When you join Editors Canada, you’ll become a member of a local chapter called a branch or a twig. These groups offer resources, events and a sense of community for Editors Canada members, student affiliates and non-members.
What can you expect from your local group? The Editors’ Weekly has invited current and past branch and twig leaders to share their experiences.
Jen Jilany (she/her), co-chair of Editors Hamilton-Halton: Jen is a GTHA-based editor of fiction and non-fiction (through Up Style Editing), as well as a published writer, self-published author and writing workshop facilitator.
Jackie Lewis (she/her), former co-chair of Editors Calgary: Jackie recently stepped down as co-chair of the Editors Calgary twig, grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the group’s growth over the past two years. She launched her freelance editing business, Spotlight Editing Services, in early 2023 and has since enjoyed working on a variety of projects.
What does your branch/twig do?
Jilany: Our monthly meet-ups alternate between virtual and in person. For the virtual meet-ups, we plan speaking topics ahead of time. This could include a guest speaker (topics have included AI and ghostwriting), and just last month we hosted our first Webinar Club! The in-person events are for open discussion and social networking. We host these at the library or coffee shop. Every month is different!
Lewis: Our typical twig meetings are conducted either in person or virtually. Sometimes, attendees discuss a common theme, such as in our book club and webinar club sessions. At other times, we chat informally at Coffee & Convos or #StetWalks.
What would you say to someone who is nervous about joining in for the first time?
Jilany: I would say that I was nervous too! And what I found is that the editing profession is full of kind, supportive people who are more than willing to welcome and guide new members.
Lewis: If someone is nervous about joining in for the first time, I’d say: “Jump right in! Our twig is the perfect place to step out of your comfort zone, and we’d love to get to know you!”
What were some of your favourite events over the past year?
Jilany: We held our first Blue Pencil Writing Consults session in November, in partnership with the Hamilton Public Library. This is where local writers can apply to have an excerpt of their writing evaluated by a volunteer editor. It was very successful, and I can’t wait for the next one!
Lewis: Favourite events in 2024 included a presentation in October by Louise Harnby that attracted over eighty registrants from across the country. We also launched the YYC Webinar Club, where we watch and discuss a different webinar each month via Zoom. The Calgary and Edmonton twigs subsidize the cost of the webinar for those members who wish to purchase it.
Get involved
Are you interested in attending a meeting or special event with Editors Canada members near you? Take a look at the options for your nearest branch or twig! If in-person attendance is a barrier, you may also be interested in the online-only option, The Editors’ Vine.
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The Editors’ Weekly is the official blog of Editors Canada. Contact us.
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Jen Jilany
Jen Jilany (she/her) has a background in business, marketing, technology and corporate communications, but has been reunited with her life-long love of language and literature as the owner of Up Style Editing. She is a GTHA-based editor of fiction and non-fiction, a published writer, self-published author and writing workshop facilitator. She is affiliated with Editors Canada, the Toronto Indie Authors Conference, the Editorial Freelancers Association and the Writers Collective of Canada. She is also an avid golfer.