Update 3/3/22: We are no longer taking applications for this position.
Those of you who have looked at our editing pages have probably noticed we have a six-month wait on content editing orders. At our current size, we simply don’t have enough time to both run the blog and keep up with demand. We’re looking to expand our editing team, but we need the right candidate.
Could that candidate be you?
The Position
Content editors, also known as developmental or substantive editors, focus on the big-picture aspects of a story and give writers advice on making the plot more cohesive, the characters more compelling, and generally raising engagement. As a progressive organization, we also offer gentle feedback on improving problematic aspects of stories. Mythcreants content editors do not make any marks or comments on a manuscript; all feedback is written separately. You can learn more about our methodology by reviewing our content editing page.
This is a part-time contract position that is paid on a per-project basis. As a contractor, you will work remotely and set your own schedule. We expect the number and size of projects to slowly increase over time.
We’ll start with up to 25 hours of paid training at a rate of $20/hour. Training will be paced depending on your availability; it may take anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months.
Once training is complete, projects will be paid at a rate of $174 plus .72¢ / word for manuscripts and 2.16¢ / word for outlines. That means $246 for a 10,000 word short story or $390 for a 10,000 word outline.
Who We’re Looking For
We need a candidate who:
- Is great at dissecting stories
- Is on board with Mythcreants’ storytelling philosophy
- Loves speculative fiction
- Values diversity and equality
- Has strong communication skills
- Can work independently and meet deadlines
While we don’t require any specific degrees or experience, we consider all of these to be assets in a candidate:
- Editing experience or training (any type)
- Freelancing experience
- Blogging or article writing experience, particularly in media critique
- A record of social justice advocacy
- Lived experience of oppression
What You Need to Apply
Deadline
We will start reviewing applications on Monday, February 7. Applications submitted after that will be given lower priority.
Cover Letter
Please write us a cover letter up to a page in length. Describe how you’re a fit for this position and why you’re interested in being a Mythcreants content editor.
Resume (optional)
We recommend submitting a resume if you have relevant experience.
Brief Media Analysis
We’re asking applicants to submit a 500-1,000 word Mythcreants-style media analysis of one of the stories listed below. What’s “Mythcreants-style”? That’s up to you. This is your opportunity to show us how well you know our storytelling approach.
In your brief analysis, focus on big-picture issues and large opportunities to improve audience experience. Avoid a blow-by-blow breakdown. You do not need to word your analysis as though you’re communicating to the writer; talk to us. Suggesting changes is optional.
- Movie: Mary and the Witch’s Flower
- Movie: Mortal Engines
- Short Story: The Perfect Match
- Short Story: Bow Down Before the Snail King!
Apply Here
We are no longer taking applications for this position.
How much of your activity is content editing ? It’s a part of your work we don’t have a lot of window to, unlike the articles and podcast, it could be cool one day to let us peak into that…
Currently, I’d estimate that paid editing is about 30-40% of my work week. Articles, podcasts, and various other site-related work take up the rest. I do the majority of editing at Mythcreants, and as the growing waitlist signifies, I just don’t have the time to keep up with demand, nor to get enough paying hours to support the site full time, which is why we’re so dependent on Patreon and other sources of revenue. We’re hoping that by adding another content editor, we can move closer to where we need to be.
I do have a few articles and podcasts that talk about editing though, if you’re curious.
https://mythcreants.com/blog/five-things-to-know-when-you-get-content-editing/
https://mythcreants.com/blog/podcasts/314-levels-of-editing/
Hey all! Just jazzed to see this opportunity!
I’ve got a question regarding the media analysis: Is this an informal “just talk to us” analysis of our chosen story, or are we trying to mimic your articles’ voice and write a “mini article” ourselves in which the audience may not be familiar with the story?
Thanks!
We don’t need you to write a blog post with our voice, it’s the storytelling approach that matters. You can assume we’ve read/watched it.
So yeah, just talk to us.
This sounds amazing! Just one question – is the position open to people who live outside of the US?
Yep, this is a contract position, so living outside the US shouldn’t be an issue.
-Oren
Hi, folks! Quick question: do you get many middle grade or YA manuscripts in for editing? I’m a kidlit spec fic editor and wondering whether it’s worth my applying for this role? Thanks so much.
We do get some middlegrade and YA, but it isn’t the majority of our work. If you’re looking to expand into other categories as well as kidlit, then go for it, but otherwise it’s probably not a good fit.
Ah okay, I’ll leave it then. Thanks a lot, Oren.
No problem, happy editing!
Hello, Kyle here; I wanted to introduce myself to the Mythcreants community as an applicant for the position above as well as offer a preliminary congratulations to one of the other commenters in the event they’re chosen over me, as well as appreciation in the event I’m chosen. Either outcome, I want to thank the heads of this site for the chance to apply to a site with so much potential, as well as say I have full faith in the heads and editors to take this blog to preeminance on the online authors’ community.
Today’s the day! Good luck, hopefuls! :]
I am curious to know however–would my work be given lower priority since it was sent on the morning of the day reviews began, or did I submit early enough that the process was just beginning? Also, would I be able to use my position to display research about the online spec fic I’ve been following?
Hey Kyle, we’re including applications that we received today so don’t worry about that. Anything else we can talk about if we decide to set up an interview stage with you.
Thank you! I look forward to seeing what else comes out of the advice lists I enjoy reading.
I just heard about this opportunity on your podcast, and saw that I am too late :'(
I realise that if I submit today, my application will be given much lower priority, but are the submissions still open?
If you submit today, we will still take a brief look at it, but it will have to be more outstanding for you to get ahead, and the position is already very competitive. So really it’s about whether it is worth your time for a slim chance.
I was here two weeks ago; I sent a message yesterday clarifying my interest in the position, but I thought I would send to the general thread a question about updates. Do you think the candidates for the interview process will be full selected by the end of the month?