Get Involved: Phoenix Positions

Earn elective credit while working as an editor on our award-winning student literary magazine! No previous experience needed!

ParticipateWhere can I find a copy?

Editors (fiction, nonfiction, and poetry):

Editorial positions for the Phoenix are staffed by current Valencia College students who volunteer.
Each Fall semester we seek a handful of awesome editors to help read and evaluate all the submissions.
(We start soliciting for student art & lit. submissions in August and usually collect them through Sept or Oct).

Students who sign up to volunteer should:

  • LOVE to read (students may have some choice as far as becoming an editor of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry)
  • Enjoy evaluating others’ writing (training provided)
  • Be excited about contributing to the next Phoenix issue
  • Know about the Phoenix editor roles (see below)

Ready to volunteer to work on the magazine?
Please fill out this form and share some information, including your availability for fall, winter break, and/or spring. 

Note to interested volunteers:

When you click on this link to volunteer, it may take you to the form to fill out; if we have enough volunteers at the moment, the link will not work because the form will be temporarily closed.
Try the link again from time to time, as throughout the year, if we need more volunteers, we will open this form again. Thank you!

 

Through Canvas, I’ll show everyone how to evaluate the pieces, and students may choose to read only one genre, such as fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry, or a blend. All names have been removed from the submissions, so even readers and editors may submit their work—it’s very fair. 

I’ll keep track of the pieces readers are liking the most, and then we can vote for the faves, as there is a cash prize for each genre. The winners and several other pieces from each genre will be published. 

Just before or over the holiday break, one or more editors help decide the order of the pieces, and typically they help place art submissions with the writing. Then I put all the names back on. 

No obligation! Your name will become part of our contact list, and you will be added to the Phoenix Volunteer Canvas space for training; withdraw at any time.

Roles:

  • Readers (may also be a copy editor and/or contributor)
    Students who read and evaluate submissions may be called “readers” in the next issue. Readers may choose only one genre or more than one: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry.
  • Editors (may also be a copy editor and/or contributor)
    Students who read and evaluate many submissions, participate in the vote, and/or help pair writing with art may be called “editors” in the next issue. Some years we have an editor in chief or two, but we don’t necessarily need one.
  • Copy editors (may be a reader or an editor, too)
    Students who edit for correctness and clarity—in mechanics and content--and then do that careful reading again after the graphic designers lay out the text (new errors pop up).

In the spring, the student graphic designers get the package of selected pieces from us and turn it into something beautiful! Editors are encouraged (not required) to come to design meetings if they like as the magazine takes shape.

 

I am taking people’s info now, and if you’re interested, please submit this form:
Phoenix Volunteer Sign-up Form

Note to interested volunteers:

When you click on this link to volunteer, it may take you to the form to fill out; if we have enough volunteers at the moment, the link will not work because the form will be temporarily closed. Try the link again from time to time, as throughout the year, if we need more volunteers, we will open this form again. Thank you!

Questions about the magazine editing? Contact Professor Zuromski at jzuromski1@mail.valenciacollege.edu.

 

Graphic Designers:

Layout and design for the Phoenix are done by students enrolled in Professor Curtiss' spring course, GRA 1956C — Phoenix Design Project. The Phoenix Design Project is offered in the spring term only and only on West Campus.
Students who successfully complete the course will be listed as Graphic Designers in the PHOENIX.

Roles:

Design Team (4–10 students) 

  • Students collaborate in a team-based studio class (not a lecture class) as part of a work team.
  • Students will be asked to contribute to the concept, design and layout of one or multiple sections of the magazine, as well as, contribute to critique and proofing of the layout.
  • This may include development of visual elements.
  • Students are required to have a working understanding of Adobe Creative Cloud Software in preparing press-ready files, having previous successful completion of both GRA 1203C—Layout and Design, AND GRA 1206C—Typography.
  • Students will participate in a Press Check—a visit to the commercial printers to proof the print as it comes off press—and a plant tour. 

Creative/Art Director:
On some occasions an advanced-level graphics student will be awarded the title and responsibilities of Creative Director of the project and team. 

 

Questions about the magazine design? Contact Professor Meg Curtiss at mcurtiss@mail.valenciacollege.edu.

Enter work to be published. Guidelines & Submissions

Contribute to the content of Valencia's student art & literary magazine. Work doesn't have to be work produced in a course and can be of any medium. Click "Guidelines & Submissions" for specific details.