2024 AdventureKEEN BIPOC Editorial Fellowship
AdventureKEEN is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for the BIPOC Editorial Fellowship, a program for aspiring editors who have an interest in book publishing and the natural sciences or outdoor spaces. This program is designed for new or recent college graduates who haven’t yet been exposed to the publishing industry.
This is a 12-month working fellowship from June 3, 2024 through May 30, 2025 and is designed to provide practical, hands-on experience and training for graduates who would like to explore book publishing as a career option. AdventureKEEN Fellows will participate fully with the staff in all functional areas of the company but will work most closely with our senior editors.
AdventureKEEN is a 40+-year-old independent book publishing company based in Birmingham, Alabama. We publish 50–60 books a year for adults and children (almost all nonfiction) pertaining to nature, outdoor activities, gardening, cooking, travel, and more. Our books are sold into the book, gift, and library markets (bookstores, online stores, gift stores, state and national parks, public libraries, and more). See our recent catalog here.
The Editorial Fellow’s responsibilities will include assisting with fact-checking, copyediting, and proofreading; project management for ongoing books; market and competition research; basic photo research and sourcing; writing blog posts.
In addition, the Editorial Fellow will join production and editorial meetings; receive an introduction to all aspects of the editorial/publishing process, from the basics of the submission process and contracting to developmental editing, copyediting, layout and production, and the steps inherent to sending a book to press; the Editorial Fellow will also meet regularly with senior editorial staff, and the Fellowship will culminate in serving as the lead editor of a given title.
Upon successful completion of the Fellowship, the Fellow will be eligible for future paid work as a freelance proofreader or copyeditor; the Fellow may also be considered for any permanent positions that may become available with the company.
This is a 12-month working fellowship and is designed to provide practical, hands-on experience and training for graduates who would like to explore book publishing as a career option.
Editorial Fellowship Details
Time Period and Compensation: The Editorial Fellowship is a 12-month position. The Fellow will work 40 hours/week, and will receive an annual compensation of $36,000. Compensation will be paid monthly (subject to withholdings). The Fellow will also receive all company paid time off and full benefits (paid sick leave; health, dental, and vision insurance; and more).
Eligibility: A strong interest in natural sciences or outdoor spaces and in pursuing a career in publishing. Excellent verbal and written English-language communication skills. An ability and willingness to tackle any task at hand, work independently, and meet deadlines. The Editorial Fellow must be a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, at the start of the Fellowship. Candidates should have completed a 4-year degree. Applicants must identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.
Procedure: Please submit the following:
- A resume
- A cover letter describing your interest in AdventureKEEN; the influences and experience that you will bring to your work; and your goals for the fellowship and beyond. Share achievements that demonstrate a strong facility for the written word—this could include any English, journalism, or communications courses completed. Please also include where you heard about the Editorial Fellowship.
- A short (250 words max.) review of a book you read recently, including how you learned about the book.
**Note that we only accept PDF files. Incomplete applications will not be considered.**
