The Professional Writers Association of Canada will hand out its first annual PWAC Editor of the Year Award in 2008. The cross-country organization created the award to recognize hard-working, dedicated editors throughout Canada who aim to improve their writers’ work and ensure writers are looked after in the workplace.

Nominees can be from any print medium. They may be staff editors or freelance editors. The 600 PWAC members who have paid their annual fees will cast nominations.

The recipient of the Editor of the Year Award will be announced at the annual PWAC National Conference Awards Banquet held each May.

Writers have requested the award for a long time, says PWAC executive director John Degen. “I think we’re going to have a long, long list,” Degen says.

The winner will receive an award plaque. PWAC is deciding whether to also include a prize.