The Words Without Borders 2025–26 Editorial Fellowship | How to Apply
Words Without Borders is now accepting applications for its 2025–26 Editorial Fellowship, a part-time, remote opportunity tailored for emerging professionals passionate about international literature. This prestigious program offers hands-on experience in editing, publishing, and promoting translated literary works, while connecting fellows to a global community of writers, editors, and readers.
Eligibility Requirements for the Words Without Borders Editorial Fellowship
The Editorial Fellowship is open to early-career professionals around the world. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and be able to commit to working remotely for 20 hours per week between 10 am and 4:30 pm ET, from September 2025 through May 2026.
Words Without Borders actively seeks candidates from historically underrepresented communities and encourages applicants who bring diverse perspectives to the publishing industry.
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Requirements for the Words Without Borders Editorial Fellowship
Ideal candidates should demonstrate strong interest in international literature and a desire to pursue a publishing career. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (a master’s is a plus but not required)
- Have at least two years of related postgraduate work experience
- Show a clear commitment to international writing and translation
- Communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and verbally
- Be highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated
- Work well both independently and as part of a small, dynamic team
- Be proficient in Microsoft Office or similar software
- Be fluent in English; knowledge of one or more additional languages is a plus
- Bonus: Experience with multimedia content creation (podcasts, video, slideshows, GIFs)
Applicants must submit the following materials via email to jobs@wordswithoutborders.org, using the subject line “Editorial Fellowship”:
- A thoughtful cover letter explaining your relevant skills and professional goals
- A current résumé
- A 3–5 page writing sample that demonstrates critical thinking and writing ability
- (Optional) A link to any multimedia or editorial work, published or unpublished
Deadline: March 28, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.
Benefits
This is more than a job—it’s a gateway to literary publishing. The editorial fellow will:
- Receive $18/hour for 20 hours of weekly work over nine months
- Qualify for paid vacation and sick leave
- Participate in all editorial processes, including content planning, commissioning, editing, proofreading, and digital publication
- Help manage contributor contracts and maintain editorial schedules
- Gain experience sourcing and selecting literary artwork
- Contribute original content to the WWB site
- Attend and support virtual and in-person literary events
- Work closely with seasoned editors and communicators
- Play a role in WWB’s digital transformation and archive projects
This fellowship offers mentorship, publishing experience, and direct engagement with international literature in translation. Fellows emerge from the program with valuable editorial skills, professional connections, and a deeper understanding of nonprofit literary publishing.
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Start your publishing journey with Words Without Borders.
Apply by March 28, 2025, and become part of a community shaping the future of global literature.
For more information about WWB’s mission and work, visit: www.wordswithoutborders.org
