I’m attending the ACES VCON26 virtual editing conference this week, so I thought I’d share some of the sessions I’m looking forward to attending.
ACES: The Society for Editing hosts this virtual conference every year in September. ACES VCON26 conference session topics cover Core Editing Skills, Words & Language, Soft Skills for Editors, and The Business of Editing. I’ve been to several ACES in-person and virtual conferences and always learn a lot and have a great time with fellow edibuddies.
Got ACES FOMO? I’ll be live posting from sessions I attend on Bluesky, so head over to my Bluesky to follow along live! And check out my roundup of my Bluesky threads on my blog.
Day 1 of ACES VCON26 (Wednesday, Sept. 16)
ACES 2026 Opening Session and Pun Slam
Join us for the #ACESPunSlam at the Opening Session at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Come cheer on our brave contestants as they pun for 2 minutes each on their assigned topic. Vote for your favorite pun-testant to move on to the final Pun-Off on Saturday’s Closing Session.
Why I’m Excited
As chair of the ACES Conference Program Committee, I got to oversee the Pun Slam this year! The wonderful Dave Nelson is hosting the Pun Slam, and it’s sure to be a good time.
Build Better Checklists for Your Editing Tasks by Kelly Schrank
Session Description
Our greatest fear as editors is to miss something: a typo, wrong formatting, factual errors, awkward language. Learn how using a comprehensive checklist created and updated for a specific editing task can help you differentiate workflows, systems, and activities; spell out style and formatting details, track your progress, document metrics, and give you a sense of completion and peace of mind. If you use editing checklists, this session will help you take them to the next level; if you don’t use them, this session will offer the knowledge and motivation you need to get started.
Why I’m Excited
I loooove a checklist. I’ve got templates of Trello checklists for the different types of projects I do, and I use them to ensure I stay on track, remember all the client-specific style things, and don’t miss steps. I’m very curious to hear about how another editor does checklists and pick up some new ideas to improve my own checklists.
“Human in the Loop” Keynote by Kory Stamper
Session Description
To non-editors, the work of editing seems technical to the point of being almost mechanical—and given the general misconception that editing is “just fixing bad grammar and typos,” it’s no wonder that some people think editing can be fully automated. But editors know that editing can be a lifeline between a writer and their audience, or an audience and understanding. So how do you convince a client that they need that lifeline? Join Kory as she shares what clients, our industry, and language itself all gain when editors are the humans in the loop.
Why I’m Excited
^ enough said, right? This keynote sounds perfect in a year when more and more editors are being laid off or replaced by AI “editing” programs.
Creating an AI Policy to Address Client Concerns (and Guidance You Can Give to Clients) by Judy Mohr
Session Description
The area of AI-generative technology is rapidly changing, but with the changes comes a level of fear and lack of understanding. Writers and other creatives have a lot of questions and valid concerns. As editors, we need to address those concerns in a way that helps a client feel confident about our services. And if we are able to provide guidance to help our clients move forward (leaving fear behind), it’s an added bonus.
In this session, we will discuss what some of the current concerns and fears are, examine the options that clients have available to them, and define the difference between AI-assisted and AI-generated works (as applied within copyright law and publishing platforms). We’ll consider what an AI policy might look like, examining clauses you might want to consider and the verbiage you might want to use.
We’ll also look at how to approach the conversation with a prospective client who is considering hiring your services but would like to know why they should work with a human instead of “just getting AI to do it.” Using AI needs to be an informed personal choice. Let’s help to build the understanding involved with using this technology.
Why I’m Excited
Caveat: I DO NOT use generative AI tools or programs in my editing process or business (or personal life!). I attend sessions like this to stay up-to-date on what people are saying about AI in publishing, editing, and writing.
I have had to adjust my AI policy several times in the past few years and have had more and more clients who are saying they’ve used AI in some way before working with me. Sigh. So I’m interested to hear what the speaker and editors in the chat have to say about how to approach conversations about AI use and how they’re shaping their AI policies.
