Broad Ripple Review: Volunteer: Join Our Editorial Team Gold Star Program Gold Star Free

Broad Ripple Review is currently open to applications for several volunteer roles: Managing Editor, Section Editor and Assistant Section Editors, Editorial Assistant(s), Copy Editors, and Prose Readers.

Please clearly identify in your cover letter which role you are interested in. Please attach a document that briefly responds to the questions under the appropriate role.

We kindly ask that you do not apply if you currently have work under review. Please also understand that if you accept a role with our team, you will not be eligible to submit work to us. Please only apply to one role at a time.

MANAGING EDITOR

Broad Ripple Review is currently accepting applications for a volunteer Managing Editor.

About the Role:

The Managing Editor helps keep the day-to-day editorial operations of Broad Ripple Review organized, sustainable, and moving forward. Working closely with the Editor-in-Chief and section editors, the Managing Editor coordinates the practical side of the editorial process, including submission tracking, assignments, deadlines, communication, and follow-up. The Managing Editor will report directly to the Editor in Chief. This role will have direct oversight of the publication's Editorial Assistants.

The Managing Editor is not responsible for setting the journal’s overall editorial vision or making final decisions about what we publish. Instead, this role ensures that the editorial team has the structure and support it needs to do that work effectively. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys creating systems, keeping track of details, anticipating problems, and helping a collaborative team work well together.

This role requires a greater time commitment than our other volunteer editorial positions. We are committed to making that commitment sustainable and do not expect the Managing Editor to be constantly available. We are looking for someone who can take on an ongoing role, communicate clearly about their capacity, and reliably follow through on the responsibilities of the position.

Qualities We Are Looking For:

• Experience working in literary publishing, editing, project management, administration, or a related field
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to coordinate multiple deadlines, assignments, and moving pieces autonomously
• Strong written communication and follow-through
• Comfort working with a remote, asynchronous team
• Ability to develop and maintain practical systems and workflows
• Ability to identify problems early and communicate them clearly
• Reliability and consistency
• A collaborative approach and genuine interest in supporting the editorial team

This is a volunteer position. All work is remote and primarily asynchronous. The Managing Editor will work closely with the Editor-in-Chief and section editors and will have a broad view of the journal’s editorial operations.

To Apply, Please Include:

• A note about your interest in the Managing Editor role
• A summary of relevant editorial, publishing, administrative, project management, writing, teaching, or academic experience, including any MA or MFA training
• A description of a project or process you have coordinated, including what you were responsible for
• A short discussion of how you stay organized when managing multiple deadlines or priorities
• A short list of literary journals you read regularly or admire
• Any experience working with a remote or collaborative team
• A brief description of the weekly time commitment you would realistically be able to make to the journal
• Any additional information you believe would be relevant to the role

FICTION & CREATIVE NONFICTION EDITOR

Broad Ripple Review is currently accepting applications for volunteer Fiction and Creative Nonfiction Editors.

About the Role:

Section Editors lead one of the journal’s prose sections, working with readers and the Editor-in-Chief to evaluate submissions and make editorial recommendations. Editors help shape the direction and aesthetic of their section while ensuring that editorial decisions are thoughtful, consistent, and aligned with the journal as a whole.

At present, fiction and creative nonfiction submissions are read together by one team. As the journal has grown, we are now ready to develop these into distinct sections with dedicated editorial leadership. Applicants should indicate whether they are interested in fiction, creative nonfiction, or both.

Editors should be experienced and discerning readers who can evaluate work beyond personal preference. The role requires strong editorial judgment, an understanding of literary craft, and the ability to articulate why a piece is or is not working.

Qualities We Are Looking For:

• Demonstrated experience editing literary fiction and/or creative nonfiction, preferably for a literary magazine.
• Strong sensitivity to sentence-level craft, structure, voice, characterization, perspective, pacing, and thematic depth
• Ability to make thoughtful editorial judgments and articulate the reasoning behind them
• Familiarity with contemporary literary journals and the current literary landscape
• Alignment with our aesthetic, particularly work that prioritizes precision, interiority, and emotional resonance without sentimentality
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Professionalism and care in working with writers and other editors
• Reliability and the ability to manage assignments and editorial responsibilities consistently
• A collaborative approach and willingness to engage thoughtfully with differing editorial perspectives

This is a volunteer position. All editorial work is remote and primarily asynchronous. We are committed to making volunteer work sustainable, and we expect editors to communicate openly about their capacity. Editors will have a greater level of responsibility than readers and assistant editors and should be prepared for a consistent ongoing commitment.

We believe strongly in promoting from within whenever possible, though we are open to considering experienced applicants from outside the journal.

