It’s cool to be kind
One of the best editing tips of all time, and one I apply in every project, is to begin query letters and emails to writers with a compliment before launching into the many surprising and creative ways the author may…
Prize-worthy children’s books
Finalists were recently announced for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards and the Victoria Book Prizes, and we were thrilled to see three books we worked on for Orca Book Publishers among the nominees. Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of…
Romancing the pen (and pencil)
As soon as the “Back to School” signs go up in store windows in late summer, I get that special feeling. Even though I haven’t started a full slate of classes since I finished university, lo those many years ago,…
New book launch
Congratulations to WCEA partner Merrie-Ellen Wilcox, whose new non-fiction book, After Life: Ways We Think About Death (Orca Book Publishers), is launching in Victoria on September 8 (see time and place details below). Books will be available for sale, and a…
Long-time reader, new listener
Like most of you, I’m sure, I’ve been a life-long reader. I like almost nothing better than curling up in a comfy spot and reading A Good Book. But recently, I’ve come to realize that I’m out of the loop…
Story and structure: Opening our minds
At an October 2017 seminar in Vancouver, Greg Younging treated editors and other publishing folk to a sneak peek at his forthcoming book, Elements of Indigenous Style. Since the book hit stores in February 2018, it’s been sailing off the…
An index to be proud of
Huge congratulations to our partner Audrey McClellan for winning this year's Ewart-Daveluy Award for the index she created for Churchill and Fisher (which she also edited and which earned a rave review in the Times Literary Supplement). Presented by the Indexing Society of…
Aids to editing
When I’m not editing, one of my favourite activities is horseback riding. For 10 years I owned my own horse, Cannon, a retired Quarter Horse “schoolmaster” with a huge personality—think Alistair Cooke with a glass of port and a wry…
Certifiably proud
We are beyond proud of partner Lana Okerlund, who has some new initials after her name: CPE. Lana has passed her final Editors Canada certification test, which means she has inserted, deleted, recast, suggested, transposed, restructured, queried, and stetted her…
Crisis time management: Are you ready?
Over the many years of my editing career and teaching editing courses, I have counselled hundreds of would-be freelancers on how to succeed. My short advice is simple: “Show up. Deliver.” I’ve worked with and hired enough freelance editors myself…