Volunteer editors at TYWI help young authors refine and perfect their in-progress novels, short stories, and writing pieces. Volunteers are the lifeblood of The Young Writers Initiative. Without their help, we would not be able to provide young authors and writers with an accessible avenue to improve their work and writing.
WHY YOU SHOULD BE AN EDITOR
Every beautiful writer is also a masterful editor. Often, it is difficult to edit your own writing. But as a writer you must have a keen eye for details that, with a tweak, can take your writing to the next level. Editing other people’s work is a wonderful way to train yourself, and if you want to go into English or the editing business, this is a great way for you to gain experience.
Editors also receive "compensation" in the form of volunteer benefits. This includes exclusive services, merchandise, and future offers for free or at a discount! This is our way to give back to you.
Editors also receive "compensation" in the form of volunteer benefits. This includes exclusive services, merchandise, and future offers for free or at a discount! This is our way to give back to you.
TYPES OF EDITORS
Copy Editor
A copy editor looks at multiple technical aspects of a piece. Their work goes beyond basic proofreading. Copy editors look at how a story is constructed sentence by sentence. They should know the English language well in order to pick out the smallest of mistakes in a large work. Overall, copy editors must not only identify and fix problematic areas within an author's work, they need to be able to explain to an author why their edit improves the author's piece. Here's a short list of things we expect copy editors to look at while they edit:
Developmental Editor
A developmental editor is comparable to a hyper focused beta reader. They analyze the story itself as well as how the story is told in great depth. They can also help with the construction of scenes and planning of your story, guiding the author in the right direction so they can succeed. Developmental editors should understand the basic structure of a story and how this can be broken down in longer works (e.g. chapters in a novel). Here's a short list of things we expect developmental editors to look at while they edit:
Any Position Applicant
When you apply under this option you are applying to become either a copy Editor or a developmental editor. During bootcamp your skills will be evaluated by our Editing Director Internal and Assistant Directors. Based on your personal strengths and preference, they will assign you a position after the first week. This is the perfect option for those that are unsure which editor their personal editing style will fit!
Advanced Editor
Currently, advanced editors are those who are proficient in both copy and developmental editing. Put simply, they are the well-rounded editor. Additionally, they excel at communicating their ideas and explaining their process as they edit. They're also expected to dive deeper into the pieces they edit compared to our other editors. This is the one editing position that you cannot apply for. Our internal team is still discussing the specifics, but all in all this is a position you must earn through hard work.
A copy editor looks at multiple technical aspects of a piece. Their work goes beyond basic proofreading. Copy editors look at how a story is constructed sentence by sentence. They should know the English language well in order to pick out the smallest of mistakes in a large work. Overall, copy editors must not only identify and fix problematic areas within an author's work, they need to be able to explain to an author why their edit improves the author's piece. Here's a short list of things we expect copy editors to look at while they edit:
- Word repetition and wordiness
- Sentence/paragraph structure
- Grammar
- Punctuation (in the main text and in/surrounding dialogue)
- Proper formatting of dialogue and dialogue tags
- Use of adverbs and adjectives
- Word form
- Spelling/typos
Developmental Editor
A developmental editor is comparable to a hyper focused beta reader. They analyze the story itself as well as how the story is told in great depth. They can also help with the construction of scenes and planning of your story, guiding the author in the right direction so they can succeed. Developmental editors should understand the basic structure of a story and how this can be broken down in longer works (e.g. chapters in a novel). Here's a short list of things we expect developmental editors to look at while they edit:
- Main plot and subplots
- Characters and character motivation
- Pacing (whole work and its sections)
- Narrative tone and language
- Overall structure
- Theme(s)
- Setting and “world building”
- Dialogue
- Showing vs. telling
- Point of view (including head hopping)
Any Position Applicant
When you apply under this option you are applying to become either a copy Editor or a developmental editor. During bootcamp your skills will be evaluated by our Editing Director Internal and Assistant Directors. Based on your personal strengths and preference, they will assign you a position after the first week. This is the perfect option for those that are unsure which editor their personal editing style will fit!
Advanced Editor
Currently, advanced editors are those who are proficient in both copy and developmental editing. Put simply, they are the well-rounded editor. Additionally, they excel at communicating their ideas and explaining their process as they edit. They're also expected to dive deeper into the pieces they edit compared to our other editors. This is the one editing position that you cannot apply for. Our internal team is still discussing the specifics, but all in all this is a position you must earn through hard work.
KEEP IN MIND
Editing isn't a simple job, but it's a gratifying one. TYWI is lenient with our volunteer policies, and understand that you have many things going on in your lives. That being said, please be aware of how much time you have and know your own limits. If you don't think you are ready for the intensive world of editing, we would like to refer you to our alpha reading and beta reading department.
An editing position is not full time. You will be assigned to a project and client that fits your profile. Once you complete that task, you're back to free time. We have no desire to work you tirelessly.
If you don't think you can commit to this position, please refrain from applying.
An editing position is not full time. You will be assigned to a project and client that fits your profile. Once you complete that task, you're back to free time. We have no desire to work you tirelessly.
If you don't think you can commit to this position, please refrain from applying.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How old must I be to become a volunteer editor?
You must be at least 14 years old to become a volunteer editor.
Where is bootcamp? Is it via Zoom?
Editing bootcamp is held via Google Classroom and all of the assignments are asynchronous!
How much of a time commitment is bootcamp and being a volunteer editor?
This depends on how quick you are with your edits without losing quality. As long as you meet your deadlines and our quality standards, you can spend as little or as much time you need! For bootcamp, each editing assignment will take at least one hour to complete. However, you will be given multiple days to do so.
What will I need to participate in bootcamp?
You will need to have access to Google services (Classroom and Docs), Discord, Notion, and our Gather spaces. If you need help setting any of these up once you've been accepted, ask Sylvia!
I volunteer in another department at TYWI. Can I still become a volunteer editor?
We strongly suggest that you stay in one position unless you intend to switch completely to the editing department. We don't want you to get overwhelmed by splitting your focus across two or more positions. That being said, if you are only a submission reader or workshop teacher (and know you can balance your time), you may apply.
What if I apply to be a copy editor then decide I want to switch to be a developmental editor? Can I do that?
Of course you can! You just have to ask our Editing Directors before you start bootcamp. If you would like to switch after you've been certified, you will start down the road of becoming an advanced editor! Check the section above about advanced editors and what they do. If you have any further questions, email Sylvia Bonillos, our Editing Director Internal.
What happens if I don't pass bootcamp?
Due to the amount of time and skill required for editors, we cannot extend the process. Editing bootcamp is used to view and assess your current skills and guide you towards improvement. At this time, it is not a place to learn how to edit. If you do not meet our current expectations for editing volunteers, you will be invited to volunteer in one of our less intense departments, such as Alpha/Beta Reading or Book Reviewing. You may also choose to return to us in 6+ months to try again. Also, we are working to curate various resources for campers, volunteers, and everyone in our community to practice editing.
HOW TO APPLY
Click on the button below to be re-directed to the application form.
In this form, you will be asked to submit some information about you (name, email, etc.), edit 2 short excerpts, and answer a few questions about why you want to be a volunteer editor. Please read the form carefully. This should be done in one sitting.
In this form, you will be asked to submit some information about you (name, email, etc.), edit 2 short excerpts, and answer a few questions about why you want to be a volunteer editor. Please read the form carefully. This should be done in one sitting.