To Apply, Please Include:

• A brief note about your interest in the role and whether you are interested in fiction, creative nonfiction, or both
• A summary of relevant experience, including reading, editing, writing, teaching, publishing, or academic training such as an MA or MFA
• A short discussion of what you look for when evaluating literary prose
• A favorite short story and/or essay and a few sentences on why it resonates with you
• A short list of literary journals you read regularly or admire
• Any previous experience making editorial or publication decisions
• A brief description of the time commitment you would realistically be able to make to the journal
• Any additional information you believe would help us understand your editorial perspective

ASSISTANT FICTION & CREATIVE NONFICTION EDITOR

Broad Ripple Review is currently accepting applications for volunteer Assistant Fiction and Creative Nonfiction Editors.

About the Role:

Assistant Editors work closely with the section editors and readers to evaluate submissions and help develop the prose sections of Broad Ripple Review. This role is for someone with strong editorial instincts who is ready to take on greater responsibility than a reader while continuing to develop their editorial judgment.

Assistant Editors will help identify promising work, participate in editorial discussions, provide thoughtful feedback on submissions, and assist with the day-to-day work of the section. They will act as a senior reader for their section, as needed. Depending on the needs of the journal and the editor’s experience, the role may also provide opportunities to take on additional editorial responsibilities.

At present, fiction and creative nonfiction submissions are read together by one team. As the journal grows, we plan to develop these into distinct sections. Applicants should indicate whether they are interested in fiction, creative nonfiction, or both.

Qualities We Are Looking For:

• Demonstrated experience reading or editing literary fiction and/or creative nonfiction. While editorial experience is preferred, prior reading experience with a literary magazine is required.
• Strong sensitivity to sentence-level craft, structure, voice, characterization, perspective, pacing, and thematic depth
• Ability to evaluate work beyond personal preference
• Thoughtful and articulate editorial judgment
• Familiarity with contemporary literary journals and the current literary landscape
• Alignment with our aesthetic, particularly work that prioritizes precision, interiority, and emotional resonance without sentimentality
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Reliability and consistency in completing assignments
• Willingness to collaborate and continue developing as an editor
• Care for writers and respect for the editorial process

This is a volunteer position. All editorial work is remote and asynchronous. We are committed to making volunteer work sustainable, and we expect assistant editors to communicate openly about their capacity and take on a manageable, consistent workload.

We believe strongly in promoting from within whenever possible, and readers who demonstrate strong editorial judgment may be considered for assistant editorial roles as opportunities arise.

To Apply, Please Include:

• A brief note about your interest in the role and whether you are interested in fiction, creative nonfiction, or both
• A summary of relevant experience, including reading, editing, writing, teaching, publishing, or academic training such as an MA or MFA
• A short discussion of what you look for when evaluating literary prose
• A favorite short story and/or essay and a few sentences on why it resonates with you
• A short list of literary journals you read regularly or admire
• Any previous editorial or reading experience
• Any interest in future editorial responsibilities

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Broad Ripple Review is currently accepting applications for a volunteer Editorial Assistant.

About the Role:

The Editorial Assistant supports the Managing Editor and broader editorial team with the day-to-day work of running Broad Ripple Review. This is a collaborative role that combines editorial administration, communication, and team coordination.

Working under the direction of the Managing Editor, the Editorial Assistant may help maintain contracts, communicate with writers throughout the editorial process, coordinate editorial or team meetings, prepare materials and agendas, track follow-up, assist with internal team communication, and support team-building efforts and other projects as the journal grows.

The Editorial Assistant will often be one of the people helping ensure that writers and team members receive timely, thoughtful, and professional communication. This role does not involve making editorial decisions generally, but requires good judgment about when to handle a matter independently and when to bring it to the Managing Editor or appropriate editor. If desired, the Editorial Assistant can participate as a reader for a section, either on a full-time or as needed basis.

This role is intended for someone who is interested in literary publishing and wants to gain a broad understanding of how a literary journal operates. Extensive editorial experience is not required. Strong organization, communication, attention to detail, and follow-through are more important.

Qualities We Are Looking For:

• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills
• Warmth and professionalism in communication with writers and team members
• Excellent attention to detail
• Reliability and consistent follow-through
• Ability to manage multiple small tasks and deadlines autonomously
• Comfort working independently in a remote, asynchronous environment
• Ability to coordinate editorial or team meetings, maintain records, and follow up on outstanding items
• Interest in building a positive, collaborative editorial team
• Interest in literary publishing and contemporary literature
• Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities

This is a volunteer position. All work is remote and primarily asynchronous. We are committed to making volunteer work sustainable, and we expect responsibilities to remain manageable alongside other work and commitments.

