Comma Chameleons, Grammar History, and Career Pivots: My ACES 2026 Atlanta Plans
This year marks a real pivot for me. Even though I’ve been editing for years, I’ve never attended an in‑person editing conference before. My only taste of this world was last year’s EFA VirtualCon—which was genuinely delightful. Editors are some of the kindest, most generous “word people” you’ll ever meet, and I left that online experience thinking, Oh. These are my people.
So heading to ACES Atlanta feels like stepping into a new lane of my career pivot—one that blends everything I love: language, clarity, learning design, and the craft of editing. I’m going not just to learn, but to grow the part of my studio that supports authors, educators, and organizations with thoughtful, human‑centered editorial work.
Here’s what I’m excited about—and why it matters for the work I do.
Core Editing Skills: AKA “Nerd Heaven”
There are two sessions that basically scream: Jacquie, bring your laptop and your curiosity.
From Wildcards to Consistency Engines (Chris Ryder)
How to Give Notes Authors Can Actually Use (Christina M. Frey)
This is the stuff that makes editors quietly fist‑pump at their desks. Wildcards? PerfectIt tricks? Better ways to leave comments that don’t make authors want to hide under a blanket? Yes, please.
These sessions help me work faster, cleaner, and kinder—all things my clients feel immediately, even if they never see the behind‑the‑scenes magic.
Words & Language: My Natural Habitat
This track is my happy place. If there’s a session about grammar history, global English, or accidental innuendo, I’m there early with a notebook.
Here’s what I’m excited for:
Polishing the Bot—Editing AI‑assisted text so it doesn’t sound like a toaster wrote it
Caution: Copy May Contain Trace Amounts of Unintentional Innuendo—I mean… how do you not attend this?
Global Authoring Guidance—Writing for a worldwide audience without stepping on linguistic toes
The Wild History of English Grammar—Because English has always been a little unhinged
This is the track that feeds my inner sociolinguistics nerd and makes me a better editor for authors who want their writing to feel human, inclusive, and intentional.
Business of Editing: Running a Studio Without Losing My Mind
Running a studio means wearing 47 hats, so I’m heading to:
Email Marketing for Editors—because “send newsletter” has lived on my to‑do list for… a while
Intentional Time Management—Katie Chambers is brilliant, and I will happily learn from her twice
Do I Need to Disclose That?—AI disclosure best practices (important, evolving, and often confusing)
These sessions help me run my business in a way that feels aligned with my values: transparent, thoughtful, and not chaotic.
🤝 Soft Skills: Editing Is a People Job
Editing isn’t just about commas—it’s about relationships. So I’m excited for:
Advocating Editing—how to explain what we do without sounding like we’re reciting a style guide
Optimizing Editorial Workflows—because “organized chaos” is still chaos
These sessions help me support authors with more clarity and less friction.
📚 Other Sessions I’m Definitely Not Missing
Creating an Icon: The Making of the New Collegiate Dictionary
Featuring longtime friend Peter Sokolowski and Diana Jones from Merriam‑Webster.
The Exhibit Hall
Where I will absolutely be choosing between the ACES hats:
Comma Chameleon or In My Editing Era.
(I’m open to votes.)
Meeting editors I’ve only known through Zoom and Slack
Including the Editors’ Tea Party crew — finally in 3D.
Pre‑Conference Institute: Perfect Timing
I’m attending Fast Lanes and Off‑Ramps: A Roadmap for Career Pivots, which feels extremely on‑brand for this season of my life. I love learning from people who’ve navigated big shifts with clarity and humor.
Evening Events: Where the Real Fun Happens
ACES evening events are legendary, and I’m planning to show up for:
First‑Timers Reception
EFA Happy Hour
The Spelling Bee (hosted by Peter Sokolowski — again, should I name‑drop?)
ACES Awards Banquet
Pun Slam Finale — my Superbowl, honestly
If you know me, you know I love a good pun, especially if someone sets it to music.
💬Why I’m Sharing All This
Not to say “I’m going to a conference and you’re not.”
But because:
I’m in a career pivot, and this is part of it.
Editors don’t stop learning—language doesn’t.
My clients deserve someone who stays curious and keeps leveling up.
Conferences like ACES help me bring sharper tools, better workflows, and fresher thinking to every project.
If you’ve ever wondered what editors do to stay current, this is a peek behind the curtain.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
If you’re curious about how your own teaching, speaking, or writing instincts might translate into a book or a bigger body of work, I’d love to talk with you.
You can book a 30‑minute discovery call here: https://www.jacquiegardy.com/contact
And if you’d like a once‑a‑month note from my studio—plus my Content Repurposing Map as a welcome gift—you can join my newsletter here: jacquiegardy.kit.com/editor
