Correcting typos, checking links, formatting headings, selecting images, drafting social media posts, uploading content … these are just a few of the ways that the proofreader and social media contributor helps The Editors’ Weekly arrive in your inbox, ready to read.
At the end of 2024, proofreader Kay Pettigrew wrapped up her term with the blog. It was a privilege to have Kay’s insights both as an editor and a writer, and we wish her well with her future endeavours!
This spring, the Editors’ Weekly team welcomed Monica Laane-Fralick as our new proofreader and social media contributor. She’s been diving into the procedures and working hard behind the scenes to ensure that each week’s post is ready to share.
Today, we invite Monica to step out front and introduce herself to readers. Welcome!
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Monica Laane-Fralick: After a lengthy career in both hospitality and retail management, a change was in order for me — truthfully, I was tired of “peopling.” We were contemplating having horses, and my love for writing and editing guided my decision to contribute to the research and education side of the horse industry.
In 2014, I found Equine Guelph, where I earned the Diploma of Equine Sciences and other certificates. To improve my editing skills, I completed editing programs through Simon Fraser University and Queen’s University. Always the student, I am now working on the Empowered Educator Micro-Credential program.
When I started Fralick Freelancing, my first contract involved writing alt text for all the visuals in online equine studies courses. Imagine the challenge of explaining visuals of horse anatomy and genetics!
What’s your editing specialty?
MLF: I really enjoy working with online courses, collaborating with subject-matter experts to make the learning experience suitable for everyone involved. Having been a student and a teaching assistant, as well as a course writer and developer, I consider course content from all three viewpoints. What works for an instructor may not always translate well to a student — or to a variety of learners.
While my focus has been on equine studies, I also worked on the personal support worker (PSW) micro-credential online courses, and I currently help create monthly newsletters for Human Behaviour Change for Life. I try to take a multi-view approach to all the work I edit, and I never assume someone has any background in a topic.
How did you get involved with Editors Canada?
MLF: I joined Editors Canada as a student affiliate while completing my studies at SFU. In a Facebook group, I saw a post looking for someone to work on the Featured Volunteer profiles. I joined the volunteer management committee, where I also assisted with the VolunteerConnect initiative and the rewrite of the Volunteer Handbook.
Eventually, I moved over to spend a year as the awards coordinator, and I have been the proofreader for the annual report for several years. Recently, I came across this position on Facebook (who says social media does not work?), and here I am.
What have you enjoyed most about this volunteer role so far?
MLF: The variety of topics and talented authors! Each week brings something new to the blog. I enjoy working on the more conversational tone of some of these pieces, as opposed to the more formal writing and editing in courses. Writing the social media posts is fun, as it is very different from the ones I write for my dog rescue (but that’s another story!). Diversifying one’s talents is always beneficial!
Above all else, I have to say the team is fantastic to work with!
What’s your favourite tool for editing?
MLF: I love a good style sheet! When I look at a project, it is the first thing I ask about. In most cases, there isn’t one, and I am told loosely, “Oh, we do this that way, or that this way.” In some cases, I have created my own for consistency, but it would be great if all organizations had internal style sheets like Editors Canada does.
Aside from that, I am a shameless reference book collector! I also follow many editing groups on social media, where I can usually find answers to questions I might have. For the blog, of course, Laura Bontje, our managing editor, is a fabulous resource for me!
Have you read any good books lately?
MLF: I read all the time. I don’t have a favourite genre; as long as I am engaged in the first chapters, I am a happy camper. One book that has resonated with me for many years is Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. His words implanted imagery that was vivid and haunting; I could smell the fires, feel the fear and see the destruction. No other book has impacted me in that way.
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
MLF: In my spare time, I am an avid gardener and a volunteer for Golden Rescue. I have worn many hats for them since 2003, from transporting dogs to managing the website to being the board member for events. Where can you usually find me? You guessed it: outside in my gardens with my three rescued golden retrievers. If I could have a zebra, I would …
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Monica Laane-Fralick
Monica Laane-Fralick is a freelance educational content developer, editor and teaching assistant for online university-level courses. She has been volunteering with Editors Canada in various roles after joining as a student affiliate five years ago. She lives in the Quinte West area with her three rescued golden retrievers (but no zebra).