The Editor Development Programme offers you the chance to learn from the editor and team of UK’s leading independent poetry magazine and award-winning poetry publisher, The Rialto.

The programme is an opportunity for two individuals to experience the philosophy and process of poetry editing with a mentor who has been publishing poetry for over 30 years –  Michael Mackmin. Trainee editors will gain an understanding of the editorial process in the round, from line editing to communicating with audiences.

At the end of the programme the two trainee editors will have built up invaluable experience that they can use in their own endeavours, and also possibly as part of Rialto’s expanding editorial team.

How it works

Each participant will be mentored by Rialto editor Michael Mackmin from January to September 2016. They will shadow the production of one edition of Rialto magazine before guest editing sections of the next issue. Trainees will also gain an understanding of the work that goes into running a small poetry magazine, experiencing social media, blogging and the broader decision making processes of Rialto’s team.

You will:

• Spend a minimum of two days a month on this programme, for eight months, Jan-Sept 15
• Shadow Michael Mackmin in the production of one issue of The Rialto magazine.
  MM’s input will focus on developing editorial skills of discernment and selection of poems
• Guest edit a section of one issue of The Rialto magazine
  Trainees will meet monthly with Michael over this period, as well as corresponding online
• Practise blogging and social media as editors; regular blogs and some social media posting
• Organise magazine launch events

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Interested in publishing or promoting poetry
• Interested and informed about the current state of UK poetry publishing and promotion
• Interested in learning about a poetry organisation in the round
• Knowledgeable about social media and/or blogging and interested in using this knowledge
• Committed, enthusiastic, flexible, hard-working and able to demonstrate initiative
• Able to perform effectively on their own and within small groups
• Able to attend training sessions and editorial meetings in London or Norfolk, or another location accessible from either
• Computer literate, comfortable with using Skype and email to communicate
• Able to communicate with a high level of accuracy and sensitivity in both written and verbal forms

Please note that the placements are unpaid. Travel expenses will be paid up to an agreed maximum.

For more information and to apply