Copy Editor / Proofreader (Volunteer)

Copy Editor / Proofreader (Volunteer)

PromisePages | Editorial & Literary Development

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: PromisePages

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type: Volunteer

Commitment: Approximately 5–10 hours per week

Minimum Commitment: 6-month commitment required

Reports To: Senior Director of Editorial & Literary Development

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit organization supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, educational enrichment, social-emotional learning, creative opportunity, advocacy, housing innovation, and community-centered support.

At MAP, every word matters. Whether we are publishing a children's book, educational resource, research report, magazine, curriculum, or public communication, our writing should reflect excellence, accuracy, dignity, and respect.

About PromisePages

PromisePages is MAP's publishing and literary arts division, dedicated to creating books, educational resources, magazines, and original stories that strengthen literacy, inspire creativity, and amplify voices that deserve to be heard.

Our editors help ensure every publication meets the highest standards of quality before reaching children, families, educators, volunteers, partners, and the public.

Role Overview

The Copy Editor / Proofreader serves as one of the final quality reviewers before publication.

Working closely with writers, editors, educators, researchers, and creative teams, this role refines written content by improving clarity, grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency, formatting, and readability while preserving each author's unique voice and intent.

The Copy Editor / Proofreader helps ensure every publication reflects the professionalism, credibility, and literary excellence that define Mentor A Promise.

Key Responsibilities

Copy Editing & Proofreading

• Edit content for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, clarity, and consistency.
• Proofread manuscripts before publication.
• Ensure consistency in formatting, style, capitalization, terminology, and editorial standards.
• Improve readability while preserving the author's voice, tone, and intent.
• Identify inconsistencies, omissions, repetitive language, and formatting issues.

Editorial Collaboration

• Collaborate with writers, editors, illustrators, educators, researchers, and communications teams.
• Provide thoughtful editorial feedback that strengthens writing while respecting creative ownership.
• Apply MAP's editorial style guide and publishing standards.
• Maintain organized version control and clearly document edits and recommendations.

Publications

Support editorial review for:

• Children's books
• Short stories
• Educational resources
• Curriculum
• Research reports
• Newsletters
• Magazine articles
• Website content
• Blog articles
• Marketing materials
• Grant narratives
• Public communications

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates may have experience in:

• Copy editing
• Proofreading
• Publishing
• Journalism
• Editorial services
• Communications
• English, literature, or writing
• Education

Strong candidates typically demonstrate:

• Exceptional command of written English
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Strong editorial judgment
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to preserve an author's voice while improving clarity
• Commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed, and dignity-centered language
• Ability to work collaboratively and meet deadlines

Preferred Skills

• Experience editing children's or educational publications
• Familiarity with AP, Chicago, or other editorial style guides
• Experience using Google Workspace and collaborative editing tools
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are welcomed

Why This Role Matters

Great writing deserves exceptional editing.

A carefully edited publication strengthens credibility, builds trust, and allows readers to focus on the ideas rather than the errors.

Every sentence you improve helps ensure that children, families, educators, volunteers, and community partners experience Mentor A Promise through writing that is thoughtful, polished, accurate, and respectful.

Success Measures

Success in this role includes:

• High editorial accuracy across publications
• Consistent application of editorial standards
• Timely completion of editing assignments
• Strong collaboration with writers and creative teams
• High-quality publications ready for print and digital distribution

Volunteer Expectations

• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment required
• Maintain timely and professional communication.
• Respond to role-related communications within 48 hours.
• Collaborate through MAP systems and communication platforms.
• Support MAP's editorial standards, safeguarding principles, and organizational values.

What You'll Gain

• Experience contributing to a growing nonprofit publishing division
• Opportunities to edit books, educational resources, magazines, research publications, and storytelling projects
• Collaboration with writers, editors, educators, illustrators, and publishing professionals
• Portfolio-building editorial experience
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• Meaningful experience helping create publications that educate, inspire, and expand opportunity for children and families experiencing housing instability

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Please highlight any experience in copy editing, proofreading, publishing, journalism, communications, education, or related fields.

Help ensure every publication reflects the clarity, excellence, and integrity that define Mentor A Promise.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Mentor A Promise. At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these requirements.