ed2010 job interview event update

For those interested in coming to just the panel discussion part of Thursday's Nail It: Job Interview Workshop presented by Ed2010 Toronto, we've opened up the first part of the night to allow more people to attend.

For $5, you can Join Ed2010 Toronto for the panel discussion part of the evening on how to improve your job interview skills, with special guests Bonnie Munday of Best Health, Megan Griffith-Greene of Chatelaine and Jenny Pruegger of Transcontinental Media.

For $25, meet individually with one of these top magazine professionals for a one-on-one conversation to test out their interview advice.

Thursday, November 26

6-8pm

Northern District Library

COST: 

$5 panel discussion only First come, first admitted. Pay at the door.

$25 panel discussion and one-on-one meeting Space is very limited for the one-on-one meetings, so reserve your spot today. To register, email toronto@ed2010.com for payment details. Please specify which editor you would like a one-on-one chat with and we will try to accommodate your request.

ed2010 toronto happy hour, oct. 14

Time for another infamous Ed Happy Hour:

Join us for a night of mixin' and mingling, and get to know others in the magazine biz. From student to intern to senior to EIC, everyone is welcome — we're a friendly group! Bring your business cards, your magazines, your questions and your beefs. And $5 to enter our Chat-with-an-Editor Raffle: you could win dinner with Chatelaine Senior Editor Rebecca Caldwell (visit Ed2010.com for details). And bring all your editor friends!!  

The usual time and place:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
6:00pm - 9:00pm
The Duke of York, 2nd floor conservatory (go upstairs to the back).
39 Prince Arthur Ave. (near the Bedford exit of St. George subway station) 

RSVP to the event on the Ed Toronto Facebook page. 

Oh, and if you don't know: Ed2010 ("ed twenty-ten") is a purely volunteer networking group and website for aspiring editors who are looking to reach their dream magazine jobs. I am the Canadian Director. And if you would like to join our email list, please send us a note: toronto [at] ed2010 [dot] com.

event: tonight! Ed2010 Toronto's web editors panel

Just a reminder that Ed2010 Toronto is hosting its web editors panel tonight.

Get online: discover the wonderful world of web editing
Ever wondered what it takes to be a web editor? Even in a slow economy there are job opportunities in online publishing. Find out how you can break into the wonderful world of web editing. Join Ed2010 Toronto and our all-star line-up of senior web staffers from some of Canada's top magazine websites including Jen O'Brien from Chatelaine.com, Bryan Borzykowski from CanadianBusiness.com, Jennifer Villamere of Canadian Living, and Sharon Donaldson from CottageLife.com and Explore-mag.com. Hear how they got into the biz and get advice on how to succeed in the online world.

When: Wednesday June 17 from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Northern District Library, 40 Orchard View Blvd (Yonge and Eglinton)
$5 admission fee (Seating is limited, availability is given on a first come, first serve basis)

If you'd like to become a member of Ed2010, a networking group for young magazine editors, join our facebook group or email us at toronto[at] ed2010[dot] com.

panellist added to ed2010 event

Jennifer Villamere of Canadian Living will join next week's panel discussion of online editors presented by Ed2010. Also on the panel: Jen O'Brien from Chatelaine.com, Bryan Borzykowski from CanadianBusiness.com and Sharon Donaldson from CottageLife.com and Explore-mag.com. Come hear how they got into the biz and get advice on how to succeed in the online world.

When: Wednesday June 17 from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Northern District Library, Toronto
40 Orchard View Blvd (Yonge and Eglinton)
$5 admission fee
(Seating is limited, availability is given on a first come, first serve basis)

event: Ed2010 Toronto presents "Get online: discover the wonderful world of web editing"

Some shameless self promotion for Ed2010 Toronto, the group I volunteer for. We're hosting our next speaker series event June 17th, and I hope a lot of you can make it. Here are the details:

Get online: discover the wonderful world of web editing
Ever wondered what it takes to be a web editor? Even in a slow economy there are job opportunities in online publishing. Find out how you can break into the wonderful world of web editing. Join Ed2010 Toronto and our all-star line-up of senior web staffers from some of Canada's top magazine websites including Jen O'Brien from Chatelaine.com, Bryan Borzykowski from CanadianBusiness.com and Sharon Donaldson from CottageLife.com. Hear how they got into the biz and get advice on how to succeed in the online world.

