Editing – West Coast Editorial Associates

An Advent calendar for editors and writers

Santa looking up at a large Christmas tree. Looking for a little lighthearted professional development this holiday season? Or maybe just a short break from your work on these dark December days? Try out our Advent calendar for editors and writers and test your language knowledge.

There’s a new question every day from now until December 25. Click on today’s date to go to today’s question. Can’t resist peeking? Start at the top and do all the questions now. We won’t tell Santa!

Happy holidays from all of us at WCEA!

Black and white line drawing of a typewriter with a piece of paper ready to be typed on.

What is a manuscript evaluation—and do you need one?

Are you writing a manuscript and wondering if anyone will want to read it? A manuscript evaluation may be exactly what you’re after.

Computer screen showing style sheet for an editing project

The value of style sheets

September 1, 2023
Lucy Kenward
Editing, Lucy Kenward

Style sheets are a fundamental tool for editors.

Female editor sitting on top of oversized books while working on laptop.

Tips on getting started as a freelance editor

August 1, 2023
Barbara Johnston
Barbara Johnston, Editing, Professional development

When I was starting out as an editor in the mid-1990s, I clearly remember attending a session with the late Claudette Upton, a founder of West Coast Editorial Associates and a very generous mentor.

A road sign warns drivers of pothole hazards ahead.

What’s up with “that”?

Whether writing or editing, I’m consciously aiming for a smooth experience for readers—which means avoiding potholes, bumps, and other obstacles that momentarily distract them, pulling them out of the flow of the text.

Is it real or is it ChatGPT? (and does it matter?)

Over the past several months, every day seems to bring news of another leap forward in artificial intelligence (AI).

A laptop and mobile phone on a desk, both with a circle bordering a person with their legs wide and arms stretched out, a symbol of accessibility. Two hands are shown typing on the laptop keyboard, and a coffee cup sits on the desk next to the laptop.

Editing for accessibility

As editors, we are advocates for readers—the people who use the documents we help produce. If a document is not accessible, a significant portion of the intended audience may not be able to receive the message.

Two men, Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb, facing each other with bookshelf in the background.

Review of Turn Every Page

We recommend this insightful documentary about what editing can be.

Your 2023 guide to conferences on editing

February 1, 2023
Barbara Johnston
Barbara Johnston, Editing, Events, Professional development

In-person editing conferences are happening again! While the pandemic is not quite behind us, we have once again started to travel, regularly gather in person, and attend in-person events. The benefits of attending conferences are many. Conferences are a chance…

The best bits and bites of 2022

This year marks WCEA’s 30th anniversary. How we work as editors and the tools we use have changed substantially in those 30 years, but much has stayed the same.