35 Writing Jobs, Internships, Volunteer Opps, Fellowships, and More
Jobs for Writers (12.5.24) | Open opps at the Big Five, lit mags looking for editors + readers, and a chat with an editorial assistant turned freelance editor
Welcome to Sub Club’s Jobs for Writers!
It’s the end of the year, so things are slowing down a little on the whole, become-gainfully-employed front. Still, some decent opportunities are bopping around, including volunteer reader and editor positions and lots of still-open fellowships if that’s your thing.
This week, we also have a new How to Break In! This time I’ve gone for a classic Q&A format, and there’s plenty to learn from our featured writer. Let’s get into it.
How to Break In
Today, we’re featuring Kasandra Ferguson. Kasandra recently transitioned from working as an editorial assistant at The O'Brien Press—Ireland's second largest publishing company!—and is now working as a freelance editor.
Below, she shares her journey, including why she chose a Master’s program in Ireland after getting her Bachelor’s stateside; how her experience as an editorial assistant has helped her as a freelance editor; and the advice she has for people looking to do some freelance editing themselves. After chatting with Kasandra, I personally am fully ready to pack up my unvaluables, whisk myself away to Ireland, immerse myself in the publishing world there, and maybe also reveal myself as a long-lost bad sister from Bad Sisters.
Rachael Vaughan Clemmons: What’s your background?
Kassandra Ferguson: I have a BA in English and an MA in Literature and Publishing. I worked on a literary journal called ROPES while in my MA, and this all helped me get a position [as an editorial assistant] at one of Ireland's leading publishers.
As an editorial assistant, I managed the slush pile in its entirety and pushed numerous projects forward for publication.
RVC: How did you manage to snag the editorial assistant job at the O’Brien Press?
KF: I applied, but I also came from a well-respected Master's program [at the University of Galway] in Ireland. Something to focus on in an essay is that applicants from bookselling backgrounds are actually highly coveted, and three of the most recent people hired at that company for junior roles were longtime booksellers.
RVC: Getting your Masters in Ireland seems to have really propelled your career. Did studying there fit into your larger goals around a job in publishing?
KF: Yes, in a way. I knew I wanted to work in publishing, but I had absolutely no idea where to start. I felt my bachelor's degree in English was worth little more than the paper it was printed on, in terms of job-seeking, and the industry is very opaque. I knew I wanted to go abroad and quickly found the MA in Literature and Publishing at the University of Galway, Ireland. It was like a crash course, and I loved it.
My larger goals were a bit abstract, as I like editing, but I also find the whole book-making process interesting; the program allowed me to dabble in design, marketing, sales, and production (I learned I'm definitely not into sales). Additionally, I never wanted to work in New York, as NYC definitely doesn't suit me, but it's unfortunately one of two major publishing hubs in the West. The other is London, and the UK currently has some tough immigration standards due to Brexit. Starting in Ireland allowed me to work toward EU citizenship in a more accessible way, which will eventually allow me to work in London due to free work exchange between Ireland and the UK, though I may never leave here. The Irish literary scene is so culturally rich and fascinating that I'm never bored.
RVC: Why did you decide to transition from your editorial assistant role into freelance editing? And how did your experience with the former help with the latter?
KF: I went freelance to have a more flexible schedule and focus on my own writing career. I've performed some edits for the company I used to work for, as I was able to develop a relationship with their editorial team. My current goals are to continue gaining editorial credentials and develop a broader freelance profile. One day, I'd like to run my own indie press.
My experience as an editorial assistant was massively helpful. I became comfortable with house styles, which can change from publisher to publisher, and I sought out advice from the senior staff whenever they could offer it. Publishers, especially indie companies, are often strapped for staff; everyone wears a lot of hats. They want someone who is, at times, willing to take on extra work to boost their experience.
I was offered the chance to proofread and developmentally edit several titles because they wanted help, often last-minute help, which meant I left the company with an existing portfolio of work.
RVC: What does freelance editing look like for you right now?
KF: I'm currently open for query package review, copyediting, and proofreading. For reference, I managed the slush pile at a publisher, so I've read thousands of submissions, hence why I review queries. I developed a good relationship with my former employer, so they occasionally send projects my way to proofread. I'll additionally be facilitating a course through the local Writers Center, the IWC, to help boost my profile. I'm early on in my freelance journey, but I'm confident that I can develop a client list with hard work. I also learn from a lot of my existing contacts and former coworkers.
RVC: Any advice you have for folks looking to get into freelance editing?
KF: My best advice would be to do the research on reliable platforms and databases with high reputations. For example, I'm developing my profile for Reedsy, which is very selective about who they allow on (this is better for people who have a bit of experience already). I'm also applying for membership with AFEPI, the Irish Association of Freelance Editors. Find the people in your region who have concrete resources for freelancers, and find a union if you can. These people want you to succeed, so don't try to do it on your own. If you're looking for a job, Sub Club is obviously great. I'd also check Publishers Weekly for the US, and either The Bookseller or the Society of Young Publishers if you're in the UK.
And look into Irish publishing in general—the industry here is so wonderfully unique. The Irish government funds a lot of smaller companies, journals, and individual writers, and (shockingly!) when people are financially supported, more work and better work can be produced.
Did you manage to snag a job in the writing industry? Well done! Please tell us everything for a chance to be featured in How to Break In. Published pieces will get $50 or a one-year comp. Yay, money!
» Learn more here «
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35 Writing Jobs, Internships, Volunteer Opps, and More!
10 Full-Time Jobs
4 Part-Time + Contract Job
2 Teaching Gigs
5 Fellowships
4 Volunteer Opportunities
2 Internships
8 Open Opportunities from Past Issues
Remember to check out the full details from each job posting before you apply. Good luck!
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