When: Wednesday June 17 from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Northern District Library, 40 Orchard View Blvd (Yonge and Eglinton)
$5 admission fee

If you'd like to become a member of Ed2010, a networking group for young magazine editors, join our facebook group or email us at toronto[at] ed2010[dot] com.

magnet, I thought we were about magazines

Every year I look forward to conference season. But I have to say, I'm a little disappointed in MagNet's 2009 lineup. It's a little flush on offerings for writers compared to other magazine departments; 28 seminars for writers versus 10 for editors – nearly a third as many. (This is how the other departments stack up: 23 seminars for management, 12 for digital, 9 for ad sales, 9 for circulation, 6 for small magazines, 5 for design and 4 for production.)

And some of those writing seminars: selling your book, novel writing, romance and erotica novels, book publishing trends, screenwriting. I'm a little confused because I thought MagNet was a magazine publishing conference. In fact, from the website: "MagNet is Canada’s premiere public policy, professional development and networking conference for magazine professionals" [my itals]. Can someone enlighten me as to why the diversified curriculum? I'm not being snide – I really want to know.

(First the salary report, now the conference lineup. There's just no pleasing me this week.)

ed happy hour was hoppin'

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Toronto Ed2010 Happy Hour last night! We had our largest turnout, with more than 40 people showing up (according to the waiter's guess – I lost count). We might just have to book a larger space next time. Lots of talk about the economy, internships and general magazine stuff. I was so busy chatting away, I nearly forgot to take pictures; all I got were fuzzy crowd shots. Congratulations to Katie Lamb, who won our Chat-with-an-Editor raffle. She'll be having dinner with Liza Cooperman, executive editor of Hello! Canada. And congrats to our two door-prize winners who each won a one-year subscription to The Walrus.

Hope to see you at the next one!

ed2010 toronto happy hour tonight

Don't forget! I expect it's going to be a big one – lots of people signing up for the email list and joining the Facebook group. (Of course, now that I've said that, four people will show up. You'd better come out so I don't have to eat my words!)

The Happy Hour will be from 6-9 pm at the The Duke of York (39 Prince Arthur Ave., near the Bedford exit of St. George subway station), in the 2nd floor conservatory (go upstairs to the back).

Come out and mix and mingle with other young magazine editors. We're having another Chat-with-an-Editor Raffle, with a chance to win dinner with Liza Cooperman, executive editor of Hello! Canada. Tickets are $5 at the event. Plus, we've got door prizes: Everyone in attendance has a chance to win one of two free one-year subscriptions to Walrus Magazine.

For details, go to Ed Toronto's Facebook page.

Ed2010: on RRJ.ca and details of the next Happy Hour event

Check out the profile of Ed2010 on the Ryerson Review of Journalism website. (In case you don't know, I'm the Canadian Director of the editorial networking group.) I just want to add a shout-out to assistant chapter host Briony Smith, who didn't happen to be mentioned in the article (though she was interviewed) – she coordinates all our Toronto Happy Hours, among other things.

Speaking of Happy Hours, Ed Toronto's next one is being held Wed., March 11, 6-9 pm at The Duke of York (39 Prince Arthur Ave., near the Bedford exit of St. George subway station), in the 2nd floor conservatory (go upstairs to the back).

Come out and mix and mingle with other magazine editors. We're having another Chat-with-an-Editor Raffle, with a chance to win dinner with Liza Cooperman, executive editor of Hello! Canada. Tickets are $6 in advance, $5 at the event. Plus, we've got door prizes: Everyone in attendance has a chance to win one of two free one-year subscriptions to Walrus Magazine.