The Editorial Assistant reports to the Managing Editor and will work closely with the broader editorial team. As the publication grows, there may be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities or move into reading and editorial roles.

To Apply, Please Include:

• A brief note about your interest in the role
• A summary of relevant experience, including editorial, administrative, communications, professional, volunteer, writing, teaching, or academic experience such as an MA or MFA
• A brief description of your organizational and communication strengths
• An example of a project, task, or process you have coordinated carefully
• A short discussion of how you approach communication with people who are relying on you for information or follow-up
• A short list of literary journals you read regularly or admire
• Any experience working with literary publications or editorial teams
• Any interest in developing toward future editorial roles

Broad Ripple Review is currently accepting applications for volunteer Copy Editors. These individuals will report to the Chief Copy Editor.

About the Role:

Copy Editors help prepare accepted work for publication by identifying errors, inconsistencies, and unclear or potentially distracting language while preserving the writer’s voice and intentional stylistic choices.

This role requires a careful and attentive reader. Literary writing often makes deliberate choices that depart from conventional grammar or usage, and our Copy Editors need to understand the difference between an error and an intentional choice. The goal is not to impose a uniform style on our writers, but to ensure that each piece is as polished, precise, and internally consistent as possible.

Copy Editors work primarily at the sentence level and are not responsible for substantive editorial decisions or determining which work is accepted for publication. They should, however, be comfortable flagging questions or concerns for the appropriate editor when something requires a larger editorial conversation.

Qualities We Are Looking For:

• Demonstrated experience copy editing, proofreading, or editing literary or professional writing
• Excellent command of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong sensitivity to sentence-level rhythm, voice, and style
• Familiarity with established style guides and the ability to apply style consistently
• Ability to distinguish errors from intentional stylistic choices
• Respect for individual writers’ voices and editorial boundaries
• Strong communication and editorial judgment
• Reliability and ability to complete assignments carefully and on time
• Comfort working collaboratively with editors while maintaining appropriate editorial boundaries

This is a volunteer position. All copy editing is remote and asynchronous. We are committed to making the work sustainable, and copy editors will generally work on individual assignments rather than maintaining the ongoing responsibilities associated with section editors.

To Apply, Please Include:

• A brief note about your interest in the role
• A summary of relevant experience, including copy editing, proofreading, editing, writing, teaching, publishing, or academic training such as an MA or MFA
• A description of the style guides or editing systems you are familiar with
• A short discussion of how you approach editing while preserving a writer’s voice
• A short list of literary journals you read regularly or admire
• Any relevant training or professional experience
• Any additional information that would help us understand your approach to copy editing

PROSE READERS

Broad Ripple Review accepts applications for readers on an ongoing basis. Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive, we will only reach out when we have current capacity and believe there may be a good mutual fit.

About the Role:

Readers will help us evaluate both short fiction and creative nonfiction with an eye for language, structure, and emotional resonance. This role is best suited for those who are comfortable evaluating work with an editorial lens, moving beyond personal preference to assess craft, structure, and aesthetic fit.

At present, fiction and creative nonfiction submissions are read together by one team. In 2026, we plan to separate these into distinct teams, so we ask applicants to indicate which genre they feel most comfortable evaluating long term. Please note, readers are more than welcome to read for multiple sections, but should understand that will mean they have additional assignments.

• Demonstrated experience reading or editing literary work (journal reading, editorial roles, workshops, or equivalent)

• Strong sensitivity to sentence-level craft, structure, and thematic depth

• Ability to articulate clear, thoughtful feedback that is both concise and sufficiently developed to support editorial decisions

• Familiarity with contemporary literary journals and where Broad Ripple Review sits within that landscape

• Alignment with our aesthetic, particularly work that prioritizes precision, interiority, and emotional resonance without sentimentality

• Professionalism in communication, including care for writers, respect for the editorial process, and the ability to complete assignments in a timely and reliable manner
  

This is a volunteer position. All reading is remote and asynchronous. We aim to foster a respectful, collaborative editorial environment, and as the publication grows, there may be opportunities for readers to move into editorial roles.

We do read all year long, but readers are encouraged to take breaks from assignments as needed throughout the year.

• A brief note about your interest in the role, including which genre you feel most comfortable evaluating long term (fiction or creative nonfiction)

• A summary of relevant experience (reading, editing, writing, teaching, or academic training such as MA or MFA programs)

• A favorite short story or essay and a few sentences on why it resonates with you

• A short list of literary journals you read regularly or admire

• Any interest in future editorial roles