CATS for editors
Cultivating A Trauma-Sensitive
approach to editing practice
Description
CATS for editors is a professional development program for practising editors who work with sensitive, explicit and disturbing content. The program covers long-form fiction and non-fiction genres including memoir, auto/biography, autofiction, heritage fiction, self-help, professional and general non-fiction texts.
The sessions cover theoretical approaches to trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive practices; opportunities for confidential debriefing; and practical strategies for dealing with the day-to-day challenges of editing works that expose, explore or otherwise deal with sensitive, disturbing or explicit content.
Aims
- Professional development and personal support for editors who work with sensitive, disturbing or explicit content
- Opportunities for confidential and professional debriefing
- A safe space in which to reflect, learn and grow
Outcomes
At the conclusion of the program, you should be able to:
- Understand the key theoretical approaches to trauma-informed practices.
- Apply a trauma-sensitive approach to your own editorial practice.
- Reflect on the effects of personal and vicarious trauma, and implement the self-care required of an editor when working with survivors of violence, abuse and other traumatic events.
Sessions for groups
The group sessions are limited to 6–8 editors. There are 2 separate streams: one for in-house editors, and another for freelance and consultant editors.
The first 2 sessions introduce the CATS methodology and group professional supervision, followed by 2–4 monthly sessions that each focuses on a single, relevant topic, followed by group professional supervision. The group may choose to continue with professional supervision on a fixed-term or ongoing basis, at intervals of 4–6 weeks.
Sessions for individuals
Individual sessions are available for editors who are unable to participate in group sessions for a range of reasons, such as personal, logistic or contractual reasons. Editors who need support while working with traumatic content may be restricted by contractual arrangements such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Individual sessions can be tailored to suit your needs. The first (compulsory) session introduces the editor to the CATS methodology and the practice of one-on-one professional supervision. Further sessions are designed for professional supervision on a fixed-term or ongoing basis, at fortnightly or monthly intervals, depending on project/individual requirements.
Prerequisites
The program is designed to support professional editors in the context of publishing and editorial practices in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and elsewhere. Please note that the time zone is Australian Eastern Standard/Daylight Saving Time (AEDT/AEST).
Although you are not required to provide details, it’s important to note that this program is suitable for editors who have current or past experience in editing sensitive/disturbing content. If you’re unsure about the suitability of the program for your specific circumstances, please contact me by phone or email.
What others have said…
Previous slide
Next slide
Group sessions
The 2023 program for in-house editors has now concluded. Contact Renée If you’re keen to participate in 2024.
The 2023 program for freelance/consultant editors has now concluded. Contact Renée if you’re keen to participate in 2024.
Private sessions for one or two participants are generally available – please contact Renée for details.