So come on out and bring all your friends!!! For full details, check Ed Toronto's Facebook event page.

sarah fulford on getting your dream job and being a good editor

Thanks to everyone who made it out last night to hear Sarah Fulford, editor-in-chief of Toronto Life, as part of Ed2010 Toronto's speaker series. For the rest of you, here's a taste of what you missed out on:

All editors need to write at some point in their career in order to exercise their "empathy muscle" says Sarah. To get a good idea of what writers go through on a piece, you need to experience it yourself, because the better you understand what a writer needs, the better an editor you can be.

Have a mentor. Or many, many mentors. Sarah surrounded herself with people she could learn from, and especially recommends newbie editors key in changes and read notes made by more experienced editors on stories. You'll get a sense of how their minds work and what they look for.

The most attractive qualities in an applicant (even more important than experience): Passion, enthusiasm and commitment. And you have to have good ideas. Lots of them.

Two questions you must know the answers to when you go into a job interview: What are your favourite magazines? What would you do to make [magazine you're applying to] better?

event: CSME luncheon on rights & rates for freelancers

Also next week, Nov. 12, CSME presents a panel discussion on the rights of freelancers:

CSME’s panel will discuss issues freelancers and editors face today, and what we, as editors, can do to keep magazine writing vibrant. Derek Finkle will discuss his recently founded Canadian Writers Group, which intends to advocate on behalf of freelance writers. We’ll ask all of our panelists to discuss the editor-freelancer relationship, particularly how to keep it mutually beneficial.

In addition to Derek Finkle, panelists include Kim Pittaway and John Macfarlane. 12-1:30pm, $30 members/ $50 non, P.J. O'Brien's, 39 Colborne St., RSVP admin@canadianeditors.com.

sarah fulford at ryerson

Toronto Life editor-in-chief Sarah Fulford, who speaks tonight as part of Ed2010 Toronto's speaker series, is also doing a talk next week, Nov. 11, at Ryerson University. Titled "In Defense of Magazines: Why they Matter in the Digital Age," the presentation will cover why magazines are doing ok while newspapers are struggling. Open to the public, admission is free, more details here.

ed2010 toronto presents Sarah Fulford

Coming up next month, Ed2010 Toronto presents the next installment in its Speaker Series, featuring Sarah Fulford. The newly minted editor of award-winning city magazine Toronto Life – who at 34 is the youngest editor to hold one of the top media jobs in the country – will share her advice on how to land your dream job. Sarah's brief talk will be followed by a Q&A period. Shy? Send Ed your questions for Sarah in advance: toronto [at]ed2010 [dot]com

Where: Deer Park Library at 40 St. Clair Ave. East (Located one block east of Yonge St. on the north side of St. Clair Ave.)
When: Wednesday November 5 from 6:15pm to 7:45pm (the event starts at 6:30pm sharp)
Admission: $5

Space is limited, admission will be granted on a first come, first serve basis.

overheard at: ed2010 toronto happy hour

[Updated]

As I promised yesterday, here's a snapshot of what people were talking about at the Ed2010 Toronto Happy Hour event Wednesday night:

Ann Brown (Ed2010 Toronto's special events manager) was talking with the girls at Redwood about the differences between custom and trade publishing.

One member asked me (Ed2010's Canadian director), "How aggressive should you be when you're hunting for a job?" I talked with her about the delicate art of being able to read people. Be as aggressive as you can be without annoying or pissing people off, and watch for that subtle push-back when they're starting to get enough of you.

Briony Smith (Ed2010 Toronto assistant chapter host) and I talked with a group of attendees about bad interns and bad internships.

Briony also spoke with several people about keeping busy and building your portfolio while on the job hunt. Her suggestion: When starting out, the world of online is a great place to fill in those gaps on your resume or in your portfolio. There's plenty of websites that need writers and editors, and will offer you a lot of freedom to "custom-make" clips that you might need (whether it's covering fashion shows, reviewing video games, blogging about politics, or writing up health news).

