Are you interested in becoming a copy editor or proofreader? Have you always dreamed of working at Penguin Random House (PRH)? Then the Production Editorial Mentor Program is perfect for you!
Each year, up to fifteen Emerson students are selected to be a part of PRH’s mentorship for copy editors and proofreaders. The program pairs students with Penguin Random House production editors who provide insight into the fast-paced trade publishing industry. Interns receive guidance on paid freelance projects, with a goal of completing four or more projects in six-months. Mentees also have the option to participate in remote trainings, panels, and information sessions regarding the industry and editorial work.
And one of the best parts? Upon completion of the program, mentorship participants are kept in the network of freelance copy editors that PRH hires for full-length independent projects.
But because this is an amazing opportunity to work with an internationally renowned publishing house, the application process can be intensive and competitive. In the first round, applicants must complete a specific mentorship program form, as well as a copyediting test. Students who do well on these materials are invited to take lengthier copyediting and proofreading tests. Final mentees are chosen from this second round of applicants.
Other requirements for your application to be considered:
- Successful competition of PB688 Copyediting (grad) OR equivalent experience (coursework, internship, employment)
- Access to the Chicago Manual of Style
- A PC or Mac with Microsoft Word (2016 or later), for copyediting
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (or Pro), for proofreading
- A social security number or individual taxpayer identification number and authorization to work in the United States (*this mentorship is not eligible for international students)
- A bank account that can accept direct deposit (preferred), or checks can be sent via mail
Meet Rachel
To learn more about this mentorship firsthand, we connected with Rachel Whitten, a member of the 2024-2025 PRH cohort.
Rachel, a Publishing and Writing MA student, says she’s always been an avid reader, but fell back in love with books after college. “I explored other career paths before deciding to pursue a career in publishing, but the Emerson MA program helped solidify my decision,” she says.
Within her Emerson courses, Rachel fostered an appreciation for book production. As she searched for more hands-on experience beyond the classroom, she stumbled upon the PRH mentorship. While the application process was not an easy feat, Rachel was excited to be selected as part of the Production Editorial Mentor Program in November.
Within the program, Rachel worked on five projects over the course of six months. “Each project was capped at twenty hours, and I was typically given two weeks to complete each assignment,” she explains. “I worked on a range of manuscripts with a focus on cookbooks! My favorite projects were a baking cookbook, a cocktails book, and a historical fiction novel.”
This program is a unique and enticing opportunity! But many students worry that it may be tough to manage their time between Emerson’s coursework and the mentorship responsibilities. In response to these concerns, Rachel explains how she managed her time effectively. “I allocated about two hours in the evenings for my mentorship projects. Each project’s time commitment varied—I had one that took the full twenty hours and another that only required ten. You’re responsible for tracking your hours so you can be paid accurately.”
In addition to editing these manuscripts, Rachel “practiced cold reading, slugging, proofreading, and copyediting skills.” Other perks included one-on-one meetings with her mentor twice a month, and group meetings with other mentors and guest speakers.
Looking Ahead
Rachel is grateful for the experience the mentorship gave her. “For now, I plan to continue freelancing for PRH!” she shares. “The mentorship helped me narrow my scope of potential career paths, and I definitely want to pursue a career in production after graduation.”
In terms of advice for prospective applicants, Rachel says to “take your time on the application tests and give them multiple passes with fresh eyes! Also, emphasize if you have any expertise that would help you as an editor.” For instance, Rachel had a culinary arts background and mentioned that she wanted to specialize in cookbooks, which helped set her apart.
The Production Editorial Mentor Program with Penguin Random House is a major draw for Emerson’s graduate students, especially for those in the Publishing and Writing, Creative Writing, and Journalism and Media Innovation programs. If you have a true passion for book production, this is just one way that Emerson students can participate in hands-on experiences during their studies.
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