As 2024 comes to a close, the four editors from the three official Editors Canada blogs, The Editors’ Weekly, BoldFace, and West Coast Editor, have come together to bring you all a year in review.
On Sunday, West Coast Editor, the official blog of Editors British Columbia, published part one of our joint three-part series, in which we introduced you to the workings of the blogs.
This week, we bring you part two with some of our best blog-related memories and some advice for those who would like to work with us. (Stay tuned for part three tomorrow in The Editors’ Weekly, the official blog of Editors Canada.)
Who we are
Laura Bontje (she/her) is a freelance fiction editor and children’s book author. She volunteers as the managing editor for The Editors’ Weekly.
Amanda Goldrick-Jones (she/her) is a freelance academic editor and the current managing editor of West Coast Editor.
Natalia Iwanek (she/they) is a freelance copy and stylistic editor who is currently the co-editor-in-chief of BoldFace.
Anneline du Preez is an experienced editor (and co-author) of textbooks and other types of reading matter, and currently serves as the co-editor-in-chief of BoldFace.
What has been your favourite blog-related memory of 2024?
Laura: One of my favourite things about volunteering with The Editors’ Weekly is that I have built-in professional development each week! I always learn something new from our contributors, whether it’s a tip I can apply to my own editing practices or simply a cool fact from outside my niche.
For example, while I don’t proofread comics, I was fascinated by Madeleine Vasaly’s description of the difference between the “slash I” and “crossbar I” in lettering. I ran right to my bookshelf to see if I’d overlooked that nuance in a graphic novel as a reader! Our contributors put so much care into their posts, and each one is a reminder that this profession is far-reaching and full of experts in different areas.
Amanda: I have two favourites! In September and October, several new Editors BC volunteers offered to help with West Coast Editor. Most are emerging editors doing wonderful work with copy editing as well as offering invaluable suggestions and even contributing articles. So far, one has written about using plain language in legal writing.
In November, I compiled a summary of Editors BC’s virtual panel, “Writing for Tomorrow Today,” at the Surrey International Writers’ Conference. I was very grateful to have permission from the other panellists to represent their views on inclusive and conscious writing in our blog.
Natalia: I think this year (along with the past few years) has been extremely heavy for many of us. That said, while it’s almost impossible to choose one particular favourite blog-related memory, the fact that, during this year, volunteers have found the time and energy to contribute and keep BoldFace going is something that I will always remember and feel grateful for.
I appreciate the entire Editors Toronto team who review all our articles, volunteer writers who always submit such impressive and interesting work, and volunteer copy editors who always provide such great suggestions. It’s been an honour to be a part of this community.
Anneline: I hope this question doesn’t mean I have to choose a favourite article, because that’s impossible! There have been so many thought-provoking, amusing and useful articles just since I have been on board, but my favourite blog-related memory is (because it’s still happening!) learning the ropes with Natalia. She is an amazing teacher, and it’s so stimulating to learn a bunch of new things. Meeting the inspiring people who write the articles is also at the top of my list of favourite things.
Do you have any advice for those who would like to get involved with the blog?
Laura: If you just learned about a neat tool or shortcut, there are other editors who could benefit from that knowledge too. If you work in a specific niche, there are aspiring editors eager to learn the same things you already know. Why not share your insights with others through The Editors’ Weekly? Whether you’re a new editor or a seasoned pro, I’d love to hear your ideas for a 2025 blog post!
If you’re looking for longer-term involvement, we may have volunteer opportunities coming up in the future, so keep an eye on the blog for updates.
Amanda: As WCE’s brand-new managing editor, I hadn’t even sent out volunteer requests before several editors emailed me first, wanting to get involved. That was fantastic!
Depending on strengths, interests, and time, volunteers can copy edit, contribute postings, or reach out to networks, mentors/mentees, and colleagues and invite them to contribute postings. For experienced editors, volunteering with a blog can offer an interesting change of pace. For editing students and emerging editors, getting involved with WCE offers more editing and/or writing experience, a chance to create or expand networks, and opportunities to boost professional profiles.
So in short, my advice is — please get in touch!
Natalia: Speaking from personal experience, volunteering for BoldFace is a great way for new and experienced editors to create community, to meet lifelong friends, and to network. We always appreciate the nuances that the wide community of editors bring to our ever-evolving style guide and their willingness to share their vast knowledge with fellow readers. We also very much welcome — and encourage — recent graduates and newer editors to apply as volunteer copy editors or pitch articles about their experiences.
This term, we’ve been reaching out to newer editors, who are doing an absolutely fantastic job. Starting in a new industry, especially one which is quite solitary and mainly online, can seem intimidating and overwhelming. I promise that it’s not! For those interested in a larger role, elections for the co-editor-in-chief roles take place each June, with terms running from September to September.
Anneline: Just volunteer! And do what Natalia told you to do. It opens up a whole new world.
Be sure to check out the first part of this series in West Coast Editor, the official blog of Editors British Columbia.
Stay tuned for part three in The Editors’ Weekly, the official blog of Editors Canada, tomorrow!
This article was copy edited by Joy Moskovic (she/her), an editor and communications professional living in Ottawa. She recently completed the Editing Certificate Program at Simon Fraser University.
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