And another member who's new to the workforce asked, "How do I transition from an ad sales job (my first industry gig) to an editorial position?" My advice: continue doing freelance work so you keep a hand in the editorial side, apply to every editorial job you're qualified for, and don't stick around too long in the ad sales department.

If you were there, share your stories on the Ed2010 Toronto Facebook group page. And everyone should check out the photos of the event taken by Masthead editor Marco Ursi.

ed2010 toronto happy hour mixer a success

I want to thank everyone who made it out to last night's Ed2010 Happy Hour at the Duke of York pub in Toronto. We're estimating the turnout at about 30 people, which makes it our most-attended Happy Hour yet! We had students and recent grads, interns and assistant editors, and even a good number of editor-in-chiefs. And it was the first public appearance of our newly minted volunteers, assistant Toronto chapter host Briony Smith and special events coordinator Ann Meredith Brown. (Kudos to Briony for putting together the event!) Everyone was mingling, exchanging business cards and asking lots of questions. Check back here tomorrow for what people were asking, along with some of my answers. The most common question I got asked: How did I get to where I am? I'll share that story on Monday.

Also, congratulations to our two winners last night: Trish Peters won our Editor Raffle and will be enjoying a free meal with the company of Style at Home's executive editor Laurie Grassi, and Marcia Chen won a subscription to Elle Canada. Enjoy, ladies!

If you were at the event last night, post your comments and stories (who'd you talk to, what did you talk about, did you meet anyone new?) on our Facebook group wall, or if you couldn't make it, check it out to see what you missed.

Thanks again to everyone who came, and we hope to see more of you at the next one!

ed2010 toronto event

Mark your calendars for the next Ed2010 Toronto Happy Hour mixer on October 1st. Meet young editors at all levels, from students and interns to senior editors and EICs. It will be a fun night – a chance to talk to other editors and editor wannabes, share stories and ask questions about the biz. Our new volunteer staffers Ann Brown (special events manager) and Briony Smith (assistant chapter host) will be there, as well as myself, your friendly Canadian director. Plus, there are prizes!

When: Wednesday, October 1 at 6:00 pm
Where: The Duke of York (39 Prince Arthur Avenue). It's easily accessible from the Bedford Exit of the St. George Subway Station. Just head upstairs to find the Ed2010 crew.

If you want to know more about Ed2010 ("ed-twenty-ten"), check out our website and our Toronto chapter Facebook group. If you would like to be added to our email list (whether you live in Toronto or not) or have any questions, send us a note at toronto[at]ed2010[dot]com.

ed2010 toronto résumé workshop: what those who do the hiring had to say

Tuesday night, the Toronto chapter of Ed2010 hosted its first resume workshop, with guests Joe Chidley, editor-in-chief of Canadian Business, Jenny Pruegger, HR consultant at Transcontinental, and Penny Caldwell, editor in chief at Cottage Life. The evening began with a panel discussion moderated by myself, the coordinator of the Ed2010 Toronto chapter, before attendees had a chance to speak on-on-one with their choice of panelist for a personal résumé critique. Here are some pointers from the discussion:

• Don't forget to proofread your résumé! Penny pointed out that though this may seem obvious, some people still don't do it. And in an industry like publishing, proofreading is especially important since it's a part of any editorial job.

• Send in a hard copy of your application package. A coloured folder or nice paper will stand out amid a pile of emails printed out on white bond paper.

• Send your resume to both the HR department and the editor. (You'll be happy to hear, HR departments tend to keep résumés on hand for about a year.)

• Include work experience outside the publishing industry only if it's relevant to the job you're applying to, it indicates a variety of transferable skills or if it fills gaps in your employment history.

• Use a professional email address. No cutesy names like foofoopants@hotmail.com. And don't send applications from your current work address – that's just tacky.

• And as important as your résumé is, don't send it out all by itself. Include a cover letter, clips, even a copy of the magazine you currently work for.

