The next few months are full of professional development opportunities through Editors Toronto! Follow links below for registration and other information.
Tuesday, September 27 (AM) – Usage Traps and Myths presented by Frances Peck
Is impact now a legitimate verb? Is it correct to write a couple ideas? Must you change till to until and reserve between for comparing two things? For anyone intent on preventing (not avoiding) word errors and avoiding (not preventing) usage myths, this seminar will help.
We’ll take an up-to-date look at some of the most misunderstood and contentious points of English usage and examine common errors that make it into publications. We’ll also count down the top five usage myths. Bring your most pressing usage questions to share with the group.
Tuesday, September 27 (PM) – Mastering the Sentence presented by Frances Peck
Why does a sentence sound awkward one way and not another? The key to mastering the sentence is to move beyond intuition to a solid understanding of syntax. How does word order affect emphasis, rhythm, and impact? Why is an idea sometimes more powerful at the beginning of a sentence and other times at the end? How can syntax build drama, humour, or suspense?
This workshop looks at sentences from all angles. Topics include subordination and coordination, periodic versus cumulative sentences, the power of paring down (verbs, modifiers, attributions), and rhetorical techniques such as ellipsis and isolation. Whether you work on creative writing, promotional material, or workplace publications, you’ll come away with fresh ideas for making prose more attention-getting and compelling.
Saturday, October 15 – Demystifying Permissions Clearance and Photo Research presented by Marnie Lamb
Permissions research and clearance is a mysterious art. An uncleared permission can halt the publication process, yet little training is available on the practicalities of clearing copyright. How do you determine which parts of a manuscript require permission and where to apply for clearance? What are some differences between clearing permission for a photo versus a quotation? How do you deal with a rightsholder who is unresponsive? This seminar will address these questions and more.
Aimed at anyone who works with permissions, the seminar begins with an overview of Canadian copyright law and uses hands-on exercises and real-life examples to walk through the permissions clearance process. Researchers will gain tips on improving their efficacy and skills. Those who work with the permissions department—including developmental editors, production editors, and copy editors—will deepen their understanding of the permissions process, enabling them to better collaborate with their colleagues. Although the seminar is taught through the lens of educational publishing, participants will find the information presented applicable to other fields.
Saturday, October 22 – Eight-Step Editing presented by Elizabeth d’Anjou
Eight-Step Editing breaks the editorial process down into a series of tasks that will improve the readability of the final product. If you’re an editor, regardless of your level of experience, this seminar will help you develop a systematic approach and identify functions you may have been performing only intuitively. If you’re a writer, the Eight-Step process will give you techniques for improving your manuscript before it goes to an editor.
Tuesday, November 8, and Tuesday, November 15 – Copy Editing: A Hands-On Introduction presented by Camilla Blakeley
Are you starting or considering a career in editing? Do you find yourself being asked to edit the work of your colleagues or peers and want some formal training to back up your efforts? This two-day seminar will introduce you to the basics of professional copy editing, helping you move beyond the stage of thinking it looks wrong to knowing why and how to fix it.
We’ll cover the principles and techniques of copy editing both on paper and onscreen; the use of style sheets and style guides; common pitfalls of grammar and punctuation; basic rules for mechanics, such as capitalization, hyphenation, numbers, and abbreviations; and managing the author-editor relationship. Plenty of hands-on practice is provided, along with recommended resources for editors.
Saturday, November 19 – Practical Tips for Starting Out as a Freelancer presented by Sara Scharf
Starting out as a freelancer can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never run your own business before. In this seminar, you’ll learn how to take care of the back end of your business. Topics include:
• obtaining an HST number
• negotiating with clients
• setting rates
• sending invoices
• keeping track of your time, clients, and finances
• maintaining data security
• filing your taxesThis seminar will help you gain a sense of control over your financial future, so you can focus on your editing.
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