About | PENCON

We equip and encourage Christian editors and proofreaders of all kinds.

Aspiring editors can learn what it takes to break into the freelance editing field, while experienced editors can sharpen their skills and be encouraged by other professionals.

In-house editors, first readers, and authors can benefit from a variety of sessions about the publishing industry.

PENCON, a division of Christian Editors Association, is the only annual conference for proofreaders and editors in the Christian market. We specialize in editing and proofreading for CBA authors, agents, and publishers.

Our annual conference is typically held in the beginning of May. We started in 2014, choosing a different city each year to move around the country and make it more affordable for attendees in various locations to join us. In 2020, PENCON went virtual, and so many more people were able to attend, we’ve kept it that way. We still offer opportunities to interact with faculty during workshops and one-on-one appointments. Attendees can also meet and converse with one another in our virtual fellowship meetings. Recordings of all sessions are available to attendees on Crowdcast during the conference and for six weeks after the conference ends. Audio or video recordings of all PENCON sessions can be purchased.

There are many Christian writers’ conferences, but we are intentionally different from those. We choose faculty, session topics, and discussions specifically for editors. Many of our attendees are beginning or established freelance editors for private clients; however, we encourage all editors to attend. In-house editors, early readers, and freelancers for publishing houses will greatly benefit from our network of editors and the education we offer.

Join us at PENCON to learn how to begin your new editing business, see if editing is the right choice for you, brush up on your editing skills, or network with other highly qualified professionals in the industry. We look forward to meeting you.

Denise Loock
Director, PENCON
Director@penconeditors.com

PENCON history
Read our Statement of Faith

PENCON 2021 energized me with new ideas. The speakers presented their topics with expertise and encouragement. And the fellowship helped me to not feel so isolated. A big THANK YOU to the organizers for pulling this off without a hitch!

I learned enough practical tips to help me shape my work and marketing to make me satisfied with the conference.

Writing is usually lonely work. Freelance editing can be even more disorienting because you are now a solopreneur. PENCON helps us connect with others who understand the joys and stresses of a life focused on shaping words as Jesus’ people. Rarely have I experienced the kind of camaraderie we instantly have just knowing we are working in the same field. Then, on top of this encouragement, the speakers present all kinds of practical skills and guidance for every aspect of our work. If I could only attend one conference again, this would be the one I choose.

PENCON 2021 exceeded my expectations. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about current trends, complex punctuation, MS Word tips, mindset, website maximization, problem solving, creating my own style sheet, and much more.

One day of the conference was worth the entire price. I’m implementing what I learned, and I believe it will improve the trajectory of my business.

From the opening worship song to the closing prayer, PENCON offers the Christian editor a chance to blend worship and learning with like-minded professionals. During the three days, we are encouraged to better our editing practices without] being forced to defend Christian values or beliefs. Simply put, PENCON is a conference where we have the opportunity to grow in Christ as we grow as editors.

PENCON is a top-notch conference that offers a variety of topics in editing. It is reasonably priced and is full of experts in the field that are inspiring and knowledgeable. I’ve immensely enjoyed both times I’ve attended. I especially appreciate the ability to access the webinars after the conference for free. What you walk away with is encouragement, knowledge, and a challenge to become better!

PENCON is wonderful! It’s my favorite editing conference in the world, and I never want to miss a single conference. This conference is unique as it joins professional education, industry knowledge, and skills with a common Christian bond and purpose. This year the focus of the conference seemed to be reflecting Christlike grace and humility through the work God has given us. I am grateful for all the speakers as they shared from their years of knowledge and experience, including positive and negative experiences, to teach and buildup others in the industry.

I want to commend Denise Loock and her staff for all of their hard work. This is my first PENCON so I didn’t know what to expect, but I loved the devotional times and knowing we were all Christians with the purpose of glorifying God through our businesses. It was so encouraging! The sessions were all so good and the speakers’ willingness to share their information was wonderful! Great job all the way around!

I started my editing business last April during the pandemic but didn’t find out about the Christian PEN or PENCON until December 2020. I wish I had known about it when I initially started my business and took online courses to learn proofreading and editing. The Lord has been gracious to bless my business, but I know the networking from PENCON and] what I’ve learned will only help it grow and increase my knowledge and confidence as an editor.

This was my first PENCON, and it did not disappoint! I loved having the chance to fellowship with and learn from other editors (this can be a lonely profession at times). I also learned a ton, and my business will benefit greatly as a result.

PENCON is the highlight of my editing year. The conference is the place I can gather with professional editors who also share my Christian faith. It is the place to learn new skills (no matter what your experience level), to encourage other editors, and to receive encouragement as well. I can best describe the PENCON experience as nourishment to the call to edit for God’s glory.

Thank you, PENCON planning team, for the heart and soul you gave to make PENCON a smashing success! I learned so much and truly enjoyed meeting all of you. Online conferences are great for people like me who have difficulty walking into a roomful of new faces, and a much harder time walking up to someone to introduce myself! Behind my computer screen, I could be bold, with so much to gain and nothing to lose. Now, when we convene in the flesh, I will walk into a room full of friends.

Thank you so much for your hard work on PENCON. It’s such an encouraging and informative time. I live in a remote area, and I don’t know any editors or proofreaders near me, so this conference is a jolt of encouragement, education, and inspiration to me. I know there are times of stress and frustration in the planning and setting up, and especially during live glitches, but I appreciate everyone’s work to make it all happen.

I thought PENCON was beyond amazing! Very well organized, very few technical glitches, great participation, not to mention great content. Super helpful. My business had been languishing for the better part of a year, but now I’m in full reboot. So it came at a great time.