Editing Resources Volume 5
The good editor is working, the great editor is learning. I just came up with that, but it’s true. Continued learning will ensure you stay up to date with industry news and standards and add to your toolbox. Your editing methods and experience will grow with each new learning experience. Don’t underestimate the value of cross-discipline learning either!
Continued Education
Webinars and Online Learning
Webinars and online learning vary in cost from free to thousands of dollars. There are many online resources you can access to further your experience as an editor. These are just a few of them:
- Webinars from editing associations and education industries like Editors Canada or ACES: The Society for Editing have webcasts/webinars that members get for free. Some associations also allow non-members to purchase these courses.
- YouTube has many videos from individuals and institutions in the field of editing. It’s a great place to access free resources.
- Master classes are courses by experts (a class by a master). There are many editing and writing master classes which can help expand your knowledge. These are usually around $100 and you get anything from a guided course with assignments evaluated by the expert to a simple webinar/webcast like experience with or without supplemental materials.
- Virtual events including panels of experts, fundraising, or readings can help to expand your knowledge and network. Many are free or low cost.
- Web content from newsletters, blogs, journals, ebooks, forums, and more can be accessed for free or for charge and hold a world of editing related knowledge. While educating yourself this way doesn’t always translate to a resume, it is still an incredibly valuable tool to stay up to date on industry news.
Conferences and Networking
Conferences and networking are important tools to continual education. Conferences, like Editor Canada’s annual national conference, are a great place to receive industry news, education, and find new colleagues and friends. It’s where I met Jesse and Ellen who both edit my books and I refer clients to and many other amazing editors.
Places to find these opportunities include:
- Libraries
- Editing and writing associations
- Writing and literary events
- Events on subject matter relevant to your editing interests and expertise
Professional Courses and Certifications
There are many resources for formal education and certification in the writing and editing world. Whether it’s a university doctorate or a certification from a training course, there are a number of reputable organizations offering courses. These courses can be expensive and often require intensive study, but they are excellent resources in your journey as an editor.
Books
Reading and writing books will add to your education experience, tough resume credit only goes to published written works by you. Hundreds of thousands of resources on editing and writing exist (some of the most important I mentioned in a previous newsletter – Style Manuals). Recreational reading is important, too. You never know what editing convention, writing style, or subject matter you may find inside your recreational books. If you aren’t reading books regularly, are you even an editor?
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