professional certification

Certification provides official recognition of excellence in editing and knowledge—and a marketing advantage. Become a Certified Professional Editor or earn certification in one or more of proofreading, copy editing, structural editing or stylistic editing. Members enjoy a substantial discount on test fees.

"Certification earned me extra points when bidding on a federal government standing offer for English editing services. Believe me, every point counts! I eventually won the standing offer."

Marion Soublière
Certified Copy Editor and Certified Proofreader
President, M.E.S. Editing and Writing Services

 3. Regular meetings

Join fellow editors for networking, information sessions and panel discussions featuring knowledgeable experts.

"For any in-house editor, it's the place to go for catching up on industry trends and news, and for ongoing professional training."

May Look | LookCreative

Employment Opportunities

4. Online Directory of Editors (ODE)

This searchable online resource helps employers and clients find the right editor fast. Listing in the ODE is a privilege available exclusively to members. Personalized listings rank high in online searches and catch the attention of clients who want the reassurance of hiring Editors Canada members.

"I receive more calls or emails that begin with ‘I saw your profile on the Editors Canada website' than any other opening line.… The return on investment for the directory alone continues to be worth the price of my membership many times over."

Kevin Burns | Seven Stories

5. National Job Board

Members have exclusive access to posts about full-time, part-time and freelance opportunities across the country. Past clients include the Canadian Cancer Society, the House of Commons, Mackenzie Financial Corporation and Osgoode Law School.

"The year I finally joined, I got a referral for a project that paid me enough to pay for my Editors Canada membership for the next four years."

Nathan Medcalf | Editor, Equipment Journal

6. Member logo 

Members can use this professional brand to show people what they do and identify themselves as a member of the association.

7. Branch hotlines

Free announcements put local clients in touch with members who are looking for work.15

Business Services

8. Mediation and affordable insurance plans

Editors Canada offers its members free mediation assistance for grievances or contract disputes regarding editing work. Members also have access to low-cost commercial liability insurance and errors and omission insurance; affordable health, dental, life, disability and critical illness; and assistance with retirement and investment planning.

Networking Opportunities

9. Social events

In coffee shops and at holiday parties and other gatherings, members meet other local editors and learn what's happening in the industry (including job opportunities).

"I joined Editors Canada because I'm the lone communications professional in my office. I need a place where I can connect with other editors, plus I value the resources and professional development opportunities."

Lori Trudgeon | Communications Manager
Office of the Auditor General of Alberta

10. Annual national conference

Held in a different Canadian city each year, the Editors Canada conference is a weekend of learning, networking and fun. It's the perfect setting for meeting fellow members and gaining valuable professional development. Members register at discounted rates.

"The annual conference allows me to meet other editors and publishing professionals from across the country.
As well as helping me to learn more about editing, these interactions help me to find very qualified freelance editors for my employer (something I am often asked for)."

Gael Spivak | English Editor
Canadian Food Inspection Agency

11. Volunteering

Members can stand out from the crowd by volunteering for Editors Canada. Member volunteers join a team of colleagues with a common goal where they have the opportunity to work with influential members of the publishing and communications industries, learn new skills, expand their portfolio and boost their career options.

Access to Essential Information

12. www.editors.ca

The Editors Canada website is a rich resource of information about the business of editing. The Members' Area features job opportunities, member discounts and services, newsletters and key networking opportunities.

"The wealth of information on the Editors Canada website speaks for itself; it is even richer in the members-only site."

Mary Rykov | Music Therapy Services

13. Publications and resources

Whether members are en route to becoming certified editors or brushing up on their skills, the association's respected publications help them along the path to excellence. Members can also make use of Editors Canada business tools, such as the Agreement Template for Editing Services, Guidelines for Editing Theses and the association's definitions of editorial skills.

14. National and regional newsletters

Members receive a complimentary subscription to the association's national magazine, Active Voice/Voix active, and have access to current and past issues of branch newsletters. Learn about trends in the editing and writing industry, get career tips and learn more about prominent editors and the association.

15. Email forums and online bulletin board

Members have exclusive access to these virtual water coolers where they can discuss the business of editing, debate language-related issues and share employment opportunities.

"Joining Editors Canada was the best decision I made when I started my career as a freelancer. Whenever I have a question related to editing, all I have to do is post it to the list; within a very short time several knowledgeable and helpful editors will have responded."

Rachel Small | Faultless Finish Editing

"The list is my BFF! Having such a strong network of experienced editors available at almost any given hour is priceless."

Vanessa Ricci-Thode | Thodestool Literary Services