Tag: membership

Blog posts with this tag are identified by writer Cortni Merritt as related to membership of a professional writing or editing organization.

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Announcing: SRD Editor Completes Editing with Macros Course

Black letters spell out "Congratulations" against a white background with colored confetti surrounding.
Black letters spell out "Congratulations" against a white background with colored confetti surrounding.

 

SRD Editing Services is pleased to announce that editor Cortni Merritt has completed the Discover Macros in Word editing course from the Poynter Institute and ACES: The Society for Editing (a.k.a., the American Copy Editors Society).

Cortni joined ACES in 2026 for educational opportunities such as this course, as well as networking possibilities with other professional book editors. When Cortni was completing her MA in English literature in 2014, there were no courses available on the enhanced and automated features built into MS Word, and Cortni was excited to update and upgrade her understanding of the software.

Macros are a coding feature within Word that can be utilized to automate repetitive editing tasks, such as changing font and styling, removing or adding highlighting, correcting extra spacing and indentation, and so much more. They do not use Artificial Intelligence and are separate from AI functions in Word and other programs. Cortni’s integration of Macros into the standard SRD Editing Services process will enhance and streamline all aspects of her book editing.

Find out more about Cortni’s education and editing training experience on the About Me page.

The Poynter ACES Discover Macros for Word course includes two hours of self-paced video instruction and a wealth of exercises, practice lessons, and resources for writers and editors looking to enhance their knowledge and skillset.

Cortni is thrilled to complete this course and sees it as a building block toward improved editing process and results in the immediate future.

Want to know more about Cortni and her editing process?

Contact me
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Announcing: SRD Editor Completes ACES Editing Certification

Silver and gold balloon and confetti against a black and white background; celebration theme.
Silver and gold balloon and confetti against a black and white background; celebration theme.

SRD Editing Services is pleased to announce that editor Cortni Merritt has completed the Introductory Certificate in Editing from the Poynter Institute and ACES: The Society for Editing (a.k.a., the American Copy Editors Society). 

Cortni joined ACES in March 2026 to become more active in the professional book editing community and seek opportunities through networking and continuing education. Since completing her Master’s in English at Florida State University in 2014, which included a graduate certificate in editing and publishing, Cortni has engaged in various online copywriting and editing courses from Copyblogger, LinkedIn, and the Editorial Freelancers Association. She has also received training from her work with New Degree Press and Elite Editing. However, she felt it was time to refresh her skills and update to the standards of book publishing needs in 2026.

Find out more about Cortni’s education and editing training experience on the About Me page.

The Poynter and ACES Introductory Certificate in Editing is earned through completing seven courses totaling 15.5 hours of self-paced editing coursework that cover fundamental topics such as clarity and accuracy, involving quizzes and practice exercises, and a final graded assessment. 

Cortni is thrilled to complete this course and sees it as a refresher that will prepare her for the Poynter and ACES Intermediate and Advanced Certificates in Editing, scheduled for completion in 2026. 

Want to know more about Cortni and her editing experience and education?

Contact me!
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ANNOUNCING: SRD Editing Services Scheduled to Attend “Read It, Write It” Festival, June 2024

Event promotional graphic including a stack of books and green text on a white background that reads: "Read It, Write It" Book and Writing Festival. Saturday June 15, 2024, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Mall at Wellington Green, Wellington, Florida.

SRD Editing Services is excited to announce our confirmed attendance to the “Read It, Write It” festival in Wellington, Florida, in June 2024!

Event promotional graphic including a stack of books and green text on a white background that reads: "Read It, Write It" Book and Writing Festival. Saturday June 15, 2024, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Mall at Wellington Green, Wellington, Florida.

The second “Read It, Write It” festival will be free to the public and include a number of exciting authorship events, including:

  • Author talks, book signings & meet-and-greets with renowned authors.

  • Writing workshops to hone your skills, led by experienced writers and industry experts. From storytelling to poetry, there will be something for everyone.

  • Book fair to explore a range of publications from local and national authors. 

  • Panel discussions to engage in meaningful conversations about literature, publishing, and the power of storytelling in society.

  • Literary open mic to enjoy shared writing and enjoy the creativity of fellow attendees.

  • Connection with Palm Beach County Library and other sponsors, literacy organizations, and writing groups to discover opportunities to nurture your passion for books and writing.

Currently, Cortni Merritt, editor-in-chief at SRD Editing Services, is scheduled to have a table from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is collecting books from authors she has worked with to feature, along with other freebies and giveaways, including a raffle with terrific prizes. As of this writing, SRD Editing Services is scheduled to be the only business at the event offering professional editing services.

Mark your calendar for June 15, at the Mall at Wellington Green to stop by and see Cortni in person!

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ANNOUNCING: SRD Editing Services Joins the International Association of Professional Writers & Editors

SRD Editing Services is excited to announce our membership in the International Association of Professional Writers & Editors (IAPWE) just in time for summer editing to ramp up for the holiday publishing schedule in 2023!

Logo of the International Association of Professional Writers and Editors
Logo of the International Association of Professional Writers and Editors

IAPWE is a professional organization that provides resources to writers and editors and functions as a networking and freelance contract portal. Creating a professional community focused on outreach, blogging, and thought leadership, the IAPWE provides professionals a site to connect and expand, as well as the ability to promote their business, increase their skills, and grow as a professional.

Currently, Cortni Merritt, editor-in-chief at SRD Editing Services, is drafting a blog to submit to the IAPWE for publication and is excited about the multiple opportunities available through the IAPWE Freelancer Portal. In addition to the webinars and courses offered through the Editorial Freelancer’s Association that are already on the 2023 calendar, Cortni is interested in the IAPWE courses on business copywriting and freelancing best practices.

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ANNOUNCING: SRD Editing Services Joins the Editorial Freelancers Association

Logo of the Editorial Freelancers Association

The team at SRD Editing Services is delighted to announce our membership in the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) just in time for the new year and our planned growth in 2023.

Since 1970 the EFA has provided training, networking, and contract opportunities to freelance editors in all areas of publishing. The association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of editorial standards and supporting highest quality publishing in all areas.

So far in 2022, Cortni Merritt, founder and editor in chief at SRD Editing Services, has attended EFA virtual seminars on contracting and streamlining business processes, as well as authenticity reader training, geared at providing a higher quality and more dedicated sensitivity reader services. Cortni plans to continue this trend in 2023, with attendance to workshops on editing memoirs, trans allyship and representation, and enhanced copy editing techniques.

The next in-person conference of the EFA is scheduled for August of 2023, in Virginia. SRD Editing Services would be delighted to attend, if circumstances allow.