Guest Fiction Editor Job Description

Founded in 2016, Oyster River Pages publishes voices that speak to what it means to be alive in this world. We look for language, stories, and images that move us out of ourselves and into other spaces, as we seek to publish those who bring balance and diversity to historical institutions of power. Over the years, ORP has grown tremendously, publishing hundreds of contributors, launching a successful internship program, a Schools wing, and the Emerging Voices initiative that offers support to emerging writers. As ORP moves into its second decade, we look to build upon our achievements to date by professionalizing our operations and developing the next generation of talent in order to advance our mission. 

In 2026, ORP is seeking a Guest Fiction Editor who aligns with ORP’s mission and who wishes to advance the work by reading, editing, and publishing stories of the highest caliber by writers of diverse backgrounds and experience. This role grants the editor a great deal of autonomy, even as each editor is expected to work collaboratively with other staff to bring each issue to publication. The ideal candidate will balance vision with openness, creativity with diligence, and diplomacy with candor. Previous experience as an editor is valuable, but we will consider candidates with relevant experience in a related role. 

Responsibilities:

• Reviewing ~400 (average) short stories per year (in Submittable, with the bulk of reading happening January–June)
• Communicating with authors regarding declines, acceptances, edits, or revisions (in Submittable)
• Editing and proofreading accepted stories
• Uploading proofed stories to the website and preparing for publication (the main issue publishes in August; special issues publish end-of-year)
• Choosing supplemental artwork, preparing an editor’s statement, etc. for the issue
• Collaborating with and mentoring Associate Fiction Editor
• Attending monthly meetings (on Zoom) with other editors and ORP staff to discuss vision, progression, and needed work of each issue

Preferred Qualifications  

• Strong editorial and analytical skills, as well as written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated, flexible, and energetic with a capacity for working independently and as a team
• Attention to detail, outstanding organizational skills and multi-tasking ability
• Interest in mentoring editor in Associate role
• Commitment to empowering new voices in fiction, especially from underrepresented groups (Brown and Black voices, Queer voices, voices that are decentered and marginalized)

For experienced candidates, there is a possibility of bringing on an intern or reader to help with the responsibilities above. This option can be discussed with the ORP Board of Directors.

Time Period: This is a one-year appointment, consisting of 20-30 hours/month and flexible scheduling. Note that monthly teams meetings are scheduled to accommodate international timing, and tend to take place in the evenings or on weekends, US Eastern Time.

Salary: This is a volunteer position.

To apply: Answer the questions in our application form and submit along with your resume and contact information for two references by November 30, 2025. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis via Zoom.

Writers and editors from marginalized and underserved communities are especially encouraged to apply and self-identify on their applications.  

Questions? Contact ORP Managing Editor Carolyn Wilson-Scott (carolyn@oysterriverpages.com).