Join Mockingbird & Wire!

Mockingbird & Wire is currently accepting applications from individuals ages 14-19 to join our volunteer staff. As a youth-led literary magazine, we are committed to amplifying the voices of young artists and building a creative platform that reflects the diversity and complexity of growing up today. Volunteers should be dependable, collaborative, and excited to engage with literary and artistic communities in Texas.

We are currently recruiting for two core teams:

Editorial Team

The Editorial Team is responsible for curating, shaping, and refining the written content of Mockingbird & Wire. Members will read and evaluate submissions, offer constructive editorial feedback, and ensure accepted pieces align with our tone and publication standards. They will also contribute original writing for our digital platforms, such as artist interviews, spotlights, and reflections on art, youth identity, and community.

Responsibilities include:

Reviewing submissions for clarity, grammar, and voice
Writing or conducting interviews with contributors and Texas-based youth artists
Ensuring pieces are polished, accessible, and consistent with the magazine’s overall tone
Participating in internal editorial discussions and voting on final selections
Writing spotlight essays about youth publishing and the overall magazine to be published under the Mockingbird & Wire name (credit to the writer will of course be given)
Meeting flexible but firm internal deadlines (usually 1–2 week turnaround)

Ideal for individuals who:

Have a strong command of written language
Are interested in literary editing, journalism, or youth arts coverage
Can commit 1–2 hours per week remotely
Are comfortable offering and receiving feedback
Are excited to support emerging writers and artists

Publications Team

The Publications Team manages the visual presentation and public presence of Mockingbird & Wire. This includes designing the print and digital layout of the annual printed anthology, creating promotional materials, and leading community outreach through social media and partnerships with other organizations. Team members may design posters, graphics, or email templates, assist with branding, or help connect with local nonprofits, schools, and literary groups.

Responsibilities include:

Designing layouts for the magazine’s print and digital issues
Creating promotional content (e.g., Instagram posts, story graphics, flyers)
Writing and sending cold emails to organizations for networking or collaboration
Helping coordinate with local nonprofits, libraries, or bookstores
Designing and creating an annual anthology filled with featured artists that will be printed and sold under the Mockingbird & Wire name (credit to the designers will of course be given')
Maintaining a consistent visual identity across platforms

Ideal for individuals who:

Have experience or interest in graphic design, branding, or marketing
Are organized, self-motivated, and visually creative
Can commit 1–2 hours per week remotely
Are comfortable using tools like Canva, InDesign, or Figma (or willing to learn)
Are excited about connecting literature with the broader community

Terms & Conditions

All positions are unpaid and fully remote. Volunteers are expected to attend occasional virtual meetings, meet internal deadlines, and communicate regularly with their team. Upon acceptance, team members may be asked to complete a short trial task to ensure role fit.

Positions are assigned on a rolling basis to match our ongoing online publications. Staff members are welcome (and encouraged) to stay involved over time if they’re interested in a more consistent, long-term role with the magazine.

Staff Application Form

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Staff Application Form *

Name

First Name

Last Name

I am a youth in Texas

Yes

I am applying for the...

If you select "Either", please respond to both supplemental responses below.

Editorial Team

Publications Team

Either

Expierence

What is your experience with writing? Include any experiences with blogs, publications, mentorships, and/or programs in up to 100 words.

EDITORIAL TEAM SUPPLEMENTAL RESPONSE

The editorial team within Mockingbird & Wire is focused on writing, such as constructing interviews with young artists, writing promotional articles, and editing submissions to the magazine to ensure the quality and impact of each piece . Respond to ONE of the following in up to 200 words. Choose a piece of youth writing (a poem, story, essay, etc.) you admire. This could be something you have read in a book, heard in an interview, read online or written yourself. What makes it effective, and how does it speak to its audience? If you could shape the editorial direction of Mockingbird & Wire - through a recurring column, spotlight series, or curated selection - what would you create and why?

PUBLICATIONS TEAM SUPPLEMENTAL RESPONSE

The Publications Team at Mockingbird & Wire focuses on both design and community building. They craft layouts and promotional materials that capture the magazine’s energy and vision. Alongside design work, they lead outreach efforts by connecting with local organizations and managing social media to expand the magazine’s reach. This team is for those who care about how stories are seen and shared. Respond to ONE of the following in up to 200 words. What’s a brand, publication, or visual campaign that you think connects well with young audiences? What can Mockingbird & Wire learn from it? Describe your personal aesthetic or design philosophy. How would you adapt it to match the collaborative voice of a youth literary magazine?

Join Mockingbird & Wire!

Editorial Team

Publications Team

Staff Application Form

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Staff Application Form * Staff Application Form *

Mockingbird & Wire Youth Literary Magazine

Staff Application Form *