This is a truncated version of the EFA Chicagoland Chapter News. If you would like to read the full e-newsletter, visit the archive, where you can also subscribe to have it delivered to your inbox monthly.

MIND CANDY

• Moving Time? Ready to live somewhere quieter but don’t want to leave the state? The city of Quincy, Ill., is offering up to $5k to move there to help fill a large labor shortage. While the focus is on filling the 700-plus open full-time jobs, remote workers who relocate are also eligible.
• Editor Qualities. What does it take to be a freelance editor? According to Allison Williams, curiosity, constant education, ruthlessness—and the ability to do it all quickly, because time is (your) money.
• Take Five. Research finds that “five hours is about the maximum that most of us can concentrate hard on something.” So if that’s also your “brain work” (i.e., editing/billable hours) limit, take heart that you’re not alone—but do set your rates accordingly.

FREELANCE NEWS

Illinois No. 10 for Remote Work

According to a recent study, Illinois came in 10th in the top U.S. states for remote work. Ranked on several factors—including broadband connectivity, electrical grid reliability,  inclusiveness, and cost of living—North Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota took top honors. In the overall CNBC America’s Top States for Business study, Illinois was ranked 15th.

PODCASTS TO PONDER

By Amy Spungen

• The Editing Podcast. Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle interview PerfectIt developer Daniel Heuman about the addition of Chicago Manual of Style guidelines to the copyediting software. Mac users still have challenges using PerfectIt, which Heuman acknowledges, but the CMOS–PerfectIt union sounds promising, especially for PC users.
• The Deliberate Freelancer. Melanie Padgett Powers talks with Courtney Chaal about how to build a successful freelance business when you have ADHD.
• 80,000 Miles. The May episode tackles how to have an accomplished career in the face of depression, anxiety, and imposter syndrome.

CALENDAR

For media- and publishing-related conferences, webinars, and other events of interest to self-employed editorial freelancers, see the Media Types Omnicalendar.