From the committee
by Paul Anderson and Robert Rowe
The Editors NSW branch committee met on 10 November 2020 for its monthly meeting, via Zoom, with two apologies.
Minutes of the October committee meeting were accepted with no new changes and the actions from previous meetings reviewed.
The NSW branch committee member reports were received, including the financial report for September 2020. Our financial position is tracking well ahead of budget — expenditure has been minimal while revenue from member meetings has been higher than budgeted.
Our monthly member meeting on 3 November was in great demand with more than 80 registrations — thank you all. Catherine Hill from Penguin Random House Australia and freelancer Nicola O’Shea delivered a joint presentation on fiction editing. A recording of the meeting is available for online purchase (or free viewing for members who paid to attend) for a limited period. The branch also promotes the recordings externally and they are popular with international editor groups.
The strategy for our member meetings was discussed. With the move online, these have become predominantly professional development in nature — the presentation being the centrepiece. It was agreed that branch members would continue to receive information about branch activities and networking opportunities, which was always part of our old meetings. We are reviewing how best to provide a forum for members to engage with the branch and committee.
The course outline has been finalised for our online Word workshops in February, to be delivered by Denise Tsagaris. Due to a limit on numbers able to attend, NSW members will be given one week’s priority for booking. Those interested are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Workshops will not be recorded.
Proposals have been received for other workshops next year — on freelance editing business and editing memoir. Both are under active consideration by the branch.
There is also preparatory work ongoing to set up mentorships for branch members. More on this important subject next year.
Five new members joined the branch in October, one professional, three associate and one student — a warm welcome to you all.
Monthly reports were received from our Accreditation Board representative and IPEd Director (NSW).
Thirteen branch members will sit the 2020 accreditation exam — good luck to all.
IPEd Director (NSW) Russell Noakes has been re-appointed to the Board by the branch for a two-year term starting from the 2020 AGM.
Our December meeting doubles as our Christmas dinner event. And as this is the last Gatherings of the year, we take this opportunity to wish all our members a safe and happy festive season.
Events
Member meetings
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, member meetings will continue to be held via Zoom.
Members are urged to check their email for the latest information on any event.
The freelance editor’s toolkit
Date: Tuesday 2 February 2021
Time: 7pm AEDT
Location: online via Zoom
Details: As editors, we use a range of tools to improve the quality of the documents we review, but new products are coming onto the market all the time. How can you work out what technology is best for you and your editing business?
Peter Riches will walk us through some of the software self-employed editors can use in the execution of projects and administration of their business. He will look at apps for Mac and PC, and the online tools his company employs.
Presenter: Peter Riches is Director and Principal Consultant of Red Pony, a technical writing and editing firm. He harnesses technology to not only improve how he writes and reviews documents, but also to run his business more efficiently, effectively and flexibly.
Workshops
Microsoft Word for Editors: Advanced (Windows)
Dates: Thursday 4 February and Saturday 6 February 2021
Time: 9.30am–12.30pm AEDT
Location: 2 x 3-hour sessions online via Zoom
Details: to be confirmed.
Cost: $210 for members, $240 for non-members
Bookings are limited
Microsoft Word for Editors: Advanced (Mac)
Dates: Thursday 11 February and Saturday 13 February 2021
Time: 9.30am–12.30pm AEDT
Location: 2 x 3-hour sessions online via Zoom
Details: to be confirmed.
Cost: $210 for members, $240 for non-members
Presenter: Denise Tsagaris is a highly experienced trainer and consultant with more than 20 years’ experience in teaching Microsoft Office applications from basic to advanced levels. Her qualifications include a Bachelor in Adult Education and Microsoft Certified Professional.