#StetChat on Bluesky
Session Description
After the final session of VCON26, join us for #StetChat 🚩 Red Flag Roulette 🚩 from 4–5 p.m. ET / 1–2 p.m. PT on Bluesky.
Just type in that #StetChat hashtag to the search bar, look at “latest,” and you’ll find the chat. You can also see all the questions at the Media tab on our profile @stetchat.com.
For the uninitiated, in Red Flag Roulette, we’ll pose questions about hypothetical red flag clients and #editing situations, and we’ll talk about how you’d deal with them. Together, we will hive-mind our way out of red flags!
Why I’m Excited
I’m the founder and host of #StetChat, and I love hosting these live conversations with edibuddies on Bluesky! Read more about why I started #StetChat here.
Day 2 of ACES VCON26 (Thursday, Sept. 17)
Beyond Borders: Plain Language and Editing for Global Audiences by Ema Naito
Session Description
As English-language editors, we are trained to shape text into good, “standard” English. But what happens when the content is intended for a highly diverse, global audience? The very figures of speech and cultural references that make the writing engaging for a U.S. audience may have the opposite effect, making it harder for global readers to connect to and understand the intended message.
This session frames plain language as a bridge for cross-cultural English communication. Plain language is about tailoring writing for the intended readers. Its principles (readers can find what they need, understand, and use it) can help editors edit better for global audiences.
In this session, you will learn how plain language principles can help guide your editing interventions; some features of English to consider for global readers; and ways you might communicate your edits to your clients—all to help you edit responsibly and inclusively for a globalized world.
Why I’m Excited
This session reminds me of some of the globalization training I did when I freelance edited for AWS. It covered some things I’d never really thought about, like certain figures of speech or syntax being confusing to folks who aren’t native English speakers. I’m looking forward to learning more about plain language for a global audience in this session!
Time Traveling With the Dictionary: Smart Ways to Use a Word’s Date by Peter Sokolowski
Session Description
We all know that alphabetical order is arbitrary, but it’s a system that we need in order to organize information. But dictionary definitions also use another system to orient definitions, one that isn’t arbitrary at all: chronological order. The entire wordlist of Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary can be switched to chronological order with a single click.
But what does the date of a word’s first known use tell us? Knowing when a word entered the language is also a key to knowing how to better use the dictionary—it informs the order of definitions and the way meanings develop. It’s also the key to understanding important differences between the “Oxford English Dictionary” and dictionaries in the Webster tradition.
Why I’m Excited
Peter’s talks about dictionaries, words, and language are SO FASCINATING! I always learn something new from his talks.
Tropes in Developmental Editing: The Good, the Bad, the Twisted by Genevieve Clovis, Mary Brydon-Kehoe, and Tanya Gold
Session Description
Three fiction editors walk into a conference.
The first editor says, “At their most basic, tropes are story elements—like character traits or plot devices—that get used over and over. Sometimes that’s awesome.”
The second editor replies, “Yeah, but some of them stem from biased perspectives and are damaging to marginalized people.”
The third editor says, “This is a virtual conference, nobody walked anywhere, and you can twist and subvert those tropes in interesting ways!
Then they discuss how all this applies to developmental editing.
Why I’m Excited
Tanya Gold’s ACES sessions have been a must-attend since 2019—I love to hear them talk about editing! I’ve been doing more developmental editing this year after a few years of not doing as much of it, so I’m excited to hear some very smart dev editors discuss it!
Everything Except the Editing: Building Systems for a Cohesive Editorial Practice by Nicole Hardina
Session Description
Clients remember far more than your edits. Every email, proposal, invoice, and follow-up shapes their experience of your business. This session explores how freelancers can design an editorial practice in which every touchpoint—from inquiry emails to project tracking to marketing calendars—supports both the client experience and the business behind it. Together, we’ll examine practical systems that replace repeated decisions with repeatable workflows. We’ll explore three areas of practice:
- Create Consistency: Develop templates for inquiries, pricing, agreements, editorial communication, and client onboarding.
- Create Visibility: Use simple tracking tools to monitor projects, opportunities, revenue, and business goals.
