I apologize for the long break in what was supposed to be a series of monthly posts (Ode to the ODE). Part of the problem has been Life. I’ve had a busy year professionally and an even busier year personally: six weeks of travelling, my second move in a year …
This past June, I launched a new digital tool for academic writers — my preferred clients — at writingwellishard.com. This tool enables academics to compare features of their own writing with the features of a writing sample of their choice. For instance, users could see whether they write sentences that …
I’ve been a member of Editors Canada for, well, a minute or two. Over those minutes — okay, years — there have been times when I’ve had an Online Directory of Editors (ODE) listing and times when I haven’t. My rationale has varied. Sometimes I’ve had a listing because things …
Editors work in quiet confidence: our job is to help writers to speak with clarity, accuracy and sometimes even flair. In so doing, our own voices are silent, and our perspectives unheard. The best copy edits are the ones a reader can’t see. Because of the editor’s invisibility, I’ve had …
This post is part of a new series of case studies by and for in-house editors. The focus of this series is on the personal experiences and various roles of in-house editors. A post will appear on the Editors’ Weekly every other month. If you’re interested in writing a post for this series, please …
The federal government spends between $15 billion and $20 billion annually on goods and services, including editing and writing. Communication skills are in high demand. The government’s massive web renewal project faces much work ahead in streamlining 1,500 websites into one overarching website, Canada.ca. Small businesses across Canada, including solopreneurs, …
If you’re writing or editing copy destined for the web, know this: People don’t read. They don’t even finish what they’re not reading. Instead, they scan for answers and, with any luck, take action based on what they find. It’s less about the journey, more about the destination. Your mission, …