THE EDITORS' WEEKLY

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Wilf Popoff

Wasted Words: A Little Learning

April 18, 2017 by Wilf Popoff | 2 Comments on Wasted Words: A Little Learning

For 500 years parameter nestled in the discipline of geometry, supplying arcane and exclusive service to science. Then around the time Elvis released “Heartbreak Hotel” the outside world discovered this obscure word and everyone went gaga over it. Yes, language must advance by adding new words and new meanings to existing ones, but I never […]

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James Harbeck

The Hardest Language

April 11, 2017 by James Harbeck | 2 Comments on The Hardest Language

What language is the hardest to learn? The hardest for whom to learn? The world has many languages of many different kinds, but one thing they all have in common is that kids grow up speaking them fluently and think of them as the natural way to say things. Some languages have many inflections — […]

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Marianne Grier

German Lessons With Mrs. Cheese

April 4, 2017 by Marianne Grier | 9 Comments on German Lessons With Mrs. Cheese

At the feisty age of 16, I was given an opportunity to study in Switzerland to improve my French language skills. After committing, I found out that the only exchange spot was in Bern, the country’s German-speaking capital. My teenage determination told me I could learn the language quickly enough to complete my school year […]

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Christian Bergeron

Docteur, j’ai un problème

March 28, 2017 by Christian Bergeron | 9 Comments on Docteur, j’ai un problème

Oui, docteur, je l’avoue : je corrige tout ce qui me passe sous les yeux. Mais pour ma défense, je crois que je ne suis pas le seul. Êtes-vous un peu comme ça, vous aussi ? Je m’en veux de ne pas pouvoir faire preuve de plus de détachement, mais c’est plus fort que moi. Je lis […]

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Paul Cipywnyk

Basic Computer Terms for Writers and Editors

March 21, 2017 by Paul Cipywnyk | 3 Comments on Basic Computer Terms for Writers and Editors

Writers and editors ask lots of questions about computers and software but sometimes confuse basic terminology. If you have an issue with a computer or software, it helps if you can frame your questions accurately and provide enough information so that others can help. So let’s do a quick review of some basics. Hardware: All […]

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Rosemary Shipton

Succeeding as a Freelancer

March 14, 2017 by Rosemary Shipton | 7 Comments on Succeeding as a Freelancer

The key to a successful freelance business is a steady supply of projects. First, decide how many hours a week you’d like to work — 20, 40 billable hours? — and then set out to achieve your goal. Your professional life and income will become almost predictable. Here are some suggestions. Develop a strong client […]

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Administrators

Reminder: New Post on the Editors’ Weekly

March 9, 2017 by Administrators | Leave a Comment

Due to technical issues, you may not have received your usual email notification this week about the latest post on the blog. “Canada is a kaleidoscope of cultures and languages from around the world. As the number of residents whose native language isn’t English increases, the need for editors who can edit their writing effectively […]

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Tracey Anderson

Editing the Work of Writers Whose First Language Isn’t English

March 7, 2017 by Tracey Anderson | 20 Comments on Editing the Work of Writers Whose First Language Isn’t English

Canada is a kaleidoscope of cultures and languages from around the world. As the number of residents whose native language isn’t English increases, the need for editors who can edit their writing effectively and sensitively grows, too. Before my editing career began, I taught English as a second language for over 15 years in China, […]

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Virginia Durksen

Inner Editor: Tasks Without Edges

February 28, 2017 by Virginia Durksen | 5 Comments on Inner Editor: Tasks Without Edges

As the oft-paraphrased Leonardo da Vinci would have it, art [or poetry or writing or editing] is never finished, only abandoned. Writing is like a teenager. Eventually you have to send it out into the world to fend for itself. (Or should I say it’s like a young adult? Most North Americans freak out at […]

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Wilf Popoff

Wasted Words: Respectable Stoners

February 21, 2017 by Wilf Popoff | 2 Comments on Wasted Words: Respectable Stoners

Legalizing marijuana makes it acceptable, but will it make it respectable? Jumping that second hurdle will be difficult, requiring us to forsake the vast vocabulary it has spawned. I don’t see that happening right away. While I cringe at seeing chief justices, bishops and other bigwigs described as stoners or potheads, if they come out […]

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