October 2022 EdVic

From the president

By Stephanie Holt AE (edvic.president@iped-editors.org)

Spring is here, a wet one so far. What a joy it is to see the blossom out and, here in the bush, spring wildflowers and wattles. With the warmth and sunshine comes the chance for a lovely outdoor lunch, so if you’ve been missing hanging out with your edibuddies, join us for our October editors’ lunch in Melbourne.

Last year we had a wonderful end-of-year event with members wearing their author hats, and speaking about their recent books. That was such a treat, we’re offering another author panel this year. Join us on Thursday 27 October to hear Jay Carmichael, Carole Lander and Sarah Lovesy talk about fiction writing and their latest books as we kickstart our book-promotion campaign for summer reading and gift-buying inspiration.

Zoom cuppas continue too, with a student focus this month. Keep an eye on your IPEd emails for details and reminders for these. And if you’re a student member, do consider entering your best work in the IPEd Student Prize.

Finally, and at the risk of sounding like the needle is stuck in this particular track (I hear vinyl metaphors are back!), have you thought about joining the Editors Victoria committee?

Refreshing the committee is an ongoing process. There are often specific roles to be filled, and always opportunities to dip your toe in committee work through getting involved with a particular project or portfolio subcommittee. If you’ve enjoyed our branch-run activities, or are keen to connect and contribute within the profession, this is an ideal way to do it.

At the moment we’re seeking a Budget Officer and a Projects and Outreach Officer, and will always welcome members to the Events and Professional Development subcommittees. Get in touch with me if you’d like to chat about either (edvic.president@iped-editors.org). You don’t need to be a professional member, just a keen one!
 

Introducing the 2022–23 branch committee

This month we introduce you to two more members of our new committee.

Professional Development Officer: Caroline Arnoul

Photo credit: Sister Scout

I joined the Editors Victoria committee in 2021 as the Projects and Outreach Officer and have recently moved into the Professional Development Officer position.

I’m relatively new to editing, so I’m looking forward to managing the professional development program and meeting lots of members along the way.

I’m a lifelong student, so professional development is a natural fit for me. I finished the RMIT Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing in 2021 but I already hold a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) and an MBA. I’ve spent most of my career working in marketing, media and executive recruitment. Currently, I run the communications arm of Purple Frog Media and Communications, working with corporate clients on copywriting, editing, content creation and marketing strategy.

Events Officer: Marie Pietersz

I am a freelance editor working across all genres and have been in this capacity for many years, recently mostly with one Melbourne boutique publisher who keeps me busy. In my role as senior coordinating editor, I have the job of overseeing the publisher’s pool of editors and proofreaders.

This is my fourth year as Events Officer, and I do enjoy the opportunity the role offers of networking and sourcing new and interesting presenters for our monthly online speaker meetings so that the reach is far and the audience is engaged.

I have been a former Editors Victoria newsletter editor, the first Gatherings newsletter editor, and an IPEd ambassador. I joined the committee in the first place because I wanted to be part of this well-recognised professional association and perhaps value-add and be part of a team of hardworking and dedicated individuals, which is our committee.

Outside of my editing work, I am busy as a line dancing teacher, a voluntary dance teacher for U3A Nunawading, a board member of a community centre, and a former Ambassador for Seniors Victoria. I am also always learning, what with Spanish classes and competing for my ballroom dancing gold medals.

New members

EdVic is pleased to welcome two new associate members: Christine Bayley and Geoffrey Roy Hopkins.

We look forward to seeing you at our workshops and events and encourage you to make the most of IPEd’s networks for news and support.

New member profile: Christine Bayley

Photo credit: Christine Bayley

Q: How long have you been an editor and how did your career begin? 

A: While I love writing and editing, I am not yet able to call myself an editor. I am an experienced veterinary pathologist with an interest in improving my editing and writing skills. I have nearly 20 years’ experience in looking down a microscope and translating what I see into a pathology report for any kind of animal species you can think of. Now, I am hoping to use my broad interest in the life sciences to move away from the microscopic world and towards a new career in editing and writing for academia and translational science communication.

Q: What type of editing makes up most of your work? 

A: Through my previous work as a veterinary pathologist I have experience in technical and scientific writing and editing, including writing in-house manuals, writing and editing marketing material, publishing my pathology work in peer-reviewed articles and acting as a peer-reviewer. I find reviewing papers for publication particularly satisfying as I get to read about all sorts of interesting research.

Q: What aspect of the profession do you find most challenging? 

A: Using time efficiently is a challenge when editing is not your core skill. I do tend to get stuck down in the details. Coming from a technical background also means it can be hard to break out of the fairly dry and careful academic style of writing.

Q: How would you like to build your skills as an editor? 

A: I am considering further formal study to improve my copy-editing skills and fill in knowledge gaps in the technical and vocational aspects of editing. Webinars and short courses have already changed my approach to writing and editing.

Q: What are you looking forward to, now you’re a member?

A: I am excited about accessing mentors and further education to help me become a better writer and editor. It will be interesting to discover if there is much demand for scientific editing, whether as a freelance editor or part of a larger publishing or industry group.