Resources for Writers & Editors
I provide writing guidance based on my own experience and training here in the Laboratory, but there are plenty of incredible resources out there for writers and editors. The list below contains some of those I’ve personally used and recommend. I will continue to update this list over time.
In this post:
Books & Media
Professional Associations
Courses
Software
Community
Books & Media
Oxford English Dictionary: One of the most renowned English dictionaries in the world. It’s quite robust, with a lot of information on etymology and usage. Most useful for deep dives on language history, or to learn more about regional differences in English.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Merriam-Webster is another well-respected dictionary. I typically use it for quick reference checks, but the website also contains useful articles on the elements of language.
Chicago Manual of Style Online: The CMoS Online is an accessible format of one of the most widely used style guides for the English language. It’s frequently used for works of fiction, but can be used for other writing projects as well.
Professional Associations
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading: CIEP is an international non-profit organization of editors and proofreaders. They help define editorial standards for editing professionals, provide training on writing and editing and offer resources for those looking to have their work reviewed.
Editors Canada: Similarly to CIEP, Editors Canada is a Canadian not-for-profit with membership for editorial professionals, ranging from freelancers to salaried editors. The institute also offers education on literary topics and a directory of its members for hire.
Courses
Queen’s University Professional Editing Standards Certificate: An accessible part-time program for editing professionals to firm up their skillset. Recommended as preparation for the Editors Canada Professional Certification tests.
Software
PerfectIt: A software plug-in for MS Word which checks for errors and inconsistencies in a document. The program is frequently used by writers and editors to speed up the more rote elements of copyediting.
Community & Blogs
Grammar Girl: Short, helpful articles on grammar, punctuation and other parts of language.
Louise Harnby Proofreader: Louise Harnby is an editorial industry leader. Her blog is full of great advice for both writers and editing professionals.
The Plottery Instagram: Writing coach Char’s invaluable tips and advice on writing and editing your work.
Elixir Editorial Instagram: Did you know Elixir also has an Instagram? If you prefer infographic-style guidance on writing and editing, take a moment to peruse my posts.
Mary Kehoe provides structural, stylistic and copy editing services for a variety of written works through her agency, Elixir Editorial. From time to time she dabbles in her own writing projects which tend toward the speculative genre.
She is a member of both Editors Canada and the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), as well as a founding member and former chair of the Toronto Arts & Letters Club writing group. A longtime lover of the English language, Mary is passionate about supporting writers on the journey to inspire the world.
