Words Without Borders Editorial Fellowship 2025–26
Part-time
Remote

Words Without Borders seeks applicants for its editorial fellowship, which is designed to provide training for individuals looking to build a career around the publication and promotion of international literature. The editorial fellow will gain hands-on experience with all aspects of the publication of a digital literary magazine—from commissioning and planning to online promotion. The fellow will become familiar with the special considerations and skills required for editing literature in translation and working within the context of a nonprofit organization.

This is a unique opportunity for an early-career publishing professional to be mentored by experienced editors while also making a contribution to one of the premier magazines for contemporary international literature.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the editorial director and working closely with the editorial and communications teams, the fellow’s primary duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participate in editorial meetings.
• Prepare and load magazine content for digital publication.
• Prepare contributor contracts and maintain editorial schedule.
• Research and identify art possibilities for WWB content.
• Help select excerpts of forthcoming books in translation to be featured on WWB.
• Contribute at least one piece of site content.
• Proofread and edit content.
• Support archive projects, including cataloging and categorizing content from past WWB issues.
• Attend and help staff WWB’s virtual and in-person literary events.
• Contribute to WWB’s evolving digital transformation.
• Other tasks as assigned. 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, responsible, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. They will also be skilled at written and verbal communications and have knowledge of the international literary landscape.

• Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree a plus but not required.
• Minimum of two years of related postgraduate work experience.
• Demonstrated interest in international literature.
• Demonstrated interest in a career in publishing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and initiative.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office or other word-processing programs.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on a small, dynamic team.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Fluent in English with knowledge of one or more foreign languages.
• Experience with multimedia content production (including slideshows, podcasts, video, and/or creating GIFS) a plus.

The editorial fellow will work remotely and commit to working twenty hours per week for nine months, beginning in September. Fellows may be based anywhere and may be citizens of any nation, but must work between the hours of 10 am and 6:00 pm ET. Authorization to work in the US is required.

The editorial fellow position pays $18 per hour. Fellows are eligible for paid vacation and sick leave.

Words Without Borders does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, marital status, parental status, military service, or disability. We are committed to pursuing equity and inclusion in our organization and seek candidates who bring diverse backgrounds and new perspectives to our work. Individuals from groups who have been historically underrepresented in the field of publishing are especially encouraged to apply. 

To apply

To apply, please submit the following materials to jobs@wordswithoutborders.org with the subject line “Editorial Fellowship”:

1) A thoughtful cover letter that outlines relevant skills and experiences and explains how the position aligns with your professional goals.
2) A résumé.
3) A three- to five-page writing sample that demonstrates your writing and critical thinking abilities, plus a link to any relevant multimedia or editorial work (if applicable), either published or unpublished.

DEADLINE: March 28, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET. No phone calls or social media contact, please. Due to the volume of applications, only qualified candidates will be contacted. We are unable to respond to queries.