Macros Are for Everyone — Including You!

If you haven't already heard of Jennifer Yankopolus, we're thrilled to introduce her to you. She's been teaching classes for the EFA for many years, all focused on her area of specialty: macros, small programs that run within Microsoft Word and automate tedious, time-consuming work. Unlike AI, macros only do exactly what you tell them to, with a minimal energy footprint and no hallucinations. They're vital tools for any editor who deals with repetitive tasks in Word.

Not content to rest on her laurels as a world-renowned expert in editorial macros, Jennifer has now fully revamped both her introductory webinar and her full-length traditional class for the EFA, both of which will relaunch this spring.

In just 90 minutes, I Didn't Know Macros Could Do That! (January 29) will introduce you to macros and the myriad ways they can speed up editing and reduce strain. As a bonus, Jennifer will be joined by Paul Beverley, creator of an enormous library of editorial macros, for the Q&A — and it's all free for EFA members.  Once that's whetted your appetite for automation, Word Macros A to Z, a traditional course now expanded to seven weeks, will begin March 4 and showcase completely updated text, videos, and examples. Invest a little time in these classes and save countless work hours. Your clients and your wrists will thank you.

Whether you want to study at your own pace or learn with an instructor's direct feedback, the Editorial Freelancers Association's education program has everything you need to broaden your skill set and client base. As always, our library of recorded webinars is available for immediate viewing, so be sure to check it out for dozens of helpful sessions. 

EFA members get 20% off all our courses, and get many webinars for free. Not a member? Join today.

Featured Courses

I Didn't Know Macros Could Do That!
Webinar airs January 29.

Want to edit more efficiently without sacrificing quality? Tired of repetitive tasks that slow you down? Looking for ways to reduce the physical strain of copyediting? Macros are the solution you’ve been looking for.

Price: $60 for guests, $0 for members
🐦 Early bird discount! Register before November 24 for 10% off.
For more information and to register, click here.

Word Macros A to Z
Course begins March 4.

This course demystifies macros for editors who have been curious but hesitant to try them. Through clear step-by-step instructions designed for non-technical users, you'll discover how easy macros can be to use. No technical expertise required — if you can copy and paste text, you can use macros.

Our students say...

This was exactly the introduction to macros that I needed in terms of complexity level, price point, delivery mode, and duration. I might have been able to figure out how to use macros on my own, but I doubt I would have taken the time. The instructor was organized and explained everything very well. This course made it easy! —M.W.

Great format to learn macros at a reasonable pace. I love that it had a structure, but also could be a bit self-paced for when things get busy and you fall behind. —A.S.

I would absolutely recommend this course to colleagues. It was so beneficial to my efficiency and effectiveness at work. —O.S.

Price: $400 for guests, $320 for members
🐦 Early bird discount! Register before November 25 for 10% off.
For more information and to register, click here.

Closing Soon — Don't Miss Out!

Reshaping Fiction: An Introduction to Fiction Developmental Editing
Webinar airs November 13.

This engaging 90-minute webinar introduces you to the big-picture world of fiction developmental editing, providing insights into the ways it can transform a manuscript — and a writer.

Price: $60 for guests, $48 for members
For more information and to register, click here.

Non-Traditional Publishing Paths
Course begins December 4.

Authors today face ever-growing options beyond traditional publishing: self‑publishing, hybrid publishing, paid publishing assistance, and countless service providers. This intensive unpacks these options in plain English, helping you understand the underlying mechanics, typical cost structures, and trade‑offs at stake.

Students in Jane's other courses say...

Jane’s content, presentation, and materials are always complete, practical, and well-researched through personal experience, professional knowledge, up-to-date everything. How do you do all this, Jane? Thank you. —J.R.

The time zipped by with so much immediately useful information. Many of my questions were answered before I even had time to ask. Empowering while being realistic. So glad I decided to attend. —M.L.

Price: $245 for guests, $196 for members
For more information and to register, click here.

Editing with Compassion
Webinar airs December 11.

We'll explore the important role that empathy plays in editing, with specific examples and tips. When the editor takes a caring and compassionate approach rooted in understanding where the writer is coming from, the writer can take in and apply editorial feedback without defensiveness, building a collaborative process that supports the editor, the writer, and the work.

Price: $60 for guests, $48 for members
For more information and to register, click here.

Just Added

Annual Reflection and Business Planning for Freelancers
Course begins January 12.

If you’ve been feeling lost managing your freelancing business, frustrated with how little progress you’re making on your business goals, or overwhelmed by choices, this two-day intensive will help you gain the clarity you need to choose your next steps and take concrete action.

Price: $245 for guests, $196 for members
🐦 Early bird discount! Register before November 24 for 10% off.
For more information and to register, click here.

Developmental Editing of Fiction: Advanced
Course begins February 25.

This four-week advanced course will expand your understanding of the principles of developmental editing and prepare you to tackle a sample manuscript: a 100,000-word fantasy novel with plot holes, head-hopping, and multiple point-of-view characters. It's a challenge for any DE, but one you can surmount!

Our students say...

Val is an excellent teacher. Her curriculum is challenging, engaging, and valuable. —A.C.

Val really made this course spectacular for me. She is so enthusiastic and embodies everything I want to be as an editor. On top of that, it is immediately clear that she knows what she's talking about, but she's also incredibly humble. Her feedback is invaluable and her support throughout the courses is heartwarming. I couldn't have asked for a better instructor or a better person to introduce me to developmental editing and guide me through all three courses. —E.K.

Price: $400 for guests, $320 for members
🐦 Early bird discount! Register before November 25 for 10% off.
For more information and to register, click here.