Did you attend the workshop on Tuesday? Post a comment to share what you learned.

what i learned at MagNet part II: taking our brands beyond canadian borders

At the MagNet session "Global Player: What's Next for the Canadian Magazine Brand?" Don Kummerfeld, president of the International Federation of the Periodical Press, presented a case for exporting our magazine brands into other countries. As he stated, while growth opportunities may be limited here, there are chances to expand into places like China and India, which have two of the fastest-growing magazine industries in the world. From syndication to partnerships to licensing agreements (think Transcon's More deal with Meredith), publishers small and big can make a buck overseas.

Unfortunately, it seemed as though no one wanted to listen. Questions and comments from both the audience and the panel revealed a kind of "well, that's not going to work here" attitude. True, Kummerfeld seemed a little out of touch with the realities of the Canadian industry in that our major players Transcontinental and Rogers have nowhere near the resources of publishers like Condé Nast or Hearst, but he did provide the example of a small plumbing magazine that has been able to set up editions in 16 countries with very little human resources. The point that stood out for me, though, and which I feel speaks to the Canadian tendency to undervalue ourselves, is that we mustn't underestimate the universal appeal of our magazines. There is a market for our voice beyond our borders.

what i learned at MagNet part I: texas monthly editor evan smith on how to diversify your offerings

It's a busy week for magazines, what with Mags U, MagNet and the National Magazine Awards. Yesterday I attended a session at MagNet called "Survival of the Fittest: A guide to the Multiplatform Universe" with editor and executive vice president of Texas Monthly Evan Smith. An entirely entertaining presentation, Smith had these nuggets of wisdom to share:

• Publishing a monthly is a bit like chain-smoking: as soon as you're done with one issue, you butt it out and light up another, without a pause in between.

• We are no longer magazine companies, we are content companies. It doesn't matter how that content is delivered, whether we offer it via print, tv, radio, internet, mobile, events...

• The balance of power has shifted. Audiences want content whenever and wherever; they will not sit around waiting for the next issue to come out in a month.

• Print and online audiences are not the same people, the demographics are different. Think about whether you really can sell them to advertisers in the same way.

• Directly engage your readers by being there in person, through conferences and events.

• Offer a point of view. The strongest media have something to say.

• "Readers bite back – hard." If you're going to offer yourself up to reader comments through blogs and the like, be prepared for some nasty comments. And suck it up.

• You must be a multitasker. Magazines are not simply hiring writers anymore – they're looking for bloggers and tv personalities, too. You have to be able to do more than simply sit down and write.

• Everything is your competitor. It's not just about the other magazines in your category anymore. You're competing with television, the internet, billboards and golf tournaments. They are all vying for viewers, they are all vying for advertising dollars.

• "Quality control is (inevitably) a casualty." You have to operate more quickly and it's not reasonable to impose 20th century methodologies – fact-checking, extensive editing, etc. – on 21st century delivery systems like blogging.

• Credibility is what will save us. When we're competing against 14-year-old Joe Blow blogging from his basement in Ottawa, the authority of our brands is what will draw readers and advertisers.

ed2010 toronto announces first resume workshop

The Toronto chapter of editorial networking group Ed2010 is offering its first-ever resume workshop. Here are the details:

Learn how to get your resume noticed, with advice from those who do the hiring.

Join Ed for a panel discussion on the dos and don'ts of writing a resume, with guests Joe Chidley, editor-in-chief of Canadian Business,
Penny Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Cottage Life, and Jenny Pruegger, from human resources at Transcontinental. Then take advantage of our
one-to-one sessions, where one of our panelists will take a look at your resume and give you a personal critique. Space is limited, so reserve a spot soon!

Where: Upstairs, Deer Park Public Library, 40 St. Clair Ave. E., one
block east of Yonge at the corner of Alvin. Find a map here.
When: Tues. June 10, 6:00 pm
Cost: $25
Space is limited. To reserve a spot, email toronto@ed2010.com. You will receive a confirmation email with payment instructions.