How Projects Actually Work
You don't just get handed materials and told to figure it out. Each project comes with context about what the editor needs, what problems previous drafts had, and which areas need extra attention.
Your mentor reviews your work in detail. They'll show you what you caught that others might miss, and point out patterns you're still developing. Sometimes they'll explain why your technically correct suggestion wouldn't work for that particular publication's style.
The best learning happens when students see their actual impact. One student caught a factual error that would've required a published correction. That moment made everything click for them about why this work matters beyond just fixing commas.
1
You Review the Material
Take your time with the first read-through. Mark anything that seems off, even if you're not sure why yet. Trust your instincts at this stage.
2
Submit Your Annotated Version
Your notes matter as much as your corrections. Explain your thinking, especially on judgment calls where multiple approaches could work.
3
Get Detailed Feedback
Your mentor shows you what you handled well and where you can improve. They'll often share industry perspectives you wouldn't get from textbooks.
4
Build Your Portfolio
Strong project work becomes part of your professional portfolio. Publications want to see how you handle real material under actual constraints.