- Create Momentum: Build calendars that support marketing, professional development, newsletters, and other long-term efforts without relying on inspiration alone.
Participants will leave with a framework for identifying recurring tasks and turning them into repeatable workflows. Whether you’re launching a freelance practice or refining an existing one, thoughtful systems can free up more time and mental energy for the work that matters most: editing.
Why I’m Excited
I am constantly reevaluating and streamlining my client workflow and templates, so I’m intrigued to get some ideas from this session!
Day 3 of ACES VCON26 (Friday, Sept. 18)
What’s New in AP Style?
Session Description
Anna Jo Bratton, editor of the AP Stylebook, presents updates and additions to AP style in the last year, including what’s changed and why. Colleen Newvine, AP Stylebook product manager, will show you how to claim your ACES member discount on an AP Stylebook Online subscription.
Why I’m Excited
I use AP style in my content marketing editing work, so I love hearing about the changes to the AP Stylebook from the editor herself! It’s also very fun to see an audience react to stylebook changes—people cheering in the live chat at being told “we’re not using hyphens in this word anymore” is always funny!
From Wack to Cool: A Linguistic Introduction to African American English by Diana Jones, Merriam-Webster, Assistant Editor
Session Description
From being at the center of controversy in the 1990s to appearing in marketing campaigns in the 2020s, African American English has played a major role in influencing popular culture. You may be familiar with some terms from African American English, but are you able to identify its rules, patterns, and features? This session will explore the history of African American English, its role in American society, and how recognizing the language variety can help inform your editing.
Why I’m Excited
I heard Diana Jones briefly talk about how Merriam-Webster was researching and adding African American English to its dictionary during Peter Sokolowski’s session in ACES Atlanta, and I wanted to hear a full session on this topic. I’m thrilled that we get a whole session about the linguistics about African American English from an editor at Merriam-Webster!!! This is SO cool. 🙂
Scripts, Panels, and Balloons: Working on Comics by Rachel Lapidow, Ren Alea, and Tanya Gold
Session Description
Interested in working on comics? Want to learn more about what that could look like? Three comics editorial professionals will share their knowledge and experiences. You’ll hear about additional considerations for working on comics at various stages in the process, including localization editing, proofreading, and translation.
Why I’m Excited
I don’t work on comics, but based on the stacked lineup, I know this panel will be very fun to watch! I’m also intrigued by the discussion of localization editing.
🌟 MY PANEL! Red Flag Roulette Live! Navigating Difficult Conversations With Authors and Clients
Session Description
Plagiarism. Undisclosed AI use. A character spewing racial slurs. What would you do if you encountered these red flag situations as an editor?
Building off their popular Bluesky #StetChat format, freelance editors Carolina VonKampen, Rachel Lapidow, and Raquel Brown will host a live Red Flag Roulette session. We’ll begin the session by discussing how we’ve handled red flag clients and difficult editing situations we’ve encountered, and then we’ll open the floor to audience questions. Audience members can submit red flag questions live, and the panelists will brainstorm how we’d handle the tricky situations. Audience participation in the chat is highly encouraged. Together, we will hive-mind our way out of red flags!
Why I’m Excited
I’m in this panel. Need I say more? It’s going to be so much fun—come join us!
Closing Session and Pun Slam Final Pun-Off
Session Description
ACES VCON26 attendees, join us for the #ACESPunSlam final Pun-Off at the Closing Session! Our two brave pun-testants will compete in a Pun-Off by alternating punning on the same topic without repeating a pun. Come cheer them on and be prepared to laugh — or groan!
Why I’m Excited
The Pun Slam final Pun-Off is a can’t-miss event!
What ACES VCON26 Sessions Are You Excited For?
If you’re attending ACES VCON26, which sessions are you excited to attend?
If you’re #NotAtACES, which sessions do you wish you could attend?
Got ACES VCON26 FOMO?
Read my live posts from ACES VCON26 here! I’ll be live posting from sessions I attend on Bluesky and am posting a roundup of those live posts here on my blog (it’s live now!).