The Inaugural Editorial Fellow

Writers help imagine what's possible. Alternatively, Toni Cade Bambara says, the work of a writer is to make the 'revolution irresistible.' My respect for the power writers have in society drives my ambitions as an editor.
—Taylor Michael

In December, we announced a new fellowship program for aspiring editors that aims to support the next generation of editorial talent and encourage a more diverse publishing community—culturally, aesthetically, economically. Nearly two hundred applications were received from an exceptional group of candidates, whose work and ideas prove there is a bright future for editing.

We are delighted to announce that Taylor Michael will be the inaugural A Public Space Editorial Fellow. She will start in March. This nine-month program integrates education, experience, mentorship, and the opportunity for innovation, with the fellow receiving intensive training in all aspects of editing, from evaluating submissions through to publication of a piece.

Of her goals for the fellowship and the future, Taylor says: My influences in doing this work are black female writers who changed and are still changing literature like Toni Morrison, Morgan Jerkins, or Roxane Gay. These writers, who also edit, used their platforms to open doors for younger writers of color to share their work. They have created communities of support and feedback that sustain writers throughout their careers. Being an Editorial Fellow at A Public Space will help me lay the foundation for doing the same as these women. As an editor, I hope to create a similar kind of community in the future.

The Editorial Fellowship at A Public Space is made possible in part by the Literary Magazine Prize from the Whiting Foundation, and a group of generous donors who share our commitment to this mission. We are grateful for their support. We would also like to thank everyone who helped to promote and share news of this program. And most of all, thank you to all of the applicants.

Taylor Michael has worked in educational publishing and is an MFA candidate at Columbia University School of the Arts. In her own writing, whether political or personal, she considers how power and privilege operate in society. She is from Mount Vernon, NY.