You’re already a member of Editors Barrie under the larger umbrella of Editors Canada. Are you taking advantage of all of the services to which you are entitled as a member?
Professional Development
Did you know that as a member you receive significant discounts to workshops and seminars held by the association? From the most basis skill development series to networking and marketing seminars, Editors Canada offers a range of materials that may be accessed by any member.
Editors Canada provides certification in a number of different areas: proofreading, copy editing, structural editing and stylistic editing. Are you looking to solidify your credentials or prove your competency? Each course may be taken separately and you can achieve accreditation over the course of time. Most editors are busy people who’d like to learn more.
You’re invited to regular monthly meetings at either the Editors Canada Toronto location or with your local branch or twig. These meetings often involve a guest speaker or a panel discussion. Informal networking happens at every meeting. Make the most of these opportunities by attending. Develop a quick pitch or an elevator speech before you head out and be prepared to deliver. People will want to know who you are and what you do.
Are you actively looking for work? Have you capitalized on your entry in the Online Directory of Editors? This searchable database is used constantly by employers seeking to hire editors. It allows the employer to search for a specific skill set or level of experience. As an editor, it allows you to showcase all of your talents in the same place and direct the attention of those who are hiring.
Have you read the National Job Board? Perhaps you’re looking for work across Canada or you can work remotely from home. This job board posts positions in part-time and full-time writing and editing, as well as freelance opportunities. There is no better way to tap into the hiring needs of large national organizations. Bring your skill sets and be prepared to work. This job bank is endless.
Does your email account look professional? Members are invited and encouraged to attach the Editors Barrie logo to their emails to enhance credibility and current status with Editors Canada.
Business Services
Are you looking for low-cost liability insurance? One of the biggest hurdles to successful freelancing can be insurance. As a member of Editors Barrie, you have access to affordable insurance that would cover commercial liability and errors and omissions liability insurance. Few traditional insurance companies can or will offer this type of coverage.
Are you seeking affordable health insurance, dental insurance or disability and illness plans? Editors Canada offers all of these services at reduced rates, to its membership. Stay safe and be insured.
Do you hope to one day retire? Editors and writers frequently arrive at their career paths a little later in life. Editors Canada knows this and would like to offer their best advice in terms of retirement planning and resource and investment management. Why pay for outside services when this is already available free of charge, through your membership with Editors Barrie?
Are you lonely? Editors frequently work alone. Many of them work from home. Editors Barrie and its larger counterpart, Editors Canada, offer many social events over the course of the year. The intention isn’t to find work or promote your own business. The intention is just to have fun although we’ve discovered that many partnerships and connections were first made through social events. Colleagues often produce excess work through overflow and they’re looking for help. Rather than trust the work to strangers, many busy editors will pass off work to others, provided they know them first. It’s all about meeting people and getting to know what they do and how they do it. Social events are a great resource of information and contacts; they’re also a whole lot of fun.
Do you like to travel? Every year the national organization, Editors Canada, holds the Annual National Conference in a different province. Members receive discounted rates to the conference. It’s a great way to meet people and learn professionally while exploring our Canadian landscape.
Are you interested in volunteering? One of the fastest ways to get to know an organization and the people in it, is to volunteer. Editors Canada makes good use of its volunteers and the rewards are plentiful. Most importantly, seasoned editors within the organization gain the opportunity to learn who you are and which skills you possess. It’s a great way to put your best foot forward, especially if you’re new to the field of editing. There’s no faster way to solidify a relationship than working alongside someone else. We highly recommend you give volunteering a spin and see where it lands you.
Are you in need of a comprehensive editing contract for your clients? The Standard Freelance Editorial Agreement is available for your use and augmentation in your membership package. It provides uniform and complete coverage for all of your liability concerns. Editors Canada members are encouraged to use this contract when dealing with independent clients to safeguard against potential legal issues.
Would you like to stay current with what’s new within your industry? The best way to stay on top of the newest trends and conventions in editing and writing is to subscribe to our national and regional newsletters. Stay informed and learn new tips and tricks. Subscribe today for your complementary newsletter.
Are you missing your virtual water cooler? Email forums and online bulletin boards provide members with direct access to resources. It’s a great place to ask questions of those who are truly in the know.
Do you want to get involved? Numerous opportunities to showcase your skills as a presenter, a mentor, a volunteer, or an executive member await you. Let us know how we can help you get involved.