What: Editors BC professional development seminar
When: Friday, October 27, 2017, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Room 840, 8th floor, BCIT Downtown Campus, 555 Seymour Street, Vancouver | map
Cost for a full-day: $150 for Editors Canada and ABPBC members ($120 early bird), $215 for non-members ($185 early bird), and $90 for student affiliates.
Cost for a half-day: $90 for Editors Canada and ABPBC members ($70 early bird), $155 for non-members ($135 early bird), and $60 for student affiliates.
Registration: Advance registration required. Registration closes October 23; early-bird rates are in effect through October 13.

Co-presented by Editors BC and the Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia

Writers, editors, and publishers share a responsibility to be mindful of terminology and inclusive language in their publications, particularly in light of recent discussions of cultural appropriation in media and literature. And with the 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style published this fall, this is an opportune time for editors to think through these issues when considering updates to their house style guides.

This professional development event, split into two three-hour sessions, will encourage participants to think through and navigate the complexities of inclusive language in the context of stylistic editing decisions. Participants may register for one or both sessions, which are geared toward in-house and freelance editors and publishing professionals at all experience levels. Please see the registration page for more details.

Elements of Indigenous Style, with Gregory Younging
9:30 am–12:30 pm

The morning session will examine the topic of inclusive style guides through the lens of language guidelines around Indigenous peoples. Gregory Younging will take participants through his forthcoming book, Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing By and About Indigenous Peoples, which offers guidance on producing material that employs Indigenous-based editorial practices and concerns and that reflects Indigenous peoples and their voices in an appropriate and respectful manner.

Gregory Younging is a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. He has a Master of Arts degree from the Institute of Canadian Studies at Carleton University, a Master of Publishing degree from the Canadian Centre for Studies in Writing and Publishing at SFU, and a PhD from the Department of Educational Studies at the UBC. From 1990 to 2004, Gregory was the managing editor of Theytus Books. He is the former assistant director of research for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and is currently on faculty with the Indigenous Studies Program at UBC Okanagan.

The Evolving Style Guide: A Practical Approach, with Ruth Wilson
1:30 pm–4:30 pm

Editors need to be at the forefront of language change, but how do we keep up with it all? Even if we think we understand what the current standards of language are, do we have the skills to point our clients in the direction that is best for their publications? Can we defend the need for inclusive, mindful language? Do we know how to champion for change for an organization’s style guide?

Through group discussion and short activities, participants will explore these questions and work through a process to promote inclusivity when developing or revising style guides and style sheets. Respectful and preferred language for various personal attributes will be discussed, including race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

Ruth Wilson has more than 30 years’ experience as an editor. She began her career with Vancouver-based book publisher Self-Counsel Press, a leader in the promotion of inclusive language from its inception. Since 1998 Ruth has been a partner in West Coast Editorial Associates, offering a wide range of editorial and training services. She has developed and revised several style guides and style sheets over the years for a variety of clients with diverse sensitivities. In 2011 Ruth was honoured as a recipient of the President’s Award for Volunteer Service from Editors Canada, and in 2014 she was recognized as a Certified Professional Editor (Hon.) for the work she did in developing and launching the association’s world-class certification program.