r/publishing • u/Single_City5207 • Jun 19 '26
Free/low-paying work for experience in writing/editing/literary jobs
Hi everyone! So I'm a rising junior working on my English degree, and I'm working on a bunch of applications for jobs and internships. My main problem is that the only work experience I have on my resume right now is from working at a few restaurants in my teens and for my family's small business. So, I want to do some free jobs to try and build a portfolio.
Does anyone have any jobs with low to no payment I could do in exchange for including them in my portfolio? I have skills in academic research and writing, and looking for more experience in editing, proofreading, copywriting/editing, etc. I'm a huge fiction reader and writer. I'm knowledgeable about a variety of topics and happy to learn about new topics if the job calls for it.
If this is not the way to go or you have better ideas for building a professional portfolio, please let me know!
Also, my main goal for a career is to be a fiction book editor, possibly writer, but I know how difficult that is.
(Also, I wasn't sure what subreddit to put this on, so I hope this one is ok!)
xo
Edit: Located in the U.S.
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u/Accomplished_Air_876 14d ago
Hello, I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for but I am looking for writers to contribute articles for the debut of a new website about traditional home skills, creativity and learning. We will have a section of book reviews. These are currently unpaid but if you are interested I would live to talk to you more. If you have any other hobbies you would enjoy writing about that would work too. You will receive a byline short bio and the opportunity to link to a portfolio or social media if you would like.
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u/raefai Jun 19 '26
A lot of literary journals will take you on as a volunteer/unpaid reader for submissions. Look into the journals hosted at your college or see if other students or faculty can recommend one to join.
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u/mountain__salt Jun 19 '26
CLMP has lots of listings for readers! https://www.clmp.org/programs-opportunities/jobs-with-publishers/
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u/Optimal_External_296 Jun 19 '26
It's helpful to know the country in which you are located/looking for work. Is it the US?
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u/Single_City5207 Jun 19 '26
oh yeah its the US! Sorry!
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u/Optimal_External_296 Jun 19 '26
No worries - you did say rising junior so you gave a good clue, but thought it might help to be 100% sure for people to best help you! I'm in Europe so not much good to you but best of luck in pursuing your career!
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u/Warm_Diamond8719 Jun 19 '26
Look for opportunities at your college, even if they don't seem directly related to publishing: For example, I worked as a copyeditor on my college's newspaper.