I have a bachelor’s degree in history and French from the University of New Brunswick, as well as a master’s degree in history from Queen’s University and a master’s degree in international relations from Cambridge University. I have also completed course work towards the Ryerson University Publications Certificate. Since the 1990s, I’ve been trying – primarily through courses – to master the French language. Living and working in France for over 20 years has helped considerably, but it is the work of a lifetime.

I was responsible for editing approximately 75 publications per year at the NEA and providing editorial guidance to senior staff supporting seven standing technical committees. As the Head of the Publications Unit and Senior Editor, I oversaw the yearly program of publications, supervising five staff members and guiding in particular the work of the graphic designer to ensure the layout of publications in InDesign and final clearance of print-ready files. I also managed the preparation of communication materials – brochures, newsletters, webinar briefs, totems and policy briefs – and carried out research and analyses on the status of nuclear energy programs and associated policy developments in member countries. Revising French translations and drafting summary records for biannual Steering Committee meetings and annual co-ordination meetings between the IAEA and NEA were also part of my responsibilities, as were editing and proofreading official documents for these meetings.

There is a great book called “The Subversive Copy Editor” by Carol Fisher Saller that I would recommend to aspiring copy editors. She dedicates a chapter in this book to the author/editor relationship and to “when things get tough”, and here says “take the precaution of explaining some of the editing issues … and emphasize your willingness to discuss them”. In my experience, this is key to having a positive author/editor relationship. Agreeing up front on the style guide and the dictionary also goes a long way in making both editor and author happy. So far so good since customers have been satisfied thus far.

The short answer is yes, with an important caveat. I am not trained as a translator. I know many a translator who has had difficulty entering the translation field, and I can understand why. While translators are very good writers – in at least two languages – they are not simply translating words and sentences from one language to another. They are also translating ideas, culture and even history, which requires a certain form of mental gymnastics that comes with considerable practice. Without this practice, it’s not easy to hone the skill.

As the former Head of a Publications Unit, I have a great deal of experience with revising French translations, and so I would say that I know a good translation when I see one. As for performing translations myself, I would perhaps not take on a large project (i.e., a manuscript), but I would be comfortable translating small-scale projects from French to English.  

From a practical standpoint, being a freelance editor means having the liberty to choose what you truly want to read and edit, and doing only that. As an employee, you might be asked – and only have the time – to review the front matter (the foreword, executive summary and introduction) and back matter (conclusions and recommendations) and nothing else, no matter how compelling the subject matter. The real joy of being a freelance editor is being able to read the whole thing!