Copy Editor / Proofreader (Volunteer)

Mentor A Promise is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth (ages 5–18) experiencing housing instability, grounded in the belief that every child is a Promise—full of potential, dignity, and possibility. We deliver consistent, high-quality programming across mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, and creative expression in shelters, schools, and community spaces, creating structured environments where students can grow, be seen, and build lasting skills. Through signature experiences like The Imagination Studio, The Kitchen Table, The Sound Lab, and The Story Space, we nurture academic development, emotional well-being, and creative voice, all within a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessibility-centered framework.

About the role

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.

Commitment: Approximately 5–10 hours per week with a minimum 6-month commitment required. This is a remote volunteer role with NYC-based collaboration as needed.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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

Qualifications

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
• Experience in copy editing, proofreading, publishing, journalism, editorial services, communications, English, literature, or writing

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.

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