Volunteer editing

November 3, 2009 9:41 PM

Where can I get volunteer editing experience in the Portland, OR area, or via the internet?

I have been looking for an editorial publishing job since I graduated with a Master's in June, and have had no luck. I'm living in the Portland, OR, area, where there are virtually no positions, so have mostly been applying for positions in other cites. My working theory is that there are so many qualified applicants around right now that no one has had any need to dip into the non-local applicant pool. I've also applied, at a lower rate, to local non-editorial but vaguely related positions, and similarly had no luck.

At this point it doesn't seem likely that I'm going to find a position in the near future, so to keep my skills from atrophying and to possibly make some new contacts, I want to start looking for opportunities to do volunteer editing or proofing work, but I don't have the first clue as to where to start. I'm looking for suggestions or ideas as to what organizations I could volunteer at and actually get to do editing work, rather than general office busywork or anything else that's not related to what I want to do. It doesn't necessarily have to be for an organization that does publishing, though that would be preferable.

posted by Caduceus to work & money (4 comments total)

Distributed Proofreaders needs proofers for Project Gutenberg. I did a ton of this when I was unemployed, and it made a good discussion point to add to my resume.
posted by vickyverky at 10:06 PM on November 3 [4 favorites]

One way I got experience early on was to offer to copy edit and proofread websites/brochures/etc. for friends who had their own small businesses (particularly those who were just starting out). I also edited/proofed materials for the local activist organizations I was a part of at the time. I've noticed recently when I've looked into volunteering for animal rescue organizations, they often ask if you have any experience writing/editing newsletters and that sort of thing.
posted by scody at 10:45 PM on November 3

You could try searching at VolunteerMatch, where you can input your location or even find virtual opportunities.
posted by moutonoir at 4:30 AM on November 4

I would think there were a decent number of small to medium sized non-profits that would love to have a newsletter as a funding and outreach tool. If you're also comfortable with (very) basic layout, this would also give you editing experience. I'd pick some medium sized non-profits in your area in fields you were at least marginally interested in and then call/email and say you were interested in volunteering with their communications staff. (They may or may not really have one, but it's a good start).
posted by mercredi at 7:15 AM on November 4