It’s about time

Only took me until my 69th year to gather the wherewithal to apply and be accepted to two professional publishing-related associations. But as they say, better late than never.

The Writers’ Union of Canada

The first is an association with which I’ve long wanted to be part of, and never could justify the cost of membership until now, The Writers’ Union of Canada. It was, for me, mostly a question of economics. It is ironic that now, in my alleged retirement years, I felt justified in laying out the funds to be part of this important association of writers.

The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is the national organization of professionally published writers. TWUC was founded in 1973 to work with governments, publishers, booksellers, and readers to improve the conditions of Canadian writers. Now over 2,600 members strong, TWUC advocates on behalf of writers’ collective interests, and delivers value to members through advocacy, community, and information. TWUC believes in a thriving, diverse Canadian culture that values and supports writers.

Past advocacy work by the Union has led to such notable achievements as the establishment of Public Lending Right and Access Copyright, which provide writers with financial compensation for the use of their work by libraries and through electronic reproduction. Today, the Union focusses on accessibility, copyright, Canadian books in schools, and other priorities as determined through ongoing discussion at regional meetings, National Council, and TWUC’s annual general meeting.

The Union understands both the difficulties and the joys of being a writer in this country — from the isolation, frustration, financial concerns, and the need for information and assistance to the elation that comes with each publication. Members of the Union benefit from a range of services that are not otherwise easily available to writers working in isolation.

Criteria for applying to TWUC is exacting. And so, it was with a sense of accomplishment I received acceptance into TWUC earlier this week. I’m looking forward to accessing the opportunities which are available because of that.

Editors Canada

The second professional association with which I am pleased to now be associated is Editors Canada. In 2022, I gave the closing keystone address for the association’s conference.

Editors Canada promotes professional editing as key in producing effective communication. Our 1,300 members are salaried and freelance, working with individuals and organizations in the corporate, technical, government, not-for-profit, academic and publishing sectors across the country and around the world in English and French. Many offer a wealth of editing-related services to their clients and employers.

Editors Canada supports professional development through seminars, online training and conferences; promotes and maintains high standards of editing through certification and reference publications; helps in-house and freelance editors to network and collaborate; and cooperates and partners with related associations in areas of common concern.

The association is incorporated federally as a not-for-profit organization under the 2014 Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and is governed at the national level by an executive council.

Editors Canada is a member of the

• Book and Periodical Council
• Cultural Human Resources Council

Our members are also affiliate members of CHRC with discounted access to their training and career development materials.

Going forward

From here, I’m looking forward to 2024 and the next years as being the full-flowering of my 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, having worked as a journalist, writer, editor, and publisher.