The principle of lifelong learning and education is essential for the professional development of individuals, and the health and relevance of the profession at large.
Professional Development
The principle of lifelong learning and education is taken for granted within the editing profession. It is essential for the professional development of individuals, and the health and relevance of the profession at large.
Professional development may include:
- attending the biennial IPEd conference
- working with or as a mentor
- attending seminars and workshops organised by branches
- writing occasional papers on matters of interest to the profession
- undertaking long or short courses in editing or related fields.
IPEd conference
The biennial IPEd editors conference, hosted in turn by the branches, is IPEd’s most important professional development activity.
IPEd branch seminars and workshops
Each branch conducts a program of training workshops and seminars according to the needs of its members. See our events page or contact your local branch.
IPEd maintains a register of professional development activities conducted by the branches, and offers sponsorship to branches to enable them to engage interstate presenters. This allows the expertise of particular presenters to be available to members across the country.
Professional Development Register
IPEd maintains a professional development register of past courses and training programs offered by IPEd’s branches. Some funding is available to branches to offer professional development opportunities. Branches can also use the database to locate and contact trainers they may wish to invite to their branch.
Training officers and committee members of IPEd’s branches are encouraged to contact IPEd to find out about the professional development courses offered by other branches so they can expand the range of training programs and courses they can provide to their members.
CIEP online courses and conference
The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) in the UK offers online courses on topics such as proofreading, copyediting, fiction editing, grammar and references. These courses are available to members of IPEd at a discount.
More information about the courses and the conference including costs are available on the Member Portal.
Biotext-Macquarie University training opportunities
IPEd and Biotext-Macquarie have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU includes cross promotion of each other’s professional development opportunities.
Biotext and Macquarie University offer training in many areas and formats, including e-learning modules and face-to-face workshops, short courses and graduate courses, through their joint venture StyleHub.
More information about the courses and workshops on offer is here.
Mentoring
Are you looking to learn from other editors, to improve your editing skills with professional oversight and feedback from experienced editors? Perhaps you’re preparing for the accreditation exam. Or maybe you’re stepping back into editing after some time away and keen for some advice.
The IPEd Mentoring Program might be just what you’re looking for.
The Mentoring Program is aimed at editors at all levels, including those:
● entering the profession
● preparing for accreditation
● returning to the profession after time off
● with any level of experience who want to brush up their skills or move into a new area of editing
● who have accepted a job outside their usual area of expertise.
Mentors will provide advice and guidance and share experiences and wisdom, all of which will help you develop as an editor.
To learn more about the Mentoring Program, and to see a list of possible topics for mentoring, please see the Mentoring Program Guidance Notes [PDF 191KB] or watch our introductory video.
The program is coordinated by the IPEd Mentoring Standing Committee. The committee can arrange mentorships in any location and on any topic related to editing – whether you need help with editing practice, you’re looking for professional development or want advice about business practices.
If you’re ready to apply, please complete the application form for mentees and the committee will be in touch soon.
Occasional papers
IPEd publishes occasional papers on matters of interest to the profession: members can log in to access these papers.
Long and short courses
Depending on their specialities, editors may find tertiary study in a range of disciplines valuable. Courses focusing on writing, editing or publishing are offered by a range of Australian institutions. IPEd does not endorse or recommend any of these courses.