Michael Totzke, the editor of Canadian Interiors magazine, was named Editor of the Year this past Friday by the Professional Writers Association of Canada.
The award recognizes his outstanding editorial work during the 2009 calendar year. Totzke was presented with a plaque and gift during the Writers' Industry Awards Luncheon at the MagNet magazine conference in Toronto. Holly Bennett, editor-in-chief of Today's Parent Special Editions, received an Honourable Mention for her work.
"Great writing and great editing go hand in hand," says Tanya Gulliver, president of the Professional Writers Association of Canada. "This award is one way for Canada's freelance writers to express their gratitude and admiration for the top-notch editors working in this country. Congratulations to Michael for his achievement."
This is the third year PWAC has presented the Editor of the Year Award. Nominations are submitted by PWAC members, and a panel of judges evaluate the nominees based on criteria that includes editing and communications skills, the ability to bring out the best in writers, and the fairness of pay rates and contracts."
PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.